Happy Wednesday folks! It is officially hump day, which means we’re getting through the week and that Friday evening G&T is getting closer. I’m back with my latest instalment of the ‘Working from Home - The Journals’ series and today I’m welcoming one of my faaaaavourite photographers to the blog. Say hello to Rosie Kelly Photography!

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rosie over the last few years and have featured many of her gorgeous weddings on various blogs - including Lily + Ben’s DREAMY celebration at Aswarby Rectory - go and have a nosey because it will give you all the good vibes and summer cravings.

Anyway, Rosie is a super talented wedding photographer (she’s actually been in the photography game for over 13 years now) so it’s an absolute honour to chat to her about her lockdown experience. Without further ado, Rosie, introduce yourself…

1 So, let’s talk about life in lockdown. What time do you get up? What’s your morning routine? Has this changed since working from home / being in lockdown?

As a wedding photographer, I already worked from home 4-5 days a week before the pandemic. My morning routine has always been coffee in bed whilst spending some time on Instagram to do a new post, and engage with some of my favourite accounts. I also try and do a 10-15 minute meditation when I can before heading into the home office. This hasn’t really changed much during lockdown apart from slightly longer breakfasts…

2 How do you remain motivated while working from home?

During lockdown I’ve definitely been riding a wave of varying motivation! Lack of shoots and editing means my work has taken on much more of an admin, blogging, and website update schedule. However, my partner is also a photographer, so we’ve been trying to keep each other creatively motivated by coming up with shoot ideas at home and in the local area.

3 Do you listen to any podcasts while working from home?

I love a podcast! Adam Buxton keeps me laughing and smiling, Yoga Girl for motivation and wellbeing. And the amazing Business Proposal Podcast for fellow wedding creatives!

4 Lockdown has impacted businesses all over the world. How can people support you? E.g. #ShopSmallBusiness, sharing a post on FB, commenting on an Instagram post etc.

Social media has played a huge part in building my business, and especially during this pandemic…every like, comment, share and message has helped to keep myself and my business going…and is hugely appreciated. And whilst weddings can’t happen or have been reduced I’ve had some amazing clients, friends and followers book smaller shoots. I also love working with business owners on branding shoots, to create storytelling images for their website and social media. Its been so great to work with independents and help adapt their online approach during the pandemic with beautiful imagery. This has definitely been a lifeline, with the majority of my wedding bookings being postponed for a whole year!

“Social media has played a huge part in building my business...”

5 Tell me one local business that you’ve decided to support during lockdown. It could be your local coffee shop, someone who hand-makes masks etc.

Flofit Personal Training. Flo booked me for a local couple shoot over the summer. She also happens to be an amazing personal trainer. Over lockdowns she’s been keeping me motivated with her lockdown workout challenges.

6 Tell me your favourite isolation cocktail / snack / treat?

Red wine has definitely been keeping me going during the rubbish days.

7 What’s your go-to ‘pick me up’ during lockdown life / working from home?

I feel so lucky to live right next to a huge beautiful park, so daily walks with the my crazy Springer Spaniel Mini, and getting into nature has been so good for the soul.

8 How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?

As per the rest of the world…Zoom and FaceTime has definitely become a more prominent way of staying connected with friends. It’s also definitely become more of a thing ahead of new clients booking services.

9 Name one lockdown pet peeve

Mask wearing is definitely something I won’t miss when all this is over. It’s been especially hard at the few micro weddings I shot over 2020 and wearing a mask for the ceremony and reception. Connection and smiles are so important at wedding days, and I felt really hindered not being able to smile properly at guests.

10 Name one lockdown love

Running a business pre-pandemic definitely took up a lot of time in my life, especially over Spring + Summer. I’ve appreciated the chance to experience a slower pace of life (though it was hard to get used to at first). My favourite thing has been having more time to cook different meals and finding happiness in the simplest of moments at home.

11 What do you have in store for your business? What’s got you feeling inspired?

My heart will always be with weddings, and I can’t wait to get back to full days of family, love and celebrations soon…! Though I absolutely love working with other brands and telling their story though images, so I have plans to really expand this part of my business. I’m also really passionate about editorial portrait and lifestyle work especially whilst travelling, and this is something that will drive me forward for some time to come…

12 What’s one thing you want to do after lockdown restrictions are lifted?

Travelling to Scotland is definitely up there. I’ve spent a lot of time up there the last 10 years, and is a place that really inspires my work. Can’t wait to get back there as soon as possible!

13 What has been your favourite Netflix series to binge on during lockdown?

Rather than series, we’ve been watching a whole load of films…and rewatching all our favourites and classics, plus any new releases. I recently watched The Dig on Netflix. Such a lovely story against a backdrop of beautiful light, and cinematography. So inspiring from a photography perspective.