Sophie came to the studio at the end of January, so it was a bit chilly!

She played outside for a little while and found various things fascinating. When I start photographing young children they are very curious about it, and so I show them their photo on the back of the camera and ask their approval, which I am happy to say I always get.

Children then soon forget I am taking their photo and they play looking up every now and then to see if I am still paying attention to them. All children like attention if it's gentle and friendly.

So it's nice when Sophie looks at me and the camera, and how relaxed she is.

It starts to snow slightly, you can see it in this photo, so we go inside to the studio and get some toys and books out.

Sophie's favourite teddy. I never tell children what to do I just let them be, and play with them which is a delight.

When the session is over I offer to hold Sophie's hand to walk to the car. When she takes it happily and doesn't want to go, I feel the session has been a success because it's as important to enjoy being photographed as it is to enjoy looking at the photos themselves. They do go hand in hand.

Sophie's portraits were made into a book as a present. The Queensberry Press Books are beautiful, it's always a thrill for me to design and order these for clients. Sarah chose the photos she wanted in the book, 36 altogether and I created a layout for her to preview.

Sarah had plenty of choice over the colour of the book, and she chose Pacific which was perfect. We also then added a Maya case which is shown with the little clasp. It's a lovely way to keep the book safe.

Sarah was delighted with the book, as I was and let me know last week that the birthday present was a great success. Queensberry press books are a great way to keep your photos, Sarah was able to have 36 images in her book for the same price as ordering 36 separate prints at 9x6 inches, so it's actually very good value too.

I photographed Harry for the first time in April 2008. We went for a wander around my woodland.

He did what all children do, explored, played, found sticks.

Harry came back to my new studio at Derwent Reservoir this April, and he's still very keen on sticks, or rather challenging logs. How the little boy that was has transformed into the savvy 6 year old.

He came with his cousin.

We were caught in very brief but exciting hail stones.

It's ok for a savvy 6 year old to be cuddled.

Liz and Tom were married at Hexham Registry Office in the sumer and then in the evening arranged a wonderful reception in Simonburn Village. A lovely small village in Northumberland with cafe and church great to stop off at for a bit of tranquility and cake of course.

On the way to Simonburn the couple had dinner at The George Hotel, Chollerford.

A relaxing summer evening in a beautiful country cottage garden.

The ceilidh came to entice the guests who were so happy chatting and eating lovely puddings! Walking gently through the village streets with music, how nice it was.

The guests are ready to head off to the dancing a short walk away...

I wonder if this little boy will remember this?

Leaving the wedding I walked back through the village past the now quiet garden, only a few birds chirping still.