Susan Renée Photography

DND (Do Not Disturb) Photography...

2010-03-09T17:34:00.005Z

I absolutely love doing DND shoots. The main aim of this kind of photography is to make woman of all ages, shapes and sizes feel good about themselves, and of course, to look as fabulous and sexy as they know they can.

The shoot can be held in the privacy of the woman's own home or in a different venue (if she'd prefer to keep it a secret). A makeup artist and stylist is on hand before the shoot to provide a truly relaxing and pampering experience, then it's over to me to guide and make sure that we capture a series of shots which I know you will love.....

Thanks to Clair Keith, for gorgeous hair and makeup, and to staff at The Carmelite Hotel for such a great venue for THIS weekend's shoot....!

Miya and Ella....

2010-02-14T23:26:00.002Z

Miya, nearly 4 and little Ella, nearly 8 months.....simply adorable! x

Savannah, Kaiden and Xavier

2010-02-14T23:17:00.003Z

I had the pleasure of photographing Savannah, 7, Kaiden, 5 and little brother Xavier , 6 months last weekend......Smiles all round :) xx

Susan Renée is fundraising for Leukaemia Research....

2010-01-30T20:42:00.005Z

I’ve never really wanted to be famous and it’s just as well. Because now at the age of 38, having avoided getting into major trouble and not being particularly brilliant at anything, I am NOT famous and I probably never will be.

My life is pretty ordinary. I sleep, work and eat. Not enough of the first and a little too much of the others. Plain and simple. But still, all things considered, there’s magic. And I don’t want to take it for granted or miss it. Even for a moment.

I am a daughter, a sister and a mother.....

Nevertheless, blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma affect the magic of people of ALL ages from newborns to grandparents. I lost my precious dad just over four years ago to a cerebral hemorrhage. He had endured years of illness due to myeloproliferative disorder - a type of blood disorder that causes blood cells to grow abnormally in the bone marrow. I personally know two families who are currently managing the effects of their loved ones undergoing treatment for leukemia - and all the challenges that brings.

Leukemia Research UK is the only UK charity dedicated exclusively to funding research into all blood cancers, with the aim of finding a routine cure and improving the quality of life for people affected by these diseases.We need to be sure we reach all those touched by leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and give them the best possible chance of survival.

I am also an artist, a teacher and a photographer....

I have so much going on inside my head that sometimes it feels like I’m going to explode. I draw, I paint, I write poetry, I write books, I cry, I laugh, I often feel melancholy, and most of the time, I don’t really know WHERE I’m from or where I’m going. I have this overwhelming need to express myself. And in October, that’s going to be by trekking in Peru, having raised at least a little bit of money to help fund research into Leukemia and other blood cancers. Would you be willing to help?

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Trek to Machu Picchu 15/10/10 to 24/10/10. Flights and accommodation paid personally. Total amount donated given to Leukemia Research UK.

Susan Renée Chalk is fundraising for Leukaemia Research - JustGiving

Baby Elsie McRobbie :)

2010-01-28T21:05:00.004Z

Born on the 14th December and weighing 7lb 12 oz, little Elsie Burr McRobbie is an absolute joy for her mummy Anita, daddy Gordon and big brother Gregor (aged 1 year :). Elsie was the perfect model during our shoot, and was so relaxed, she decided to sleep through most of it....simply gorgeous! x

Wedding & Portrait Conference, London

2010-01-23T18:30:00.004Z

I was delighted to be invited to speak at the Society for Wedding & Portrait Photographer's convention last week in Hammersmith, London on my journey so far as an award-winning photographer. My two 2-hr long seminars were full and I have been humbled by the positive response by email and telephone since I arrived home.

Overall, the 2010 Convention was a veritable feast of education with seven days of action packed programmes designed to help photographers put their imagery ahead of the game. The three day Trade Show spanning the Friday to Sunday was a gathering of the who's who in the photographic industry with the ‘big guns’ present and eager to showcase the latest in technology and design.

