Family

My photo shoot with Laura Hartley

Julia in kitchen

Julia in kitchen

I’m always taking photos and one of the reasons why I love blogging is that I have the freedom to write what I like and take photos of what I like too.

My camera memory card is full of photos of my children, flowers, close-ups of furniture and food, and many Yorkshire landscapes. Aside from my monthly Me and Mine family shots, very rarely is the camera pointed at me.

So when I’m asked for a photograph of just me – which I have been more so lately for writing, work kind of things – I only have a selection of daft, fuzzy selfies taken on my phone. Until now that is!

I decided to call in the professionals to help make my profile picture look a bit more, well professional. After having a look online to see whose style I liked, I asked Laura from Laura Hartley Photography to do some natural-looking shots with me on a sunny autumn day. Laura is based in Yorkshire near me and takes lots of gorgeous photos of families, portraits and headshot for businesses or individuals.

Outdoors

Julia outside looking side

She came over to my house and after a few cups of tea to get to know one another, and to have a chat about what kinds of images I liked, we got started. I have to say I was a bit nervous as clearly I’m no model and not at all used to posing in front of the camera at home! I really clicked with Laura though and she made me feel so at ease, it was just like having a friend round and asking her to take some photos for me.

I really enjoyed chatting about photography though, finding out how Laura got started (it was by kind of by happy accident!) and getting a few tips for my own pictures.

Jules outside with coat in park

Sitting on park bench

I wanted a really natural look, a bit nicer than just sat on the sofa writing in jeans and a sweatshirt as I am now, but still kind of casual and realistic. I also decided on a mixture of indoor and outdoor shots, so after some time in the house we headed to my local park to get some there. As it was a weekday morning, there weren’t too many people around so I didn’t feel too out of place! It was sunny, the light was good, and I think Laura got some really nice photos.

Here are some of my favourites. All I need to decide now is which one I like the best to use as a profile picture! What do you think?

x Julia

All photos by the wonderful Laura Hartley Photography.

Julia in kitchen portrait

Jules working

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13 Comments

  • Reply
    Colette
    November 13, 2016 at 12:19 pm

    You look absolutely stunning. I’m in fairly desperate need of some professional shots of myself too – like you I’ve found I’m being asked more and more for images of myself and I don’t have anything which passes muster.
    We have a lovely relationship with a photographer who did our wedding photos and some gorgeous family shoots but she’s currently on mat leave. I may well have to get in touch with Laura.
    Colette recently posted…Hashtags for InstagramMy Profile

  • Reply
    Mackenzie Glanville
    November 13, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    You are so beautiful inside and out! I really love the last two pics and THAT outfit! Gorgeous xx
    Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…when you remember me, remember to smileMy Profile

  • Reply
    Notmyyearoff
    November 13, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    You look gorgeous and those photos are so good, especially the first one. I’m always struggling for photos too especially for my work and this is such a good idea for things like that!
    Notmyyearoff recently posted…Flying with a one year oldMy Profile

  • Reply
    Sarah Christie
    November 13, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    Julia they are all gorgeous, I have no idea how you are going to choose, I think would swap and change them to suit my mood x
    Sarah Christie recently posted…A Walk In The Village Of Luss, My Sunday PhotoMy Profile

  • Reply
    Imogen Barnett
    November 13, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    I love them!

  • Reply
    Katy (What Katy Said)
    November 13, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    Oh Julia these are just lovely!! The second one of you leaning against the wall is my fave. xx
    Katy (What Katy Said) recently posted…Kids Style: Cute Outfits From Little ChickieMy Profile

  • Reply
    Vicki
    November 13, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    These photos are lovely Julia & you look gorgeous. I really like the ones of you with your cup of tea. I am never without a brew in my hand 🙂 Such a good idea to get a professional in to get some candid shots.

  • Reply
    M Roe
    November 13, 2016 at 11:26 pm

    Great photos! You’re so photogenic. 🙂

  • Reply
    Caro | The Twinkle Diaries
    November 14, 2016 at 12:08 am

    You’re bloody gawgus and they’re SUCH great shots Jubarb – I bet you’re thrilled with them!! I know just what you mean about the poor quality selfies though – I’m desperately in need of a good shot of me. I’ve never had a proper profile pic for anything as I just haven’t got any decent pics!! One day I’ll do the same as you and invest in some decent quality images!! I’ve got an illustrated pic for my Facebook profile – not even a photo!!! Xx
    Caro | The Twinkle Diaries recently posted…The world at my feet | #floorselfiesMy Profile

  • Reply
    Hayley @hayleyfromhome
    November 16, 2016 at 2:05 pm

    I love, love, love these! The outdoor ones are my fave, you are really spoilt for choice. I hate being in front of the camera, whatever I have in my head never seems to come out on the photo, haha, definitely a good idea to call the professionals in and these are perfect. You must be so happy with them xx
    Hayley @hayleyfromhome recently posted…Smiggle Store – Liverpool OneMy Profile

  • Reply
    RachelSwirl
    November 16, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    Wow you look stunning, I love the picture of you with a laptop and a brew, very bloggy!
    RachelSwirl recently posted…Bring Comfort Into Your Home This Christmas With The Nordic Christmas FleeceMy Profile

  • Reply
    Katie @mummydaddyme
    November 22, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    You look absolutely gorgeous Julia, these are so natural and lovely. What a great idea, I also love the laptop one- a total blogging photo! 😉 x

  • Reply
    Mel
    January 4, 2017 at 2:57 am

    Oh wow they’re so good and natural! I love the first one as well as the laptop one. Perfect!

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