When I first met Clare in the spring of 2025, it was clear she had poured her heart into Evermore Pet Cremation – a service born from love, understanding, and personal experience.

After losing her own beloved dog, Clare recognised there was little locally to support people through those tender final moments. She wanted to offer others what she’d wished for herself – a calm, dignified way to say goodbye, and a hand to hold through it all.

Evermore Pet Cremation was created to give families the opportunity to farewell their pets in a caring, compassionate way – with the same level of empathy and respect we’d expect when losing a human loved one. From the first moment you speak with Clare, her quiet nature and depth of care put you at ease. Nothing feels rushed. Every detail is handled thoughtfully.

When Clare and I planned her brand photography, she was clear she didn’t want an abundance of images – she wanted a collection that spoke honestly about who she is and what she offers.  It was important to Clare to capture her caring, supportive side without losing her genuine character. Our aim was to help people see the warmth and sincerity behind Evermore.

One of our locations away from her office, was a peaceful woodland filled with bluebells and wild garlic, where the natural beauty mirrored the sense of calm Clare brings to her work. Another setting showed her at her facility, set within a secluded wooded spod, gently supporting someone learning about the cremation process, memorials and keepsakes; the quiet compassion that’s at the heart of Evermore.

The result is a collection of images that speak softly but powerfully: an honest reflection of Clare’s approach.

Her website, evermorepetcremation.co.uk, shares this message beautifully:

“We know how hard it is to lose a beloved companion. Evermore will make the process as gentle and comforting as possible. We’re here to help you create a meaningful farewell that reflects the special place your companion holds in your heart.”

I think that line sums it up perfectly.

Evermore Pet Cremation isn’t just a service – it’s a space for remembrance, for gratitude, for love that continues long after goodbye…

Working with Clare on Evermore Pet Cremation has been a genuine pleasure. I’ve loved supporting her as she’s brought this thoughtful new venture to life,  and I’ve learned so much along the way about the care, empathy and quiet strength that underpin everything she does.

 

 

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here.

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here

Rosie Jackson – where do I even begin?

For starters, this woman has got your back in life. Genuinely. Rosie wants you to succeed – in business, in life, and in looking after your body along the way.

She calls it: “Helping you get in the shape of your life – for life.”

And that right there sums her up. It’s not about dieting, it’s not about chasing a number on the scales. It’s about your life. Your future. Feeling strong in the body you live in.

I’ve known Rosie for around seven years. She breezed into my world one summer via a mutual friend and, well, she’s been in it ever since – as a friend, a client, and an all-round good egg. She’s full of life, energy and no-nonsense methods to help you regain – or even retrain – your body.

We recently got together for her third shoot with me, which I absolutely love. Not just because it means she sees the value in investing in her business photography, but also because she chooses to keep working with me. That’s not something I ever take for granted.

Rosie always comes to the table knowing exactly what she wants (and what she doesn’t). She drops me her ideas in her lovely, straight-talking way – then leaves me to come up with a plan while she dashes off to organise something else. Well, almost!

Truth is, she’s incredibly organised – queen of the checklist on shoot day – but she also trusts the process. Once she’s decided it’s time to refresh her image library, she lets me get on with it.

This time, the aim was to update her fitness image bank, but also to capture some food and meal prep shots she could use across her social channels too.

Rosie is a fitness instructor – yes – but she’s also a brilliant educator. No jargon. No fads. No magic potions. Just straightforward, honest advice paired with achievable physical training plans.

She’s about to launch a new programme, which is focused on long-term health and weight loss – especially for women navigating midlife, menopause and beyond. Honestly, if there’s anything Rosie doesn’t know about this stage of life, it’s probably not worth knowing.

Her programme goes beyond workouts – it looks at your individual needs, your habits, your relationship with food, and it helps you put together a plan that works for your body now, and for the years to come.

What makes her really inspiring is that she came to all of this later in life. She gave herself the nudge she needed to change her own habits, lose weight and become stronger, then trained as a PT so she could help others do the same.