The lecturing programme covered a superlative blend of classes covering business advice, wedding photography, portraiture, wildlife, maternity, natural history, landscapes, nature, fashion, events, architectural Interiors, sport, lighting techniques, Photoshop, babies, music, digital workflow…

It was also a great surprise and honour to find I was in the top three for Children's Photographer of the Year with the above image of beautiful Olivia....!! All in all, I had a fabulous time, and enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with those I've known for some time. I am home inspired and ready to shoot!! :)

Erin Cordiner

2010-01-10T18:24:00.003Z

Eight year Erin Cordiner has just finished performing in 'Cinderella' at Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen and I popped out to her house this afternoon to take some new headshots for her portfolio. I was really impressed with her, and have already got some ideas in my head for future shoots.....would you be willing to model for me, Erin? ;)

Baby Cameron Wilkie :)

2010-01-06T14:05:00.004Z

Cameron Alexander Wilkie was born on 16th November.....but was QUITE a surprise to his mum Michelle and dad Andy as he wasn't due until 21st December!! You can be sure that he threw the Christmas shopping into chaos, but what a lovely gift HE is! Weighing in at a healthy 6lb 2oz, Cameron is simply a beautiful wee man x

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-06T13:58:00.003Z

I've not updated the blog for a wee while, so here goes.......

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my friends, family and wonderful clients......!!! 2010 is going to be a GREAT 12 months, I just know it!

During the holidays, I ventured out into the snow with my camera. Here's a few images from my adventures......

Baby Holly :)

2009-12-09T22:04:00.002Z

Little Holly Grace Urquhart suprised her parents Cherie and Ian by arriving three weeks early, right in the middle of them redecorating the house! Weighing in at 6lb 12oz, Holly was born on 24th November 2009 and was two weeks old when these pictures were taken. She's an absolute beauty - tiny and perfect in every way....Congratulations Cherie and Ian!!

Angel :)

2009-11-24T23:26:00.004Z

I had the pleasure of photographing 2 year old Angel Robertson on Sunday. With long gorgeous curls and a beautiful smile, she had me won over in no time ;)

Baby Imogen Faith

2009-11-24T22:56:00.002Z

Imogen Faith Haggath is the fourth daughter of my sister Wendy and my brother-in-law Paul. She was born on Saturday the 10th October. Here she is at four weeks old, an absolute beauty - just like her sisters. Congratulations, Haggath Family!! xxx

boxedoff consultancy

2009-11-08T16:00:00.003Z

In Early 2010 Glenn Lawson will be launching boxedoff......a restaurant and culinary consultancy, which will draw on Glenn’s extensive experience working in the Scottish hospitality industry. It will offer services aimed at helping restaurants, catering companies and hotels increase their profitability. The services offered will cover everything from financial streamlining, to professional skills training and can include services such as Health and Safety compliance audits. boxedoff’s aim is to help clients develop and introduce ideas that can help guarantee success. Accordingly all their services are designed to save their clients money, make them money and reduce any risks that may exist within their current operations.

I met with Glenn and his wife Emma last weekend in a working restaurant kitchen in Aberdeen, and had great fun watching Glenn at work. The boxedoff website is currently under construction, but meantime please enjoy a few of the images taken for boxedoff's promotional materials.....

Longside Playgroup

2009-11-08T15:38:00.003Z

Longside Playgroup has been running for over 30 years in various forms. It now takes children from 2 & a half years to 5 years old, and runs from 9.15 to 11.45 Monday-Thursday. Currently fundraising to pay wages, friends and family of Longside Playgroup have raised approximately £3000 since August, and this photoshoot was done as part of that fundraising effort. The playgroup is run by parents and is great for getting to know people - and most importantly, the children love it!

Dougie & Gillian

2009-11-01T22:24:00.004Z

I met with Dougie and Gillian last weekend for their pre wedding shoot - they're getting married next year and I'm lucky enough to be their photographer. Anyway, we managed to stay out for about half an hour or so before the heavens absolutely opened and we had to abandon the shoot. These pictures were taken on the Ugie River, beside the golf course in Peterhead just before the rain came on. Can't wait for 'Part 2', you two!! x

Butter Boutique Cupcakes - Contact details :-)

2009-11-01T21:48:00.003Z

I've had several enquiries about the beautiful cupcakes featured on my blog last week - and no much wonder, they were DELICIOUS!! Emma can be contacted at emma@butterboutique.co.uk and I wish her all the best with her new venture ;-) xx

Baby David Josiah West

2009-10-29T22:55:00.002Z

David Josiah was born on the 16th of August, weighing 8lb 8oz. Parents Sharon and David have been blessed with a contented wee soul who sleeps well and smiles beautifully. What a darling!!

