As 2024 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve had at Ian Richardson Photography. It’s been a year of growth, creativity, and community—filled with unforgettable moments and exciting projects.

Supporting Beagle Welfare

Looking ahead, I am hopeful to work more closely with Beagle Welfare in 2025. This incredible charity is dedicated to the welfare of Beagles, and I’m excited to support their mission. By collaborating with them at future events, including the annual Beaglefest show in the New Year, and raising much-needed funds, I aim to contribute to the amazing work they do for this beloved breed. Beagle Welfare’s commitment to improving the lives of Beagles aligns perfectly with my passion for helping pets and their families.

Bella's Boutique

This year, working with Bella's Boutique has been an incredible experience. Michelle, Denise, and Terry have all provided amazing support throughout the year, helping to make events like the Halloween show and pop-up studio sessions even more successful. Their creativity and dedication have inspired me, and I am excited about future collaborations. We’re already discussing ideas for joint projects in 2025 that will combine our talents to offer even more unique experiences for clients.

Highlights from the Year.

1. The Pop-Up Studio: The pop-up studio has continued to be a cornerstone of my work this year. Whether it was capturing candid moments at local dog shows or offering affordable professional portraits, the response has been incredible. One of my favourite memories was the Halloween show at Knutton Ex-Servicemen’s Club, where we turned simple sessions into spooky keepsakes. Another standout was introducing unique themed sessions, such as the much-loved “Wanted Posters,” which gave pet owners a fun and creative memento for just £20.

The pop-up studio not only brought photography to new audiences but also allowed me to engage directly with the community. Each event felt like an opportunity to connect with pet owners, share stories, and create lasting memories. These moments have reinforced the value of accessible, high-quality photography.Looking ahead, the pop-up studio will continue to evolve in 2025. While the base price for two dogs or subjects will remain at £20—a price point that has been consistent for six years—I’ll be introducing a new pricing structure for additional dogs or subjects. For 2025, each additional dog or subject will be charged £5, up to a maximum of five subjects. This change ensures I can maintain the quality and attention to detail that clients expect, while still keeping the service affordable for everyone.

2. Collaborating with Just for Dogs Rescue: Working with Just for Dogs Rescue in Brailsford has been both humbling and inspiring. Through our partnership, I’ve been able to showcase their rescue dogs in their best light, helping them find loving homes. This collaboration has been a personal highlight, reminding me of why I started focusing on pet photography in the first place.One particularly moving experience was witnessing the transformation of a terrified rescue dog who, through the care of the team, blossomed into a confident, loving companion. Capturing that journey through photographs was a privilege, and knowing those images played a role in finding the dog a forever home was deeply rewarding.

3. Expanding the Garage Studio: This year, my home studio underwent a transformation. Expanding the space allowed me to create larger, more dynamic sets—perfect for projects like the Christmas Mini Sessions. These sessions brought families, pets, and children together in a festive environment complete with props like Santa’s sleigh, a red Doggy Air Force plane, and lots of fake snow. Seeing the joy on people’s faces as they interacted with these sets was magical.The studio expansion also gave me the flexibility to explore new creative concepts. For example, I’ve started experimenting with multi-layered backdrops and interactive props, making each photoshoot a truly personalised experience. This versatility has opened up new opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Challenges Faced. No year is without its hurdles. Managing the transition from Squarespace to Zenfolio for my website redesign was time-consuming but necessary. The end result, a more contemporary and user-friendly platform, has been worth the effort. Similarly, balancing the pop-up studio, home sessions, and event photography required careful planning, but each challenge came with valuable lessons.

Another challenge has been refining my workflow to accommodate a growing client base while maintaining the personalised service I pride myself on. Developing new tools and systems to streamline operations has been essential in ensuring every client receives the attention they deserve.

Finding My Voice. This year has also been a deeply personal journey for me. As someone with dyslexia, writing has always been a challenge. It’s something I’ve avoided in the past, but with support and encouragement, I’ve found my voice. Through the development of AI tools such as ChatGPT, I’ve been able to overcome barriers and articulate my thoughts more effectively.

Blogging, once an intimidating prospect, has become a way for me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. Sharing stories, insights, and experiences has been both empowering and rewarding. Overcoming this personal barrier has been one of my most meaningful achievements this year, proving that with the right tools and support, challenges can be turned into opportunities.

Community Support. The East Midlands has been incredibly supportive this year. Whether through Google reviews, social media engagement, or simply spreading the word, your encouragement has been invaluable. To everyone who booked a session, stopped by the pop-up studio, or shared a kind word, thank you. Special thanks to the clients who’ve shared their own stories and ideas, inspiring new approaches to my photography.

The community’s support has also reinforced my commitment to giving back. Donating a portion of proceeds to charity at events and collaborating with organisations like Just for Dogs Rescue has been my way of expressing gratitude and making a positive impact.

Looking Ahead to 2025. As we step into 2025, I’m excited to build on this year’s successes. Plans are already underway for new pop-up studio themes, expanded collaborations with local charities, and a special project—‘A Day in the Life of Just for Dogs’—which will document the rescue centre’s incredible work over 48 hours. I’m also exploring ways to make the studio more versatile while keeping affordability at the heart of my services.

Another focus will be enhancing my website and online presence. With the redesign nearly complete, I plan to create an interactive gallery showcasing available backdrops and themes, allowing clients to customise their sessions with ease. This feature will ensure every photoshoot is tailored to individual preferences, making the experience even more special.

Thank You

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all my clients, collaborators, and supporters. From Sabi and the entire team at Ian Richardson Photography, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a fantastic New Year. Here’s to capturing more memories together in 2025!