Last year, I started a personal photography project taking portraits of women that I find inspirational; women with a story to tell, that have set themselves a goal and achieved it or who have faced challenges and beaten them. A few months ago, I saw Gemma posting in a facebook group we both belong to for women in business, saying she'd like to share her story including pictures of her mastectomy scars to help inform women who may find themselves in a similar situation. She said "i love my scars because they've saved my life!" and I decided this was a lady I'd love to meet and photograph, so got in contact to discuss taking professional portraits so she could share her story and scars.

It was such a pleasure to meet her and hear her story, and we really enjoyed the photo session - I think we were both a little nervous to start with, neither of us having done something like this before, but it was very relaxed and natural. These are her images; read on below to hear her story...
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013, a week after my 44th birthday. It was a funny thing, because I really wasn’t surprised. My doctor and I were convinced it was just a cyst in my left breast but after a mammogram the diagnosis was confirmed. Over the years I have come to think of it, in lots of ways, as a blessing. Although some of you, if not all, will probably think I’m nuts for thinking this way about a cancer diagnosis, I’m hoping you’ll understand as it has, after all, brought me closer to my family, led me to build a new business and experience lots of new friendships!

The diagnosis was, however, a crushing blow. I had three children and a husband and I really wasn’t ready to leave any of them! After three operations (I’m a good bleeder!) and a month of radiotherapy, everything seemed to be ok and the following year’s mammogram was good. Life went back to a normal pace and nothing really changed although looking back I think I spent a lot of that year thinking about not dying rather than actually living. However, my next mammogram wasn’t so good and I knew right away that the cancer had come back. I also knew that I would have to have a mastectomy as you can’t have radiotherapy in the same area twice. I decided then and there not to have reconstruction. I was told I didn’t have enough body fat to make my own new breast and would need an implant and pig skin to make one, a choice I wasn’t willing to make.

My consultant at the time really tried to convince me that a reconstruction was the way to go but it just didn’t sit right with me. I was given a couple of leaflets with hand drawn pictures of a mastectomy scar. I am a firm believer that all women who are going through this should make the decision based on what’s important to them and gather whatever information they can but I couldn’t find anything real, and didn’t have the time to really find out what a proper scar was going to look like. So, knowing I didn’t want to put myself through a longer than necessary operation I chose to not have reconstruction.

When I woke up from my operation I had drains coming out of me, which was a little bit strange to say the least! Unfortunately, I had a bleed again and ended up in emergency surgery at midnight. When I next woke up I was trussed up like a chicken so it was about 10 days before I even had a vague glimpse of my scar. I’ll admit I was extremely apprehensive about the first look, but my husband and I sat on the bed and looked together. And guess what?  It actually wasn’t that bad, yes, a bit red and sore but I knew that would calm down. After a while I tried wearing a prosthetic but they are hot and heavy, so then I tried a ‘knitted knocker’, which was far more comfortable but in the end I decided I just couldn’t be bothered and spent the next 18 months lopsided.

In early 2017, against the wishes of my consultant, I had a second mastectomy because I just felt as long as my breast was there I would worry about the potential risk, and of course I wanted to be even!  I am so glad I chose to do this as they actually found cancer in the breast after it had been removed. Again, I woke up with drains but I knew what to expect this time. However, my second scar is totally different to my first and will never be as neat and tidy. The keloid scar is very often uncomfortable and sore and much more red that the other side but I am still absolutely happy that I made the right choice.

Going forward, I would like women to feel confident enough to make their own choices, to have access to more information and pictures and quickly. It is the least you can give yourself when you are going through a disease that will change your body. So, my choice is to be me, a flat chested me, who enjoys every minute of every day, proudly walks around the house showing my battle wounds, and has now done this amazing photo shoot with Abi, in the hope that women can be more informed than I was about just what a mastectomy scar looks like.

I just want everyone to be happy in their own skin."

Thank you so much, Gemma, for sharing your story with me. I hope this helps to inform women to make their own choice if they find themselves in a similar situation.

For more information please contact [email protected] or visit Ways Gone By - Gemma's natural skincare business that she set up since her diagnosis. Having been lucky enough to try some of her products I can highly recommend them - all nautral, smell gorgeous and leave my skin super soft.

More information on checking your breasts can be found at Breast Cancer Care.

When I first met Charlotte and Nick, and they described their wedding as "laid-back, festival-style, silly and fun", I knew we were going to get along. Nothing too posed or serious, just lots of giggles! The sun shone over the gardens as the party continued until sunset, with kids (big and small alike!) bouncing away on the space hoppers and bouncy castle. Charlotte, Nick and their guests seemed to love every minute, and I did too - such a fun day!

Charlotte looked stunning in her layered dresses - with lace for the day and working the layers to transition to a 1920s-inspired look for the evening. The evening also brought a sizeable dose of sparkles and glitter for all the guests! Wasing Park was an amazing backdrop for their big day, made to look even more fabulous by Seventh Heaven.

