Wow, 2016, what a year – the good, the bad, the simply amazing. As I mentioned in the post sharing my Wish You Were Here 2016 photos I had a pretty wonderful year photographically speaking – and when I look back of the amazing clients who became friends, the fabulous shoots, the new babies, the gorgeous Abu Dhabi light that infuses through everything I do at every photoshoot I feel so incredibly blessed. I got to photograph people in love, to be there when babies were anticipated and moves to other countries were planned. I got to meet people visiting the UAE for the first time and families on their return. I got to photograph a gender reveal, for twins, no less!! I even be there when three different little people entered the world – and believe me, capturing a birth day is truly one of the most emotional things I ever have the privilege to be part of. I got to dance in the dunes pf our beautiful desert and dip my toes in the turquoise sea – I met camels and dogs and cats and a rabbit! I shared snacks and chat and travel stories and learnt about new corners of the world to add to my bucket list. I photographed a family when they welcomed their 4th baby, and another for a 7th time, which is pretty remarkable and makes me realise how long I’ve been doing this job that I so love. I receive so much love and support and beautiful trust from the wonderful people I meet and see again and it fills me up with gratitude.

I worked out that I have photographed families from 58 different countries over the last few years – how amazing is that? No wonder I have a chronic case of wanderlust!!! I got to write my first book on photography last year and received beautiful, heartfelt reviews of it for which I am overwhelmingly grateful as it truly was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done!! (Although now I’ve recovered watch this space for exciting news for 2017!!! Eeeeeek!!!!)

And while I sing on and on about the importance of capturing stories, of being in the moment and treasuring the little details for your family, the one thing I’m not good at is sharing them. I really am terrible at blogging our beautiful Abu Dhabi photoshoots… and so here is a very lengthy, very picture heavy summary of what a truly beautiful year 2016 was. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy 😀

Lifestyle photography is often misinterpreted – it’s about capturing real life, beyond the posed and the scripted and the picture perfect – it’s about real moments, genuine emotions, messy imperfections and love and joy. It’s about real life, being yourselves, not the insta-perfect version, but the real, beautiful you. It’s about kisses and cuddles and wiping away tears and bogies, it’s about tantrums and giggles. It’s about finding the peaceful moments in the chaos, and treasuring and savouring them, it’s about embracing the chaos and getting on with life anyway. It’s a concept I love so very much and I adore capturing for my totally beautiful families. I can’t thank you all enough, from the very bottom of my heart for trusting me to capture all of the above, and so, so, so much more, and for such a wonderful year, much love, Kirsty x