These days you’ll find her running fitness classes on Lyme Regis beach, in village halls around Dorset and Devon, and offering one-to-one sessions in the comfort of your own home. Her energy is infectious – and her advice is rooted in kindness and common sense.

I love working with Rosie – she’s great fun, never takes herself too seriously, and completely gets how photography can support her mission.

If you’re looking for someone who genuinely wants to help you feel stronger, healthier and more confident in your own skin – Rosie’s your woman.

You’ll find links to her socials below, so go give her a follow – your future self will thank you for it.

 

 

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here.

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here

I met Tara through a networking space based in Somerset, and straight away realised this was a lady with a strong passion for what she offers through her brand – Fabric Sewn Beautiful.  A few months later Tara approached me about a shoot, terrified at the propect but 100% hell bent on stepping out of her comfort zone in order to put her brand in a better position.  I was honoured to support her with her request.

I’m always thrilled when people have the courage to move forward in this way, making contact with a photographer is always the biggest step as far as I’m concerned!

So let’s take a peek at Fabric Sewn Beautiful 

Tara’s sewing story started with what felt like a really simple request from her daughter – to make a doll with her name on it.  You can probably hear her daughters words now, said in the incredible matter of fact way that left her in no doubt that her mummy would deliver, because mummy always does.  The request left Tara fumbling though as she’d never sewn a single stitch in her life!

And so began her sewing journey.

Fast forward to today and Tara has launched Fabric Sewn Beautiful and with it a range of personalised lavender filled keepsake gifts.  She has a passion for sustainability and so sources her eco friendly fabrics locally and uses as much sustainable packaging as she can in order to help promote kindess to our planet and giving her children a positive statement too.

Tara says “At Fabric Sewn Beautiful, I believe a gift should have a purpose – it should be an experience, a connection, and a lasting memory. These gifts are not only cherished because they are handmade, but because they bring comfort where it’s needed most. A hug in a box to remind someone they are thought of, a dream pillow to ease backache, a small personalised heart to soothe restless nights – every piece has its heartfelt purpose”.  

Isn’t that lovely?

 

New for 2025 are a fabulous range of creative workshops.  

From offering Revive & Remember workshops in Care Homes that are designed to gently awaken creativity & cherished memories through the simple, mindful act of stitching. Residents are guided in creating a handmade lavender gift with calming scents that encourage reminiscence and relaxation.  They are also given Seasonal Gifting opportunities with Tara where they can pick gifts made specifically for loved ones from the comfort of their surroundings, a service that enables them independence too. 

At Home workshops that work as perfectly for a Hen-Do as they do a quiet night in for yourself or a group of friends all and there’s also Mindful Team Building and Corporate Appreciation gifting options to consider too.  Courses can be tailored to suit the needs of her clients and Tara welcomes all to get in touch if they have something specific in mind.

Watch Tara work with a group of non-sewing ladies create something of their very own during our time together was hugely rewarding for me.  Her easy, joyful approach to guiding you through a process was infectious.  I so nearly put down my camera and picked up a needle and thread!

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here. 

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here 

I had been eagerly awaiting the first brand photography session for Flora Percival ever since I met founder Harriet for coffee earlier in the year.  I have never had so much fun talking about knitwear over an Earl Grey on a rainy day!  OK, so the chances of those 3 things aligning might not be frequent, but it matters not,  I left that meeting feeling like I’d met a long standing friend for coffee and we just happend to chat about her knitwear dreams along the way.

I felt sorry for those ladies lunching around who couldn’t join in with the pure joy the pair of us were experiencing!

With this edition of ‘On Location’ come spend a bit of time discovering the character behind the brand of Flora Pervical 

If you want to meet someone with true enthusiasm for the products they deliver, then Harriet would need to be on your list.  Flora Pervical was born from a desire to offer ethical and sustainable knitwear and accessories, that provided support to British suppliers, producers and manufacturers and offered a positive course for the planet, rather than a pocket greed – and all delivered from the heart of the Somerset Levels. 

