My name is Sarah Thomas ... very pleased to meet you.

This is a very brave post for me. I’ve been thinking long and hard about this blog of late and have decided that I would really like to open up and express more about me and my life – what goes on behind the camera not just the images I create. You may consider this a little egotistical but - no. Firstly I am anything but egotistical (more on this later) but I think that this whole photography game is more than taking pictures. People trust in me to capture images of their loved ones – they are not going to pick just anyone (I sure wouldn’t) and I want to be able to show a bit more about who I am so people can make a more informed decision – you may hate me but at least we’ve got that out of the way first and you can move on! I also want to dispel the myth that this is a glamorous game. Some photographers build up these uber persona’s – like mini celebrities. Trust me readers … this just aint me. I am Mrs. Normal from Normal Town.

Problem is this dear friends … in order to properly introduce myself to you I will have to show you pictures of me. I hate pictures of me. Truthfully I despise every picture that has ever been taken. All I ever see is those extra few wrinkles that have popped out of nowhere, the fact that I really should not have indulged in that extra chocolate biscuit, that nasty crease in my forehead that is looking more and more like a bottom every day, the fact that I’m not girly and have capable hands … I could go on but I think you get the picture. Also figuring out just who you are is hard. Have you ever tried? What makes you tick? Try it – honestly it’s tough. I’ve been going through lots of changes recently in my life and I’m not completely sure I’ve figured it out yet but putting it down on paper might just be a good start.

For this project I wanted to get some pictures that were just me. No frills, no special Photoshop treatments – pure and simple. Well that sums me up really. I called upon my very good friend Kate Griffin. I love Kate so much. We met online some years ago and I was romanced by her clever wit and amazing literary talents – oh and she can take a cracking picture too. You have to visit her website – no, no, no – visit her blog. It’s totally marvellous. Her way with words is spectacular and I challenge you not to smile or even shed a tear at her posts. Magic! When I found out she was travelling to Wales from her home in Surrey a few weeks back, I was just a bit excited!! I actually did a little dance - really, I did!

The Venue? Hay-on-Wye. Nestled on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park this is a real gem of a place. If you like books then you will be in heaven (Kate was!). If you like to pootle around lovely little gift shops selling lots of things you just don’t need then you just might explode with joy (I nearly did!). Watching Kate as she picked out little pockets of light and experiencing, first hand all of her clever tricks was priceless. Thank you Kate – I know I was a nightmare.

Right so let’s get on with this. Exactly who is Sarah Thomas. Well …



Firstly, I get excited very easily and when I do I talk! Oh, I talk lots and I talk fast. I also do this when I am nervous. This can often result in me saying things without thinking. This can be just a bit of an issue.



Secondly, I get bored ... quickly. My mind flits from one thing to another and I do things on impulse often. I think this is a creative mind thing - or that's my excuse anyway. This impulsive behaviour can often result in expensive purchases of camera equipment. Hang on … is that the UPS man I can hear knocking on the door – oops.



Thirdly ... I’m not shy, not really. Not when I’m faced with a situation that makes me feel confident. Photo shoots bring out the best in me. I don’t seem to have any insecurities – I go for it. Some customers have thought me a little mad but I figure if I get the results ...



Next ... I’m nice. Yes, really I am. It's not necessarily a good thing. I’m too nice. I like people – simple. I will talk to anyone and often do. I like to be liked and I hate to disappoint or purposely upset people.



And finally – well I’m just normal. Your everyday woman of a certain age (we don’t talk about the birthday looming next year!) who loves her boys more than life itself. Someone who feels blessed to be making a living out of something she whole heartedly loves to do. I’m messy, insecure, excitable, frivolous and at times loud but I’m happy and I’m loved.



Thank you for indulging me in my adhoc mini therapy session. My name is Sarah Thomas ... very pleased to meet you.



Kate Griffin Photography on Facebook

Kate Griffin Photography Website

Kate Griffin Photography Blog