Just a pause, not a goodbye!
This isn't a blog post that I had included in the notes app of my phone titled 'blog ideas' but here we are.
After a lot (and I mean a lot) of thought, medical advice and some very real conversations with family, friends and clients, I've made the decision to take a break from photography bookings throughout 2026. This is due to an ongoing back injury that flared up in October last year and hasn't left me alone since! It has significantly affected my day to day life and despite exacerbating all of the conservative options, I am still no better and as with many health related conditions, my last option is spinal surgery. With that coming up in the first part of the year and the recovery taking the best part of 6 months, it makes sense to step away for a short while.
Photography has never been 'just a job' for me and I somewhat fell into the role whilst on maternity leave with my first daughter, Margot. I just loved capturing her, our family and my friends with their little ones. I pour my whole heart into my sessions with you guys and constantly ask myself how I would like to be captured with my family. And, that means getting down to the level of little ones, moving constantly, and joining in the running races whilst being fully present with you all and keeping the conversation flowing. With the thrum of pain constantly in the background at the moment - I can't do all of the aforementioned and it doesn't align with my business values to have clients invest in precious photos where I can't give it my all.
I am also very grateful that I am able to momentarily step away from this business and role and whilst it feels hugely scary - like there will be a huge absence of work when I return, I am sure I will build the business up again, session by session. I am truly grateful for the support so many of you have already shown me over the past 3 months. It means more than you know! Sometimes it is in my personality to push through and keep on keeping on but this time, I need to listen to my body and repair the right way as to not land back here again.
What this means for 2026:
- I won't be taking on any new photography bookings for the best part of 2026
- Existing sessions have been contacted and alternative plans made
- I'll be focusing on the surgery, recovery and rehab
I want to say a huge thank you to all of my clients over the past 5 years who have trusted me with their photo sessions. To reiterate, your support, kindness and understanding mean so much to me and what I have been able to build in this little corner of the world.
I'll still be sharing here and there on Instagram but it's likely you will be seeing more of me and my family. If you'd like to stay in the loop about bookings and when I am returning, Instagram will be the first place you will hear of it!
Warmly,
Elli