Welcome to Rural Vogue.

Harriet and her family have a lust for outdoor life. We aren’t just talking about those gentile hand in hand, meanders down a pretty footpath by a river – we’re talking a family who talk about Welly Wanging, who don’t just dip a toe in a puddle, they leap upwards with a knee tuck in gleeful anticipation of the cascades of muddy water that will result.  The kind of people who evoke memories of feeding the chickens on a calm Sunday morning then chasing next doors naughty sheep back into their field with a jumper wrapped around the waist and giggling against the gate once it’s been slammed shut to keep those wooly backs in (or out)!

With this family there’s a feel of soggy dogs wafting round your legs, while holding a fast melting ice cream in one hand and cuddly toy in the other – all the while while wearing beautiful, timeless, ethically created British knitwear that breathes like you do.

It’s a quintessential British country look that doesn’t apologise for the simplicity or the comfort it deliveres.

…and why should it!

I grew up in an era of hand-me-downs.  A time when siblings and cousins all wore the same cardigans/coats and knitted vests at some point in their lives.  Family photograph albums show the journey a cardi went on through various households. There was something comforting and reliable about the process.  Even today in recent times I’ve ‘inherited’ some wonderful pieces of knitwear.

Flora Percival offers a modern outlook on all of this with products and designs that will enable those family traditions.  The pieces in the collection will provide a comforting, encouraging feel while apple bobbing or nurturing feel while gardening, yet still looking great taking a trip through fashionable hotspots like Bath or Cheltenham or sat upon the quayside eating fish & chips after a weekend sailing around Isle of Wight.

Good knitwear is invaluable.
Great knitwear that sustains a multitude of makes, creators, producers and then wearers – well, thats a Brand like Flora Percival

Harriet wants people to not be afraid of knitwear and to embrace it’s qualities.  No to fret about caring for wool pieces and to enjoy wearing something that’s been created through sheer joy and will last a lifetime.

We had so much fun shooting one summer’s evening and I can’t WAIT to return to continue to create images that show the heart and soul that lies beneath the not so scratchy exterior…..

You’ll find their website here and their social media channels are below in the icons.

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here. 

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here 

There’s a pretty imposing backdrop to my on location shoot in North Devon – the beautiful facade of Taperley Park sits majestically near the estuary between Bideford and Barnstaple, lapping up the suns rays on a fabulous Friday.

I’m here to capture the creative skills of the fabulously warm and bubbly Sophy Elena, from Sophy Elena Style who has embarked on a new career after a move to the area a few years previously.

The first time I spoke to Sophy on the phone there was an incredibly infectious  joie de vivre travelling down the superfibre and into my life.  A warmth that transcended into reality when we met, and hugged like old friends, under the shadows of Taperley Park.  Sophy is the head housekeeper for this magnificent place, but beyond this she has a wonderfully creative talent that she’s bursting to share with others and offers a ‘mindful but fun VIP approach to projects and people’.

How true this is too!

Sophy, who before moving from Hampshire to Devon, worked for Virgin Airlines, is learning to embrace a slower pace of life and she has a flair for all things beautiful and her cottage in the grounds is a clear indication of this.  I’ve always marvelled at those who can wisely pull together items and materials to create a room full of design and wonder.  I’m lucky that I’ve worked for, or alongside, a few who have this natural ability to do this.

You’d think I’d learn that different patterns and textures go well together and don’t create the chaos I often think they will!!!

At home Sophy and her husband share their world with their delightful doggy Missy.  The prettiest of doggies who loves life almost as much as Sophy does.  Naturally Missy appeared in many of the photos at home and then we had a fabulous piece of extra time down on the beach with them both.  That’s the lovely part about much of North Devon – dogs are welcomed on most of the beaches all year round.