Family Shoot at Aberdeen's Winter Gardens

2009-10-25T21:55:00.003Z

I had fun in Aberdeen's Winter Gardens last Saturday with the Hosford family. It was the first family portrait they'd had taken in over 10 years...well overdue!! Mum, Isabel, also has a special birthday coming up next month, so it was great of her family to treat her to some images which I'm sure she'll treasure for years to come. Here's just a taster of some of the shots taken on the day :-)

Butter Boutique Cupcakes....

2009-10-22T15:01:00.003+01:00

Emma Morrison (née Barker) was one of the first brides on my website when it was launched last year, and I've been lucky to photograph her and her family over the last year or so. I was VERY excited when Emma contacted me a couple of weeks ago regarding a new business venture she was launching - "Butter Boutique", a bakery specialising in luxurious and delicious cupcakes. Emma already supplies firms in the far North of Scotland and has been receiving commissions for birthdays and weddings. I asked her about her baking philosophy...."I love making cupcakes! I love how fluffy they are and how delicate they look. I enjoy experimenting with different flavours and colours and I try to make each cupcake different to anything people have tried before. Cupcakes are my passion from a simple cupcake to an extravagant one they are all delicious. Time to spread some inspiration, love and happy tummies!" Certainly, my tummy was happy after THIS photoshoot!! Emma's website will be launched shortly and I'll keep you all up-to-date with how things go....watch this space!!

Leigh and Stewart

2009-10-21T16:25:00.002+01:00

I've known Leigh for a while now through the JogScotland group I run with (once in a blue moon lol) so I was delighted when she got in touch to ask me to take her pictures. Leigh and Stewart got married in Florida's beautiful Cypress Grove earlier on this month, and then returned home to Peterhead for an evening reception with family and friends at the Swallow Waterside Inn. Daughter Skye, 4, looked like a princess and she was delighted to get the chance to wear her sparkly dress again. Congratulations to Leigh and Stewart, and I wish them many happy years ahead. xx

Great grand children :-)

2009-10-18T13:44:00.002+01:00

Emma aged 4, Ava aged 1, Baylee aged 1 and Lola 5 months........and beautiful great grandmama.

Gorgeous ladies.

xxx

Baby Findlay Cameron

2009-10-09T21:32:00.002+01:00

Baby Findlay was a total delight to photograph. He chuckled and played and blew bubbles, and made my job an easy one! Born on 8th August this year, and weighing in at 6lb 15oz, Findlay likes nothing more than a cuddle from mum Nicola and dad Ewan....Lovely wee man!

Photo Pro Magazine, October 2009

2009-10-05T22:58:00.003+01:00

Photo Pro Magazine is the UK's biggest magazine for professional photographers, so it was a real honour to be featured in the Wedding Pro section this month. Thanks to all my real brides (and grooms) for being part of the feature. xx

Merrisa and Martin

2009-09-30T20:54:00.002+01:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Merrisa and Martin on Saturday. The weather couldn't have been better and the backdrop of Duff House in Banff made for a perfect setting. Merrisa and Martin travelled up from Glasgow for their special day (although Martin is from Aberdeenshire originally), and it was great to see so many friends and family members sharing their joy. Congratulations, you two...what a beautiful wedding ;-) xx

Daryl and Fiona

2009-09-22T17:14:00.005+01:00

Daryl and Fiona got married just as the sun was setting in Clearwater, Florida on 9th September 2009 in front of a small group of family and friends. Unfortunately, I didn't quite make it to the US of A for the wedding, but I was invited to the homecoming party in Aberdeen's Copthorne Hotel on Saturday :-) Congratulations Mr & Mrs Leslie!!