Here's a little preview - it was so hard to pick these as there were so many emotional or silly moments, but I hope this gives a flavour of the day. Charlotte & Nick - thank you so much for choosing me to capture your big day for you - it was an absolute pleasure! I hope you love these - there will be loads more to come!!

The amazing wedding team that came together for this big day included...

Venue: Wasing Park

Catering & event management: Galloping Gourmet

Venue decor and flowers: Seventh Heaven

Cake: Dovey Cake Design

Bridal hair & makeup and festival glitter: Jo Stringer Bridal & Occasions

Bridesmaids hair: Emma Jane Walsh

Videographer: Nick May

Outdoor family snapshotsKids climbing trees, playing in parks Summer holidays: Six weeks of family bliss and quality time with the kids? Or stressed parents pulling their hair out at how to fill 40+ days without spending a fortune on days out?

I love the summer!! I’m not denying that it’s a juggle running a business whilst having the kids at home, and we’re definitely far from perfect (my kids were already tearing chunks out of each other this morning and they’ve still got a day of school left!), but I love getting to spend time with my little people and have days out exploring.

As an outdoor photographer, I’m fortunate that I get to enjoy the open spaces that we have around us. In Windsor, we are spoiled for choice with amazing countryside and woodlands on our doorstep - within half an hour’s drive in every direction, you’ll find some amazing days out. So, I’m sharing my top five outdoor spaces around Windsor and Berkshire. Most of these are free, with only a charge for parking, so pack a picnic, enjoy the sunshine and get outside!

5. Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds is less than ten minutes drive from central Windsor and offers plenty to keep the kids entertained. There’s a large open space which is great for ball games, a play park and a shallow paddling pool which is fantastic for keeping cool on hot summer days.

Top tips: Don't forget to pack swimwear and towels for the kids to have a splash in the paddling pool. Take a picnic, frisbee and balls for hours of fun. There is also a cafe and a small amusements park with bouncy castles, etc.

4. Cliveden

Cliveden, on the outskirts of Maidenhead, is one of my favourite places nearby. I've only put it a number four, as I was aiming for a list of free days out and there is an entry charge - although if you're a National Trust member, entry is included in membership.

ClivedenCliveden is a fantastic wedding venue as well as a perfect place to visit for a family day out There's so much to do here! Take a walk in the woodlands and hunt out 'Clive's Den' - a wooden den made from fallen branches with a table and chairs carved from fallen trees. Climb down the steps from the woodlands for access to the river (our favourite place to picnic when we visit) and take a boat ride along the Thames (tickets are available from the Information Centre). From the river you can climb the nearly 200 steps up to the stunning parterre - the ornamental gardens that lead up to the main house (also a fantastic wedding venue that I've been lucky enough to photograph weddings at!). Finish off with a visit to the maze, Japanese gardens and Storybook Play area.

Top tips: The Storybook Play area is fantastic for toddlers as it is a safe place away from traffic. There is open water in the Japanese Garden and by the Thames so keep an eye on little ones. The National Trust recommend children 11 and under are accompanied by adults in the maze (we've had a tearful 8-year-old on our hands before when he thought he knew better than Mum & Dad!).

3. Dinton Pastures

One of the more further afield places I'm recommending is Dinton Pastures - a 25-minute drive from Windsor, located between Reading and Wokingham, but totally worth the drive!

My adventurer kids love this place! The play park includes loads of innovative equipment mostly made from wood, including 8-foot high tree 'stumps' with climbing grips on that the braver kids can try. There are swings, roundabouts, slides as well as plenty to climb and sand to play in.

If you don't mind spending a little, there's also boats for hire on the lake and a new Adventure Golf course has opened this summer.

Top tips: Don't just limit your visit to the play area, there are some fantastic walking trails around the lake (although plan your route as some of them are quite a long distance for little legs). There is a cafe if you don't have time to pack a picnic.

2. Swinley Forest

Swinley Forest, which will be known to many for the 'The Look Out Discovery Centre', is also a 25-minute drive from Windsor. The forest itself is owned by the Crown Estate and is great for walking, scooting or cycling.

Although the Discovery Centre charges for entry, the outdoor play park is free to use. This huge adventure playground with activities for infants up to pre-teens (including an accessible roundabout, slide and cradle swing) is a favourite with my two. There are plenty of picnic tables alongside the play park, and a cafe serving food and drinks. My kids also love the unofficial den building that goes on year-round next to the play park, with hundreds of fallen branches and logs available to build with.

There's also a Go Ape here if you have brave ones over a metre in height (although there is a charge for this).

Top tips: Although I'm focusing on outdoor days out, the Discovery Centre itself is a great science museum if you get a rainy day and need to keep the kids entertained. Go early as parking is limited and it does get busy in the summer!

