Coronavirus Update
I've had lots of enquiries asking whether I'm still able to offer shoots during at this time, so I wanted to give you a quick Coronavirus update!
Are shoots still going ahead?
Firstly, yes, I am still offering shoots at the moment. The current Welsh Government guidelines mean that I can continue to offer shoots. I'm also able to travel to different counties for work. I cover the whole of South Wales, including Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, RCT, Bridgend and Swansea. I am based near Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan but if you live in a different county, I am able to travel to your county (not vice versa,). There are lots of fabulous locations everywhere, so don't worry about not being able to travel!
All my shoots take place outside, which means that we are much safer, out in the fresh air. Social distancing is also easier outdoors too. The lenses that I have are able to capture you from a distance, so there's no need for me to get close to you. Of course, I carry hand sanitiser with me and use it before, after and sometimes during a session.
Finally, I am offering password protected online galleries to clients as an option, instead of in person viewing sessions. This means that you can view your images from the comfort of your home. I'm available to chat over the phone and help with any advice that you might need.
Latest work
In spite of this nightmare, I have actually been really busy since the Summer. Want to see what I've been up to since lockdown restrictions were eased earlier in the year?
To finish my Coronavirus update, here are some images from recent family shoots at Southerndown beach, Dunraven Gardens, Nash Lighthouse, Ogmore Castle and not forgetting front gardens!
Follow me on Instagram to see lots more of my latest shoots!
Check out my newly updated family portfolio, children's portfolio and headshots and personal branding portfolio too!
Gemma Griffiths is a Cardiff family photographer, based in the Vale of Glamorgan. She offers outdoor family photo shoots across South Wales.
Socially distanced family photo shoot
Your socially distanced family photo shoot
As a family photographer, based near Cardiff, I'm officially allowed to return to work. I'm allowed to meet up with one other family and so, is it time to pick up my camera bag and start shooting families again? Well, sort of. I've been thinking long and hard about how I can offer clients a socially distanced family photo shoot during these strange times.
I'm a stickler for the rules and so I want to make sure that it's as safe as possible to go back to working with family clients. I would not feel comfortable meeting families in a public place for a shoot. There are too many variables that I can't control (other people!).
So, I'm going to make some tentative steps towards going back to work in a safe and measured way.
I know that with my long lens, I can take photos at a distance of 2 metres, or further. I took the pictures below of my children, in my garden, at 2m away to illustrate the point.
With that in mind, as of this week, I'm offering very limited edition Front Garden Mini Sessions for the residents of Colwinston. There are 5 slots available initially. If there's interest in socially distanced family photo shoots, I may add more. I'll be giving 20% of the fee to the charity, 2 Wish Upon a Star, who provide bereavement support for families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a child or young adult aged 25 years and under.
I don't want to rush into a shooting frenzy and shoot multiple families in one day. It may take me longer but I only want to offer ONE mini shoot per day, to ensure maximum safety.
See below for all the details.
How much is a Front Garden Mini Session?
I'm offering these mini sessions at a special introductory price of £60. This price may change in the future. The £60, includes a £12 donation to charity, your session and 3 digital images.
Can I buy more images?
Yes. You'll be sent a password protected online gallery of all your images. You can choose the three digital images included in your package and then add additional images, prints or products if you wish.
How do I book a Front Garden Mini Session?
If you're a resident of Colwinston and you'd like to book a socially distanced family photo shoot, please contact me via my website or email directly at gemma@gemmagriffithsphotography.co.uk. I will get in touch to let you know if there are spaces available and we can choose a date together.
Can I book a session if I don't live in Colwinston?
Initially, I'd like to start offering shoots in my village only. If the shoots are a success, I may roll them out to other villages too. Interested in a session? Please drop me a line and I'll add your name onto a waiting list. If I decide to extend the sessions, I'll be in touch and let you know.
What time will the session take place?
The best place for your shoot will be in an area of open shade. Once you've made a booking, we can chat over the phone to discuss the best time for the shoot to take place, depending on the chosen spot in your garden. It's likely to be early in the morning or later in the evening.
What safety measures will be in place?
I am only offering one shoot per day, so I'll come straight from my house (most likely on foot), with clean hands. I do own a mask but I won't be using one during the session as I'll need to direct you. I'll also bring a tape measure with me, to ensure that we're all aware of the 2 metre distance during the session. I will bring anti bacterial gel with me too. If you have young children, it's important to have a think about whether they are able to understand the 2 metre rule. If you don't think that they will be able to stay in a directed area, we'll need to discuss other options (holding them in your arms etc).