Sophy’s brand shoot was to highlight two areas of her incredible styling skills that she is teaching others about, floral arrangements and working with moodboards to coach others in their life and business.  Working within the old stable yard of Taperley Park, where she’ll be offering many of her courses, we settled in with a group of local ladies on a wreath making course.  Sophy, the perfect host, delivered her course with the natural warmth that I was greeted with at the start of the day and as she worked amidst a wonderful array of dried flowers it was very clear to see how passionate she was about giving others the tools to create naturally beautiful things for their homes.

 

Thanks for reading.

Rachel x

PS… please check out Sophy’s Insta account, link below ⬇️

PPS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here 

My role as one of the two main freelance photographers supporting Blackdown Shepherd Huts often has me visiting some of their customers as part of their own marketing campaigns.  Touring the country with their management team talking to some of their customers is a delightful part of my business.  I meet so many wonderful hut owners/custodians and am always intrigued by their individual stories.  I allow the story of Blackdown in their life come through the images.

There are times when those customers reach out to me at a later date and become clients of mine in their own right, looking to develop their own brand images. It feels like a nod of approval, and I know it’s a strengthening of a relationship built on prior experience and trust.

This edition of ‘On Location’ is an example of one of those occasions – Old Rectory House, Somerset.  

I first met Jamie and Lisa in 2023 and was enraptured by their energy and drive. Two hard working professional with a very young family who made the decision  leave the smoke and lights of London behind, heading to the rolling hills of Somerset, fully prepared to turn their lives upside down thanks to a stunning country property with views to dream about that they fell in love with.

Arriving in Kilve, a sleepy place on the edge of Englands first official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), The Quantocks, in 2016, they tamed the land the house stood in and lovingly redeveloped a tired old building on the property into a beautiul holiday cottage.   Their vision was to offer the perfect ‘escape’ accommodation alongside high welfare produce nurtured within their grounds.  The animals arrived, a learning curve in sheep/pig and goat husbandary followed!  A few years later they added two shepherds hut’s to their accommodation options, each one themed after one of their daughters – Dotty and Charlotte and finally a 3rd arrived in the autumn of 2023, named after their 3rd daughter – Minnie – who arrived after their move.

 

The biggest change came to Old Rectory House came over the winter and spring of 2023/24 when they decided that the entire business should be aimed towards a spa and wellness retreat. 

The re-development of the original holiday cottage into a wellbeing studio with spa and additional accommodation began, along with updating the outdoor heated swimming pool area and some new facilities build in an elevated position in their woodland containing a sauna, additional hot tub and an area for feasting in an outdoor kitchen.

Their aim is to nourish both mind and body and have a number of therapists and practitioners to provide a wide range of services. You truly will leave feeling lighter, brighter and well rested.

For many this may all have been a little too much to contend with in such a short period of time, but Jamie and Lisa have an incredible work ethic and are driven by a desire to share their own wellness and sustainability journey – an area they are extremely passionate about.  Lisa is blessed with the most incredible creative skills and attention to detail, time and again I’d turn and discover a pocket of bliss for others to enjoy or indulge in.

In just 8 short years they have created an oasis of joy, whether that’s for those looking for a special place to stay for a night or 3, for those looking to indulge in a day of calm, a weekend full of nourishing classes or a combination of all, it’s a place that’s ready to curate you your perfect escape for that special occassion.

Or even an everyday treatment.

You’ll find their website here and their social media channels are below in the icons.

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here. 

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here 

The cottage at Hillside Farm is a delicious little property.  A converted barn space, crafted from local hamstone and set on the edge of a fabulous village community in Somerset.  An Airbnb that’s been lovingly put together to create what the owners call a ‘simple but luxurious place to stay’.   I couldn’t agree more.

I found it to be the perfect bolt hole for couples to head to for some time away from the hubbub of daily life, to kick back and indulge in a perfect blend of old world and the new world.  To take part in some fire staring, a little light book reading and an awful lot of general loafing around while the world beyond the walls clearly continued to spin itself daft…

Creating images for a property for me goes beyond the usual requirements of wide angle shots of each room.  There’s a story to be told too and each property has it’s own story to tell.  A character that lies within and needs unleashing in a way that encourages potential guests to realise that this is the place for them.  That from these 4 walls they’ll find what they are looking for.