1. Windsor Great Park

In at number one, as it's right on our doorstep and the only location that is completely free as you don't even need to pay for parking (free parking at the car park on St Leonard's Road by Windsor FC, or the car parks along Sheet Street Road). I love Windsor Great Park - it's a great location for family photo shoots as well as days out to keep the kids entertained. There are fallen tree trunks and meadows to explore; views of the castle from the Long Walk, and you may be lucky enough spot some deer in the deer park. We also love a bit of blackberry picking in the Great Park in the summer.

There are plenty of walks and cycle routes for older ones that don't mind a bit of distance. If you pick the right day, you might even spot a Polo game at Guard's Polo Club. There is also a lovely little playpark and great cafe at Savill Garden (parking charges apply in this car park).

Top tips: There are no toilets in certain areas of the Great Park - if you think you might need facilities you're better off at Savill Garden or Virginia Water (although parking charges applly at both of these). Park at Bishop's Gate (search Google maps for Bishopsgate Road) and have a fab lunch at The Fox and Hounds before or after your walk.

With my biggest starting middle school in September, I’m reminded that they’re growing up fast! It was pointed out recently that we only have 18 summers with our children, so in a bid to cherish every moment, my aim is to embrace the craziness that summer brings and enjoy the time whilst they’re still little. I hope you can too and if you see me out with the kids when you're visiting these places (or on a photoshoot, as I use some of these places regularly) - please say hello to us!

I realise I've missed a few other gems, such as Black Park, Langley Park and Lock's Ride - maybe I need to pull a top ten list together at some time! If you know any fab outdoor locations, please add them in the comments below. Have a great summer!

family outdoor photo session previewfamily photoshoots outdoors in natural light on location in and around Windsor Great Park

There was barely a dry eye in the room when Georgia walked down the aisle to wed Ryan on Friday in the Tithe Barn at the Mercure at the Foot of Box Hill. These childhood sweethearts were evidently very in love and their families so happy to see them marry. Even their little dog, Mya, wasn't left out of the action and joined the couple during the evening to celebrate with them. They couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day (althought I think a cooler temperature might have suited everyone). Congratulations Georgia & Ryan - wishing you all the very best for the future!

Wishing huge congratulations to Laura & Cameron who married at St Edward's RC Church Windsor, followed by a celebration at the stunning Oakley Court Hotel. So much thought had clearly gone into their day, with every little detail planned perfectly - I have never known a more calm or punctual bride! The gorgeous couple could not stop their smiles beaming all day - so clearly very happy together and very much in love. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph your day for you. Wishing you all the very best for a very happy life together!

Wedding venue: St Edward's RC Church
Reception venue: Oakley Court Windsor
Dress: Diane LeGrand from Sophie Grace Bridal
Shoes: Christian LeBoutin
Flowers: Seventh Heaven
Reception lighting: The Light Touch
Wedding cars: Classic Wedding Cars
Boat: The Fringilla from Private Boat Hire
Bride hair & make-up: Victoria Fraser-Gadd
Bridesmaid's hair: Faye Carter
Wedding cake: Truly Scrumptious Cakes

Wishing Emma & Scott huge congratulations following their wedding on Sunday at Beaumont House in Old Windsor. When we first met, they told me they wanted relaxed photos and to feel natural in front of the camera, which sounded perfect to me as it's exactly the approach I take when photographing a wedding day. It was also important to have a photographer that knew how to photograph kids, as their two children, and niece & nephews were a very important part of their family-oriented celebration, so my duck noises and Paw Patrol knowledge came into play!

Emma looked absolutely stunning in a Maggie Sottero gown paired with Rachel Simpson shoes (and Scott and the kids looked pretty amazing too!). It's the first wedding I've photographed at the Beaumont Estate since it's been renovated, and it's looking great, with Seventh Heaven adding the cherry on top by decorating it perfectly (and I had major bouquet envy for Emma's pale peonies!).

Despite forecasts for thunder we were blessed with sunshine, and were able to use Beaumont's grounds for a relaxed wander and photos along the way.

Thanks for choosing me to photograph your day - wishing you and your family all the very best for the future!

I first met Emily & Luke four years ago when their daughter was a baby, and I photographed her along with her best friend (daughter of Emily's bridesmaid best friend), so I was delighted when they asked me to photograph their wedding. It was so lovely to see the girls now grown up, and to tell the story of Emily & Luke's big day.

They married at the lovely parish church in Old Windsor, then celebrated at one of my favourite Windsor venues, the Oakley Court Hotel. We were lucky that the weather stayed dry so we were able to take advantage of Oakley Court's beautiful riverside gardens.

It is such a privelege to capture the memories for a couple so obviously in love!

Thank you Emily & Luke for choosing me to photograph your wedding day. I wish you and your family all the very best for the future.

I am so proud to call Natasza my friend; she is an inspirational and strong woman. Here she tells her story of planned single parenthood and recurrent miscarriage. I am so very pleased for her to say it has a happy ending (spoiler alert: the slide show includes photos I took of her at 8 months pregnant and with her new baby boy). Read her story below...