What shall we wear?
Don't worry about outfits, I will send advice once your session is booked.
Are you donating any of the money to charity?
Yes, I'll be donating 20% of the fee to the charity 2 Wish Upon a Star, who provide bereavement support for families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a child or young adult aged 25 years and under.
Follow me on Instagram to see what I've been up to during lockdown, or read my lockdown blogs - How to shoot your own lockdown images and Lockdown photos at home.
I'm looking forward to seeing you, from a safe distance soon!
Gemma Griffiths is a family photographer based near Cardiff. She works with families outdoors to create fresh natural images.
JUNO Magazine Feature - Stop criticising yourself!
JUNO Magazine Feature Article
I've been a family photographer for over 14 years. I understand that it can sometimes be uncomfortable to put yourself in front of the camera. But, clients book shoots with me because they understand the importance of capturing a moment in time. Of freezing the fleeting moments of childhood, so that when life becomes less frantic, they can look back and remember. I want to capture the love in each family that I work with. Read my JUNO Magazine feature in the latest edition (out now!), to hear what I have to say to my hesitant or self critical clients...
"...freezing the fleeting moments of childhood, so that when life becomes less frantic, they can look back and remember."
You can buy copies of JUNO Magazine from WHSmiths, independent retailers and in their online shop.
Read my 'You are loved' feature on page 35!
"JUNO is a print and digital bi-monthly magazine which promotes a natural approach to family life and inspires and supports parents as they journey through the challenges of parenting. We have an ethos based on conscious parenting, sustainability, social justice, non-violence and a commitment to personal growth and spiritual awareness and share fresh perspectives in this fast-paced technological world, creating a non-judgemental community for those who are keen to follow “a natural approach to family life”."
If you'd like to see more of my work, you can visit my portfolio pages and follow me on Instagram.
Wouldn't Change a Thing Charity Shoot
Wouldn't Change a Thing Charity Shoot
I was honoured to be asked by Kate to be her family photographer for a Wouldn't Change a Thing charity shoot. After it's successful book launch in Australia, Celebrate T21, wanted to create a charity book in the UK, to spread their positive message about Down Syndrome.
The Wouldn't Change a Thing charity are:
"trying to achieve a world where negative outdated perceptions of Down syndrome are a thing of the past."
"Our projects are designed to be uplifting, emotive and positive; offering insights into how enjoyable life for all those associated with the condition can be. Our intent is to leave those who view our work feeling challenged and changed making them more willing to accept those with Down syndrome and to consider them as valid members of society, as schoolmates, as work colleagues or as employees."
Celebrate T21's aim for the book is to:
"portray the true stories of positive, lived experience typical of the majority of real people with Down syndrome and their families."
You can buy the book on the Wouldn't Change a Thing website.
James was star of the shoot but it was important to show James as part of his family unit and for him not to just be photographed alone. Kate and Mark wanted to show how James fits perfectly into their family. You can read their beautiful words below on their double page spread of the book.
The shoot took place just before sunset on a beautiful evening in South Wales. We spent some time together exploring the gardens. James was brilliant at encouraging his brother and sister to relax. It was wonderful to spend time with such a loving family!
See more of my family work in my family portfolio and blog.
Get in touch to book your shoot.
Gem x
Mini Beach Shoots 2020
MINI BEACH SHOOTS 2020
After the success of my mini beach shoots 2019, they are back in 2020 but with a few tweaks! The perfect gift for Mother's Day!
I very quickly realised that I can't do a shoot at the beach in 30 mins, so I've extended the time to an hour. I also discovered that to get the best combination of tide, weather and sunset times I can only do one shoot per day. This is all good news for my clients as sessions are now longer and more flexible. Hooray!
So, what's included in the Mini Beach Shoot package? Well, you have an hour long photo shoot at the beach, plus 5 prints and matching digital images for only £199! If you fall in love with the rest of the images (I will warn you that EVERYONE that had a shoot last year bought extra images, with most clients upgrading to the full digital package), there are upgrade packages available.
I'm only offering 10 slots (I ended up doing many more last year), as I need to make sure I've got time and weekend availability for all my family shoots too.
So, if you want one, be quick! You can book directly through the website.
See below for a small snippet of my beach fun from 2019. There's a real mixture of shoots, from a baking hot day to a crisp windy day. There was also a grandparents session, a maternity session and loads of gorgeous sunsets. If you want to see more, visit the blog, or check out my Instagram account.
BOOK NOW!
Gem x
