How's this for a different portrait for the wall? Framed in acrylic, it really glows. It seems to light up the hallway as soon as you come through the door - just fabulous! This cool dude wasn't too sure that photographer would fit into his busy day when I arrived for the family's shoot, but he's more than pleased with the result - despite having never heard of Andy Warhol. Mind you, Mum and Dad also have the other pictures in an album, so this won't be the only memento of the day.

A family photoshoot in Manchester City Centre - a sunny day, with lots to see and climb on - great fun. And when you're a kid having fun, you haven't got time to be distracted by a woman with a camera - you just get on with the fun!  Having meandered through Castlefield and along the canals around Deansgate, we popped up by the Bridgewater Hall, where there's  a great big marble stone. Quite a challenge for a 10 year old to get onto - and then to stay on - given that it's as smooth as glass, and your brother is literally pulling your leg!

I met up with the this happy family at Dunham Park for a portrait shoot last weekend, with a view to sorting out a picture for the siblings' Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary in a few weeks. This was the picture they chose for a gorgeous canvas  - I just love it!

I'm spending a long weekend in Guernsey with my family. I really like this little island, 11 miles across at its widest point, with a wonderful coastline, and lots of meandering lanes. It's very different to my usual location in the centre of a busy city. Today my brother and I watched the sunrise over Jersey from the SE tip of the island, before walking along the cliff path and down to a deserted bay.  After breakfast we all set off for the cross country races on the west coast; both of my nephews had entered.

My nephews in Guernsey are both pretty good at sports: really good, actually! It's been great watching them get into new sports and develop new skills over the years I've been zipping over to visit the family. Love the island, love them. I was over a week ago, and so lucky with excellent weather - we were able to walk and cycle around including to the fabled bluebell woods on the cliffs west of St Peter Port (of which, more later).

Ben and Martha are all of ten weeks old, though Ben has a minute on his sister. They’re already quite distinct  little characters - Ben being very much the more placid one. I arrived just before the babies woke for their mid-morning feed, and had a cup of tea and a chat with Julie and Carl - both hands-on parents and a great team - while we checked out light and location options.

A pause in the climbing, tumbling and wrestling, and the brothers rest - on a rooftop. Eek!

Well...I do promise that your shoot will be relaxed...  This was a family shoot, including these four cousins. They were all pretty comfortable with the camera, but one, as you can see, was totally chilled!

Emma and Allison came to visit yesterday - both bringing their baby daughters, both of whom I’ve photographed this year. They’re growing - what a difference a few months makes! Olivia, here, is wearing a gorgeous creation, knitted by her grandmother, and looking absolutely CAPtivating (see what I did there??!!)). We sorted out some photo-books I’ve designed from their earlier shoots, which will make great - and totally unique - Christmas presents. Lovely!

Great shoot today, with Joshua, his mum and her dad. We did some indoor shots, which were lovely, but had most fun outside by the water. Many ducks were fed, and many mushy leaves were inspected and waggled about in the water - a very busy and productive morning. Great shoot today, with Joshua, his mum and her dad. We did some indoor shots, which were lovely, but had most fun outside by the water.