For me it’s very much about bringing the details to life because it’s these details that people tend to remember when the dust has settled.  The small touches, the little discoveries that provide moments of unexpected joy or the feeling that this place will always remain a part of their memories rather than become an un-nameable distant memory.  Just another place they visited once upon a time.

Your journed to Hillside Farm cottage starts via an old gate that has found a new lease of life.  Nurtured back into useful existence after being in the family for more than one hundred years, it beautifully provides that very first feel for a place as your hand reaches for the latch.  The barn is a mixture of the gorgeous  local yellow ham stone that this part of Somerset is renowned for, together with wood that makes you want to reach for it (and not a cobweb in sight!) and wonderful modern touches to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

Many of the local villages play host to some of the best pubs in the south west, many critically acclaimed, so if you don’t feel like cooking (and why should you, you are on a break…) then the list is a strong one.  

With miles and miles of footpaths around to discover after your Sunday morning papers, I know that this is a place that will have many couples returning to, time after time.   With Laura and Ed at the helm in the main farmhouse next door, they are on hand to help you enjoy your stay.

Thanks for reading.

Rachel x

PS… please do share the link for this Airbnb to your family and friends – Hillside Cottage

PPS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here 

Say hello to Melanie, one of the hollistic therapists based at Church Street Wellness, in Crewkerne, Somerset.  A perfect place to keep in your mind for all manner of hands on and hands off therapys, from Soft Tissue Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, Acupuncture, Foot Health, Hypnotherapy, Physcotherapy and much more.  

I recently wrote about my time with Chloe, a Duopody Reflexologist based there – why not give head over and read about out time together after reading about Melanie.

So, let’s talk about Reiki healing and Melanie.

Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word “Reiki” is derived from two Japanese words: “rei,” which means universal or spiritual, and “ki,” which means life force energy.

Together, Reiki can be interpreted as “universal life force energy.”

In Reiki practice, the practitioner channels this life force energy through their hands to promote healing and relaxation in the recipient. The underlying belief is that when the life force energy is low or blocked, it can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual imbalances or illnesses, and by transferring this energy, balance and healing can be restored.

From the very first moments I spoke to Melanie you could feel she had a wonderfully calm persona, and a warm welcoming approach to being with people.   She began using Reiki, and also Sound Healing, tas part of her own recovery process a few years ago following a traumatic personal event. These continued treatments significantly aided her healing and play in integral part of her support system to this day and she is now able to help others in the same way.

 

There are many ways that Reiki might benefit you, here’s just 6 ways that your life can be enhanced by it.

1. Stress Reduction: Reiki promotes deep relaxation, which can help reduce stress and tension in the body and mind. This can lead to improved sleep, a better mood, and an overall greater sense of calmness.
2. Pain Relief: Some find that Reiki can help alleviate physical pain and discomfort by promoting the body’s natural healing processes. It is often used as a complementary therapy for chronic pain conditions.
3. Emotional Healing: Reiki is believed to help release emotional blockages and promote emotional healing. It can provide a sense of comfort, support, and inner peace during challenging times.
4. Improved Energy Flow: By balancing the body’s energy centres (chakras) and removing blockages, Reiki can help improve the flow of energy throughout the body. This can enhance vitality, clarity, and overall energy levels.
5. Enhanced Well-being: Many people experience a sense of overall well-being and balance after receiving Reiki sessions regularly. It can support physical, emotional, and spiritual harmony.
6. Support for Mental Health: It should be sait that Reiki is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, but many individuals find it beneficial as a complementary practice. It can help reduce anxiety, depression, and promote a more positive outlook on life.

If you want to book in with Melanie, or just want to chat further about the benefits for yourself, you can contact her via the Church Street Wellness website. 

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here. 

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here 

Chloe is one of the therapists you’ll find at Church Street Wellness, a wonderful place that houses a collective of independant therapists offering a huge array of holistic therapies to the local area, and when I first met her she was in the last few weeks of qualifying as a clinical reflexologist.

