{Portraits} Big girls, we are beautiful!

Big girls come in all shapes and sizes - well, obviously but I'm not sure that alot of the so-called plus size ranges you get on the high street REALLY understand that. I'm 6' tall, broadly built and have always probably carried at least a couple of stones too much weight.

My experience of shopping on the high street for anything over a size 16 is that the clothes get wider and wider to accommodate the extra inches but there seems to be an assumption that anyone over 5'6 doesn't need the extra inches on the arms, the legs, the body.... So, I can buy a tent but it will still only reach my ankles or my elbows. Oh, and note to plus size buyers in the likes of Marks and Spencers and Evans - wearing a tent certainly doesn't make me look good, it doesn't make me feel that great either...

I've recently discovered what it's like to wear clothes that are made entirely with the larger figure in mind and the difference is like night and day; not only do they feel great but they look fantastic too.

My friend Helen owns a fabulous boutique, Verity Plum in Knutsford whose strapline is 'celebrate your curves' and celebrate them she does! Visiting the shop is like going into your favourite sweetie shop, with all the pleasure and none of the calories and guilt!!

Helen recently approached me to see if I would like to do a photoshoot to accompany an article that will soon appear in In Cheshire magazine.

These shots are a sneak preview of what will appear - the models; Suzanne, Cathy, Julie and Zowie were amazing and we had a blast as we played around in Casa Tapas , and the Antiques Market. Hair and make up were done by Saks hairdressing.

I hope you agree that they all look amazing, and those of you in Cheshire, look out for next month's copy of 'In Cheshire' for the full story!

{family portraits} speediest portrait session takes place in Cheshire on a Saturday morning in November!

Helen, of Verity Plum and chair of the committee at Little Foxes Statham was instrumental in helping me organise a day full of portrait sessions for the children and their families. Perfect timing for Christmas presents for the family we thought!

Helen had booked the first session for herself and Louis and Lottie but having spent most of the time making coffee and trying to find out how the heating worked, there was only about 10 minutes left to actually take the photos.

So, the challenge was on - Helen, looking glam as ever but even more so with her veerrrrry blonde hair, Lottie needed to assemble all three (large) teddy bears and Louis, less than enamoured with the whole idea and more interested in making weird and wonderful faces (he has quite a talent there Helen!). I clicked furiously for a few minutes before the first family turned up and to be honest wasn't entirely sure I'd captured anything worthwhile.

I started editing the pictures last night and actually, I'm pleasantly surprised - what has been captured is a really fun couple of shots of all three - personalities shining through, which is after all everything that we aim for as portrait photographers.

Glad you like them Helen and for anyone else reading who wants a quick (although maybe longer than 10 minutes!) portrait session then you can contact me on 07928 150119 or drop me a line on bridget@maitlandphotography.co.uk . Although based in Warrington, I'm happy to travel throughout Cheshire and the North West.

Messing about with dresses

A couple of weeks ago I got together again with Helen of Verity Plum and her friend Jo, both of whom had agreed to don wedding dresses to indulge me in some fashion shots for my portfolio.

Helen wore her own wedding dress, a gorgeous silk dress with ivory coat and train.

Jo wore a dress kindly loaned to us by Karen of Agape Bridal in Knutsford. The dress was beautiful but it had a small mark on the front which meant it was proving difficult to sell.

We had a great time, ably helped by Jo's son Jonnie who didn't care that his mum and friends were being daft with dresses and cameras - we were after all at Tatton Park - in the adventure playground - heaven for a wee chap.

Thanks Helen and Jo for a great day out - you're both beautiful and can't wait until we hit Manchester for the next installment!