As 2014 draws to a close, it often is a time to pause for thought, and reflect on the year you are about to leave behind.  On the whole for me, it has been a great year.  A few too many hospital trips for my liking, but generally I have everything to be thankful for.  I count my blessings that I have some wonderful friends and family, that mean the world to me.  I live in an amazing place just moments away from Bushy Park, with the great outdoors to explore.  Also, I get to capture happy memories for families to treasure for years to come.  How amazing is that?  My work, my lovely family (a special mention to my gorgeous 4 year old twin girls too), are definitely the highlights of my 2014.

I am very aware that it can be a difficult time of year for some of us, especially if we are missing some loved ones, or have had a challenging time this year.  For each of you, I send a little hug, and hope 2015 brings you more happiness.  Happiness for me is being able to freeze a special moment for all my lovely customers; it is just THE best thing.  Having a look back over what we captured in 2014 is enough to bring a huge smile on my face.  In fact, a rather stupid grin (I just checked myself in the mirror).  

So, goodbye 2014.  You have been great, and will be one I will remember.  I greet 2015 with a big warm welcome, and I really look forward to capturing some special times for you all this year.  I just know it's going to be a good one.  Happy New Year. 

Well we are getting very excited in our house, as there are only 5 sleeps until Christmas day.  Five sleeps people!!

I have been very lucky this year.  I have been privileged to be able to capture some amazing families, and provide them with some wonderful images that they can look back on time and time again.  I have also been hugely privileged to support a wonderful local charity this year.  Momentum was established in 2004, and aims to help children (up to the age of 17), and families of children undergoing treatment for cancer in Surrey and South West London.  Bianca who runs the charity is simply amazing and awe-inspiring, and I know the support she gives is invaluable to everyone.

A few weekends ago, they ran a magical Santa's Grotto for the children.  It was INCREDIBLE.  The snow machine was a real hit, and their mascot Mo the owl was found hiding in the snowy Christmas trees.  We had fun spotting where he was hiding.

Pop over to the Momentum website here, to see the fantastic work all the wonderful staff and volunteers do throughout the year.

For now, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.  Give all those you love and care for an extra big hug this year, and I hope you all have a happy and peaceful New Year.

Tamsin x

A huge thanks to everyone who entered and supported my competition to win a free photoshoot and £50 towards prints, digital images or products.  The competition was run mainly on my Facebook page (Tamsin Holland Photography), but reached my website and Twitter.  Thanks so much for all the shares, tweets and comments, it has really meant the world to me.

It is competition GIVE AWAY time!! Woo hoo.

To celebrate a whole host of things (including a BIG thank you all for your support to date), I am running my very first competition.

The WINNER will get a FREE photoshoot (worth £50), PLUS a £50 voucher to spend on your images (towards prints, digital images, or a product).  That is a total value of £100.

To take part in this competition, please do the following :
1) Comment on this blog below (so I know you have entered)
2) Fill out the 'contact' form, including your email address (so I can contact you if you win)
3) To get an extra entry, pop over to Facebook (Tamsin Holland Photography) and 'like' my page, and comment on the photo linked to the competition (so I know you have entered)
4) If you are on Twitter you can get an extra entry by sharing this link too

Small print type thingy-me-bobs ......
You have ONE WEEK to enter.  Entries close at 8pm on Sunday 14th Dec.  
The WINNER will be picked randomly and announced on Facebook.  If you enter via the website and blog, and are not on Facebook you must provide me with an email address so I can contact you.  The photoshoot must be taken by 31st March 2015, and I am able to travel within 40 miles of Teddington, Middx.

Below is a collage of images that have generated the most lovely feedback on Facebook, to get you all in the mood to enter.

Good luck everyone :)