Review of 2020 and what I've learned
I am slightly overdue with this annual post where I review my work for the year... But it's finally here!
'Wow, what a year' we all shall say. Yeah, maybe it hasn't been the most usual year. Not the year that we all expected or a year like we are used to. But actually, when I come to think about it, because of its challenges, 2020 has been a year of looking after ourselves (where we have been spending more time doing the things that make us happy/working on our wellbeing/enjoying doing things we do not usually have time for) and a year adapting to a new living (changing the way we work/shop/go about our daily lives).
All I wanted to say is that I totally feel blessed this year went the way it did because it feels like I may have been living with my eyes shut, not realising the one simple thing: life is to enjoy. And the changes aren't difficult to make, especially if it is for your own good, you have to sometimes be selfish and remember to put yourself first. This doesn't just include physical things, but also our emotions and feelings. Yes, treat yourself to that nice coffee machine, but also remember to go for a walk and exercise daily - a few things that worked for me and gave me joy.
Although the time I spent on my own in the first lockdown was indeed confusing and challenging (eg. my usual routine would include maybe 2-3 days off a month and here I was, in the first national lockdown told to self-isolate without any plans or a slight idea of what to do), this is exactly where I learned to look after myself and myself only. I started to do self-shoots, the stuff I really wanted to try out but never had time. I took my time, I didn't rush through my days to get x, y and z tasks done. No pressure. I uploaded a few of my own shoots on Instagram, I started sharing how I feel and you guys seemed to love it. I also particularly enjoyed sharing the joy and post motivational things, being myself and being funny (like joining OnlyFans and regularly posting on TikTok).
I am sure that everyone's 2020 journey has been different. I am a hyperactive person and cannot usually sit still for a moment, so do not compare yourself to me, everyone finds joy in different things. My point is that, on a big scale of things, no one can take the joy out of our hands and cancel that.
In terms of adapting to a new way of living, I do not just mean getting used to carrying and remembering a facemask with you. I mean how we improved our ways of everyday life and changed them. In photography terms for me, it was the case of making the most out of the facilities I have at home and around me. Either self-shooting, remote shoots, or even the commercial and professional published shoots (Beauty in Bloom, We Live in It, When I Pink of You, Campaign for Dutch Courage Lingerie) - all from my own little space. I honestly did not know there are so many things that can be done from home, and I do not think I would have ever learned that without this forceful challenge of 2020.
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| photography by Ian Wallace for Dutch Courage Lingerie |
Of course, I did not travel around the UK as much this year. Most of the work that is featured in this post is either shot at home/in the streets of Sheffield or before the pandemic. Nonetheless, I loved the variety of styles I was able to produce and photographers I got to work with.
Let's get down to it.... here are my top 9 posts from Instagram based on your likes. A nice mixture of portraits, lingerie and some art nude. You guys definitely have got a great taste! I also like how there is both old hairstyle here and new, with 3rd most liked image being the one I just uploaded on Christmas day featuring my blond flocks.
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photography by Nick Lee, harvsphotography, self-shot, Black Lion246, Erotic Pixel, Mat Robinson, Bartley and Ian Wallace |
Excuse me, what?! How many likes? I am absolutely thrilled with the support I had this year.
This year, you also have witnessed me hitting 1k uploads in total. I am so glad I was able to provide you with at least one upload a day regardless of the shooting limitations.
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| photography by Shehan |
Next, I also wanted to include MY favourite photos of the year. Some much newer than others, but the most memorable shoots of the year. I was actually really struggling with picking just 9 and after splitting lots of hairs this was my final decision:
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| photography by PWR Media, Phil at the Boardroom Studio, Andy James, Ian Wallace at the Two Wei, Yves Photog, Nick Lee and Gwvis. |
None of this would be fair without an honourable mention of Shehan's work. Instantly recognisable, colourful and vintage-inspired. Shehan and I met for the first time this year I believe maybe March time... how lucky I am to have a local talent like this who can put up with me and shoot me so different every time? Shehan is just incredible. Here are my top 9 by him, check them out:
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| photography by Shehan |
And lastly... you may think I am an absolute saddo when I get excited seeing another image of mine as an FPI on PurplePort. Well, I pride that my work gets recognised, and even more so that it is recognised in the year when it was so challenging to produce it. This year brought me 21 more FPI's and I really hope I will be seen on it again in 2021.
Well, that seems to be everything for the year 2020! If you are interested in reading reviews of my previous years, click on the following year and it will take you to the right page of my blog:
Thank you tremendously for reading my blog and for being here for me this year. I hope you enjoyed it! See you here in the next year x
