6 years, wow.

6 years ago I began my Family photography journey.

It didn’t take me long to think of a name, in fact, Dinky Days Photography was the very first name to come to mind.
It was so fitting. Dinky stands for little so that was for the little ones Id be photographing, and days for their days of course!

The image above was my very first logo. Built from the building bricks of my children Zishan and Idris, (way before our Marny was born).
Back then I had absolutely zero photoshop skill, I was brand new so still working on my portfolio, practicing with friends babies and children.
6 years ago I wasn’t even thinking of what I wanted to specialise in. Everything seems to have fallen into place.

I would never have believed back then that I would be where I am today, well there’s a realisation to believe in yourself if ever I saw one.

As a beginner, I knew very little about the photography world, I had so much to learn and I couldn’t be happier than I did.
It hasn’t always been easy, people telling me I can’t do it, that it’s just a dream. Well dreams come true, 6 years later I couldn’t be prouder of my journey.

Baby Idris. Oh he was such a squidge!

Over the years, my work has certainly changed. Blood (literally, dropping a camera on your foot is quite painful!), sweat and tears have been shed.

So, how did Dinky Days Photography come to be what it is today?

Well, the start is thanks to my husband and best friend.
In 2012 I was saving my pennies up for my very first DLSR. Growing up around photography as my Dad was a photographer, I was always around cameras. My Dad didn’t let me touch them much from what I can vaguely remember. I don’t blame him, you don’t want children playing around with your expensive equipment, not without supervision anyway.

They had taken me out for dinner for my birthday. My husband had wandered off, and returned with gifts! I had no idea, not a single one. Out it came and I was so happy. Such a thoughtful gift. Danni (my best friend) had helped him choose the right one, and he went to buy it.

I hadn’t originally thought I’d become a professional photographer. I loved photography, and was hoping to take clearer and better photographs of my boys.

But I soon began photographing friends children too, as practice.

I was told ‘practice doesn’t make perfect’ when it comes to photography, but I’m not one to be beaten. I had set my mind to it. And look at me now, 6 years later, able to take photographs for so many families to treasure. *puffs chest out*

It was around a year later I became official. Dinky Days Photography became Dinky Days Photography LTD. Me? A LTD company? Incredible!

I began in my lounge, like many photographers, but this changed when we moved into our home we are in now.

We had the garage converted within a 3 days to a week, I couldn’t wait to get back to working after a couple weeks due to the move.

From 2014 until now, the studio had changed immensely. It went from a bare, lifeless brand new photographers ‘room’, to the studio I have today. I now have my props and blankets beautifully on show, wall art samples showcasing your beautiful children from some of my previous sessions.

Over the years I have worked tirelessly to find my style and train to be able to produce work that stands its ground timelessly.

I have learnt that I adore a no fuss approach. Although I do have props, they are props that suit my style. Simple props that are there in your image, but not too fussy as to take away any attention from your children. When you look at a photograph from Dinky Days, I know your eye will immediately go to your precious child’s face.

Looking back over my journey, I can tell exactly when I began the bridge to where I wanted to be in my photography career.

Before training, I made sure I did the simplest of poses. I put newborn safety first and I knew that I wasn’t going to attempt anything without sufficient knowledge.

Over the years, I have now trained with some of the very best in the UK. My biggest knowledge growth is newborn safety. Something that all newborn photographers should know.

I am First Aid Trained, and like to update this also and techniques change.

In 6 years, I have learnt that the Photography industry is incredibly saturated, and I don’t ever want to get lost in the crowd. So I continue to create the best possible service for my clients, providing the highest quality products and experience.

Here at Dinky Days, I will continue to create an experience that will allow you to leave smiling. Your family will be treated as family. Your children will have access to food and drink should they want or need, as will you.

A few words from some of my clients,

‘You’re amazing.. Aidens face says it all in his photographs ????. And the reason I come back with the second was down to you making me feel so welcomed. You knew exactly what you were doing and always produce amazing work’ – Courtney Mills.

‘I found Dinky Days on Facebook from a friend who had posted about it long before I was ever expecting a baby.. But I knew in my heart I wanted to have my baby photographs taken by Dinky Days.
When my Son arrived there was only one place I was going.
The photos online had something special.. I had looked at others but nothing came close. Unfortunately things had been traumatic to say the least when my son came into this world.. So it took some time to find the courage to come and find the right person. Automatically when I started our journey with Dinky Days I was made at ease.. The first the time she met us and our son at 5/6 months old she made us feel comfortable and confident that we had chosen the right one. He was teething and in a bit of mood but the results were amazing. And have been to this day. That’s why we only use Dinky Days and Aimee-Jo. She is a beautiful person inside and out. THE photographs she takes are evidence of her professional talent as well her personal attributes that make her the best in our opinion. This is not a photographic session.. she makes memories for you family to be treasured for years to come.’ Jody Davey.

‘A friend recommended you the first time I came with my son. Recently, When I had my daughter and wanted a family portrait I knew where to go!
Such a friendly environment and you really care about everything; babies and the perfect photo!
My family had exceptional service and would highly recommend to everyone !
Thank you Aimee X’ Charlotte Searle.

‘Because of you and who you are and what you have to offer. You are amazing at your job (images speak for themselves) and you are such a lovely person so friendly (we’d never meet before our session) and fun (helping to relax older kids & parents ????) would recommend 100%.’ Zoe Lattimore.

Thankyou so much for such kind words.

It’s because of every client who has booked, Dinky Days is what it is today.
Thankyou for joining me on my journey. Here’s to the next 6 years!

To book in for your own photo session here, simply click the contact button and I’ll be with you shortly!