Friday has once again arrived and I can’t believe we’re almost in April - whaaaaat?! As usual, I’m ending the working week with my latest instalment of the ‘Working from Home - The Journals’ series and today’s guest blogger is SUPER talented. A destination wedding photographer based in Suffolk, Sharon Cudworth captures love stories in the most beautiful locations. Her photography style is relaxed and timeless with a dash of luxury!

I’m over the moon to welcome Sharon to the blog today so that she can talk all about her lockdown experience, as well as what’s in store for the year ahead. Get reading folks…

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?

Getting up has definitely been later during lockdown, and this has a negative impact on me sometimes. I find I am less motivated, and have a slower pace top my day. I find getting up earlier, getting showered and dressed properly (loungewear has become a popular attire across the UK this year), even wearing gym gear, and doing minimal make up and hair gives me a real boost in the morning, in order to tackle a day of tasks at home, whether that’s personal or work.

2 How do you remain motivated while working from home?

Following on from above, I find making lists motivate me. I am someone who feels a great sense of achievement by completing them, and having a structured plan, rather than just going around in circles starting one job, or an inspiring idea, but achieving absolutely nothing.

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

I actually don’t but you have reminded me that I have been recommended Gold Digger by Jenna Krutcher, so many times. She talks about having a successful business, making a ton of money, and provides helpful strategies in order to apply her approach to multiple businesses and industries.

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.

Yes, just showing love. I have lots of referrals from past clients which is always super lovely, but of course having people like, comment and share my work is always appreciated.

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.

I think when you have your own business it entices you to want to support others too. One business is @kittysbakes_, Jodie is a local baker who was previously in the wedding industry as a coordinator at a wedding venue. Lockdown has made her so busy that she is doing this full time now. I have just commissioned her to bake me beautiful customised biscuits for my clients with my logo on, on a regular basis.

Another is a local make up artist, @emilychantal_mua who has become a really fond friend of mine over lockdown. We first met at a wedding a few years ago, but we now talk and support each other with the highs and lows of being an independent business owner, because lets face it.. it can be lonely at times.

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

Toasted Hot cross buns and a cup of tea- it’s just the best!

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

A cheeky mid week glass of red wine, knowing that there usually isn’t anywhere to be early the next day! Although if you had asked me this in the last lockdown I would have said an online yoga or pilates session; I think I need to revisit this pick me up!

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

After we all became fed up of the zoom calls and quizzes, all I can say is thank goodness for social media!! Haha

Walking has become something I like to do a lot more, and its lovely to have one-to-one time with close ones this way.

9 Name one lockdown pet peeve

Not being able to eat out. It is one of my favourite things to do, particularly in groups with friends or family.

10 Name one lockdown love

Having more time with my husband and daughters, and that amount of house jobs we have achieved. We have never done as much DIY and house / garage clearing in all the time we have lived here.

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

Over lockdown, I have updated my website, I submitted and subsequently had six weddings featured on big wedding blogs, I plan to blog more (with your help), and I try to keep afloat of marketing and sharing my work as much as I can, even when I am really busy. For most of us wedding suppliers we are condensing two years of weddings into the latter part of this year, so I have just under 50 weddings to shoot in 6 months! Its going to be a busy year indeed.

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

Booking a holiday!! Haha whenever that will be, and when I can find some time to schedule it in. I feel like its been a long time since I have felt the warmth of foreign sunshine on my skin!

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

Oh gosh, so many! My favs were ‘’The Missing’ and the follow up “Baptiste’. I also love unforgotten, and I am really glad they brought out another series, which I have the last one to watch next week.

14 Are there any books on your shelf you’d recommend reading during lockdown?

I used to love reading, but unfortunately this is something that has taken a backseat due to juggling with limited time.

15 What will you take from lockdown? Is there anything you’re grateful for or that you’ll do differently going forward?

The new relationships I have forged, a new business approach and openness to use associate photographers which is a phenomenon previously not explored prior to lockdown; As I had so many dates doubling up with clients pushing their weddings dates back (multiple times), I offered them an option of an associate photographer working under my brand, whereby they shoot the wedding for me, and I edit in my style. This has been received in a really positive way, and it’s something I will offer going forwards.

16 Describe lockdown for you in three words. (E.g. life-changing, emotional, challenging).

Insightful, challenging, long…