Now fully qualified and taking bookings this spring, Chloe introduced me to the area of reflexology known as Duopody Reflexology.

I’m willing to bet that many of you reading this will be stumped by what this might be, I was!

So let me do my best to explain a little!

Duopody reflexology is a form of reflexology that focuses on the feet, treating both feet simultaneously rather than individually. It is based on the principle that specific points on the feet correspond to organs and systems throughout the body, and by applying pressure to these points, it can promote healing and overall well-being.

In Duopody reflexology, the therapist uses their hands, fingers, and thumbs to apply pressure to specific reflex points on both feet at the same time, creating a balanced and synchronized treatment. This technique aims to stimulate circulation, release tension, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.

Often used as a complementary therapy to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and alleviate various health issues. It can be a soothing and therapeutic treatment for individuals seeking holistic approaches to wellness.

Here’s how it can help:

Stress Reduction
Improved Circulation
Pain Relief
Enhanced Sleep Quality
Balancing Energy Levels
Supporting Mental Health
Enhancing Immune Function

Overall, duopody reflexology offers a non-invasive and natural approach to promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It can be used as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with other complementary treatments to support holistic health.

Thanks for reading.

Rachel x

PS… why not show some love for Chloe by following her Facebook page – details below.  You can also book a session with her from mid April at the Church Street Wellness clinic.

PPS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here 

George and I have known eachother for a few years now. I’ve worked with him on a number of occassions, primarily through his property development brand Black Oak with two of his incredible holiday lets, The Old Chicken House and Otterhead House.  But there’s an incredible backstory to this Somerset man.  One that will inevitably cause a few jaws to drop.

That was certainly the case back in 2019 when at a Hiho & Co event at Forde Abbey when George was a guest speaker for us.

Let me explain…

I’m going to time-hop here.

George has transformed a number of properties over the years and today he still owns 2 of them.  Each one an exceptional quality holiday let located in the Blackdown Hills of Somerset.  A bijou bolt hole for couples – The Old Chicken Shed – and the impressive Otterhead House which sleeps 12.   George chose to document the full process for both properties via YouTube – the good, the bad and the ugly.  Brutally honest at times but hugely enlightening with a real insight to the processes he had with both.  Tenacity and hard work winning through.

Before all of this, in 2011 George and his cousin Will set up Blackdown Shepherd Huts.  A period of his life he has fond memories of and where he initially delved into using video for business and gaining bucketloads of experience with manufacturing processes and marketing.  He finally decided to leave to pursue his desire with property renovation and development.  

Today he has stepped into the coaching world thanks to his vast and proven CV and a desire to give others the support they need to.

But 13 years ago, George was ‘residing’ at Her Majesty’s pleasure in HMP Exeter.

You weren’t expecting that, were you!

Neither was his audience at the Hiho & Co day.

Not only was George in prison, he was embarking on that horrific stage of his life with an immediate cold turkey path from alcohol, cocaine and heroin.  Quite the concoction.  Can you imagine?  I know I can’t.  

One of the things you’ll hear George say today is he learnt about a lot of things the HARD way.  

He also, quite amazingly, states that he is extremely grateful for everything that happened whilst in prison. Grateful!

He learned about respect, karma and gratitude and much more besides no doubt.

Today, he’s clean and hasn’t had a drink in over 13 years.  He was a founder of Blackdown Shepherd Huts, still runs a very sucessful property development company, owns 2 much sought after Holiday Let’s and for many months of the year is living his dream in Bali – coaching business minds across the world and learning to surf the best waves he can find.

That’s a hell of a turnaround!!

It’s a turnaround driven by hard work, appreciation and the want/ability to push past the ugly/frustrating stuff in order to find a better way, a happier way and a more fulfilling way.

So if you need that kick in business, George could be the coach to give you the experienced guidedance to helping you achieve your goals.

You can reach him through a variety of ways, all listed below.

Thanks for reading.

Rachel x