A Year of Life!
2022, the year the world returned to normal, yet somehow still changed.
I attempted another 365, a photo a day, photography project. I once again grew as an artist and a person.
- I got more creative and have been making real face to face connections, I hope to do more of this.
- I made some new connections in the industry and locally, I hope to do more workshops and get togethers to fill up my cup.
- I launched my mailing list and this has been growing steadily, thank you for your support.
Its important to look back and reflect. More often than not I can be pleasantly surprised with our progress.
Sometimes I listen to my inner critic too much, I am sure you do too. I believe the lies she tells me. Reflecting is a good exercise to help prove her wrong or make goals to continue moving forward, or even both.
And just like that, another year is over!
I hope it’s ending on a high for you, and I only hope the new year will bring good fortune your way.
What I created was slower, more intentional, and focusing on those small details in life that we often overlook. I went a little deeper and explored other creative genre’s. As such I shared less but with more intention. Keep scrolling for this year’s 12 special images.
I truly love witnessing and capturing those beautiful everyday moments that show your individuality and personality. I would love to be invited to capture more documentary family moments, simply enjoying each other’s company and presence doing activities you love and enjoy.
Enchanted Living
This year I began a project based on enchanted living, this has developed into all areas of my creativity. I am loving learning about folklore and local stories, all based on my favourite locations. I hope to continue this creativity project …
I am standing amid an aliveness, and that aliveness deserves my attention, my respect, my care.
The insects, birds and animals are singing themselves into being; this autumn land is dreaming and I am part of that dreaming.
Tell me about your favourite outdoor locations and the best time to visit …
Quieting the Noise
I have continued to share mental health tips and techniques.
I am not an expert but I do have first hand experience, find what works for you.
I believe in the power of nature, creativity, and curiosity to heal us and help quiet the noise of a stressful and busy modern life.
And because this may help you or your loved ones, I am sharing what I am learning with you:
January
Named after Janus – God of beginnings and transitions.
Again I reply to the triple wind
Running chromatic fifths of derision
Outside my window: Play louder
You will not succeed. I am
Bound more to my sentences
The more you batter at me
To follow you.
And the wind,
As before, fingers perfectly
It’s derisive music.
William Carlos Williams
February
Named after februum – purification
Little month of February,
You are small, but worthy – very!
Will you grow up like the others,
Like your sister months and brothers?
Every four years with a bound
With a leap up from the ground,
Trying to grow tall as they –
All you stretch, is one small day!
Even then you’re not so tall
But just the shortest month of all.
March
Named after Mars – God of war
In the snowing and the blowing,
In the cruel sleet,
Little flowers begin their growing
Far beneath our feet.
Softly taps the spring, and cheerily, –
“Darlings, are you here?”
Till they answer, “We are nearly,
Nearly ready, dear.”
“Where is winter, with his snowing?
Tell us spring.” They say.
Then she answers, “He is going’
Going on his way”
“Poor old winter does not love you;
But his time is past,
Soon my birds shall sing above you; –
Set you free at last.”
April
Named after aperire – ‘to open’
List! List! The buds confer
This noonday they’ve had news of her;
The South Bank has had views of her;
The willows adream
By the freshet stream
Shall ask what boon they choose of her.
Up! Up! The world is astir;
The would be green has word of her;
Root and germ have heard of her,
Coming to break
Their sleep and wake
Their hearts with every bird of her.
See! See! How swift concur
Sun, wind, and rain at the name of her,
A-wondering what became of her;
The fields flower at the flame of her,
The glad air sings
With dancing wings
And the silvery shrill acclaim of her.
Sir Charles Douglas Roberts
May
Named after Maia – goddess of fertility
The rain that’s falling soft and slow
Has set the tulip bed aglow,
A flaming mass of colour.
And oh, the yellow and the red
Against the blackness of the bed –
The garden seems Enchanted
And how the tiny rose leaves shine,
So new and wet, and on the vine
A tiny yellow warbler.
And in my heart I bend my knee
To him who made such things to be –
So exquisite and tender.
Alice Baker
June
Named after Juno – goddess of marriage
Far up in the deep blue sky,
Great white clouds are floating by;
All the world is dressed in green;
Many happy birds are seen,
Roses bright and sunshine clear
Show that lovely June is here.
F. G. Sanders
July
Named after Julius Caesar – It being the month of his birth.
Let us find a shady way
Pretty little brook;
Let us have some candy handy,
And a picture book.
There all day we’ll stay and play and
Never mind the heat.
While the water gleaming, streaming,
Ripples round our feet.
And we’ll gather curly pearly
Mussels shells while bright
Frightened minnows darting, parting,
Scurry out of sight.
What if, what if, – heigho! My oh! –
All the ‘ifs’ were true,
And the little fishes wishes,
Now, what would you do?
August
Named after Emperor August – several of his triumphs were at this time, including the conquest of Egypt.
Lazy summer afternoons,
Walks along the beach,
Balmy evenings, cloudless skies,
Stars just out of reach,
Sailing on a quiet lake,
Hammocks in the shade . . .
These are the simple treasures
Of which August days are made.
September
From the Latin September- “seven”. It was originally the seventh of ten months, September became the ninth month but retained its name.
The breezes taste
Of apple peel
The air is full
Of smells to feel –
Ripe fruit, old footballs,
Burning brush,
New books, erasers,
Chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive,
Well- honeyed hum,
And mother cuts Chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean
With suds, the days
Are polished with
A morning haze.
October
Like September, October was originally the eight month, ‘octo’ meaning eight. It moved but retained its name.
Autumn leaves of red and gold
That crunch beneath your feet,
Pumpkins on front porches,
Candy corn, and trick-or-treat.
Tart and tangy cider,
Apples ripened on the trees,
A hint of winter coming
On the chilly
Autumn breeze.
November
Again like September and October, November took its name from the Latin ‘novem’ meaning ‘nine’ and retained its name when January and February were added.
November comes and
November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.
With night coming early
And Dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.
The fires burn
And the kettle sings,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.
December
Decem, meaning ten as it was originally the tenth month of the year.
Wintry mornings wrapped in white,
Evenings, calm and still,
Snowflakes dancing all around,
Sled rides down a hill,
Gatherings with loved ones –
Such a pleasure to remember –
All memories and special gifts
That come with each
December.
The New Year
The day does offer promise
A chance for something new
Time for new direction
To make a change or two.
This burst of inspiration
Does come but once a year
A time for something different
And hopes that change is near
How will you use this moment
What will you choose to change
What aspect of your story
Are you poised to rearrange
In truth it’s just illusion
It’s not about the day
It’s how you view your future
And challenge in your way.
Here’s to another year documenting life!
Why is Photography Important?
I’ve read that children feel safe, welcome, seen and loved if there are images of themselves in the family home. I love this idea and think this is something every family needs to know.
You see stories, memories and keepsakes are important. Life is short. Our humanity is what makes us beautiful. The light will never look or be seen the same again and neither will we. We will never have this moment again.
So, let’s capture it!
Hi,
I’m Lesley-Anne, also known as LAL.
Our humanity is what makes us beautiful.
The light will never look the same or be seen the same again and neither will we.
We will never have this moment again.
So, let’s capture it!
Why Choose Me, as your Family Photographer
It’s your story and your legacy. It’s how I see your story through my lens.
I am one of a handful of photographers in my area and in the UK that showcase honest, authentic, everyday moments. This is my speciality!
I am noticing delicate, awe-inspiring moments and connection. I am seeing these with every family I am lucky enough to spend time with.
I want to share what I see with you.
I want you to fall in love with your family time and time again!