I invite you to follow me in a intimate journey in 2013 where I will open the gates of my personal world to you. I will show you not only my day to day work but my personal projects and how I operate hoping to inspire you to be curious and explore your inner world too. As you probably know photography for me is primarily a tool to celebrate life. But how this came about? When I started photography almost 20 years ago my camera was a tool of discovery and became almost instantly the extension of my eyes. It gave me the possibility to research my long time curiosity: “Who or what are we as human beings?” What is hidden within this body? Will I ever been able to touch this delicate soul? How could I capture it?

Since inception, my search has always been to reach the core of who we are.

I became my first subject to explore… my eternal companion

Through trials and errors I accidentally discovered multiple exposures and decided to give it a try. It was love at first sight.

The multi layered image seems to me to be more realistic in a way as it uncovers the multiple layers of our inner world.

Multiple exposures is so easy and fun to experiment with a digital camera. Most new models have this setting in their menu. But you might have to look for it as it is not always obvious. I invite you to try it out. It’s great fun and you are most likely to be blown away with your results. It takes some practice if you have a particular idea in mind but if I were to start I would only go with the instinct. A fun way to experiment at home for example is to take your pet’s portrait & then put yours on top, a blast!

Feel free to post your results on my facebook page to explore your vision. Have fun.

One often is overwhelmed with joy and surprise when a newborn appears in a room. They have secret ways to attract our attention and we love them for it. As parents we wish we could spend every seconds with them to follow their journey of discovery. Every day something changes: a new sound, a new wink, a new cuddle… Each day brings its challenges and wish for them to develop as best they can. They also remind us that we have come a long way and that the simplest gesture is what we most need: love and care.

Here we have Hugo a very fun little puppet that had no problem with the camera. He seemed to enjoy very much our 2 hours together. He is gorgeous as their parents are.

I was very happy to be reunited with Isabelle and Stuart to celebrate their first child Hugo the sweetie pie. It’s always a great pleasure to see the blossom of ones union. I feel particularly touched as I photographed their beautiful wedding in the summer of 2009.

For family & friends, the full session is available clicking this link: Hugo’s private gallery

Every moment encapsulates a precious treasure that we wish to hold and remember for ever. In our busy lives, lets not forget to take the time to appreciate and be in the moment. Thankfully, photography has the special gift to capture all these great treasures. So if you feel it has been too long since you have taken a pause and you wish to take some time to remember or want to gift someone that chance, get in touch, contact me, and will create joyful memories that will transcend time. Much Love x

Let yourself being taken by the depth…

At the moment I’m working on a very interesting project very close to my heart. I am capturing and participating in the emergence of a new community in Ibiza: Can Be. A space to get closer to yourself and let yourself be who you really are. All done in simple ways through yoga, music, healing & the arts.

Look no further if you’re in need of expanding yourself & explore life to the full. You Can Be…

Last year I discovered a new island Ibiza. To my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it. I knew Ibiza only by its raves’ fame & chill out music culture. I had no idea of its magnificent green landscape & its vast array of artistic & multicultural backgrounds. I was charmed.

Many gems are to be found with a little exploration… Here is one I discovered through a dear friend. Her name is Morin Jee, a sound healer & musician. She plays the Sitar & sing divinely. Furthermore she also works with elder, sick people and children in need. She is the Founder of Samasound Association of Healing Music in Ibiza. Check her newsletter to get to know her and follow her involvement with the community. More importantly listen to her songs and dive within… to be touched by enchantment.

In the early morning we set path to the sea for some photos…

For those who are planning an alternative wedding or spiritual blessing, Morin Jee is the best kept secret. She offers a beautiful and simple ceremony, connecting with nature, silence & music in order to receive a blessing from Life. The ceremony has a duration of approximately 45 min and gives space for speech, exchange of rings, walk to the alter, meditation, singing, music etc. The ceremony is facilitated by Morin Jee and she offers to include one or more of her musical partners.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ‘contacts & booking’

I always find Spring such a boost for the spirit & what a better way to celebrate springtime than with a new baby.

After having such a great time photographing her first bump Clare asked me again to take pictures of her second one. It was so lovely to be again part of her little nest with Trixie who is so much fun. Here you can have a peek at our 1st session when Trixie was still in the belly: http://www.catmonphotography.co.uk/blog/pregnancy/underwater-pregnancy-session-london-lido/

This session was very different from the 1st one as with the addition of a small child the dynamics change. It’s more lively, fast paced & funny

Here are a few images that encapsulate the love, the fun & the caring energy of this beautiful family. Well done to Roy, the dad, who was feeling pretty poorly but still managed to be there and share the moment with us.

And some more underwater images at the London Fields Lido  to mirror Clare’s love of outdoor swimming.

Big congratulations to Clare & Roy & a huge welcome to little Jack xxx

I would like to thank all my brides & grooms from 2011. It was a real pleasure to be part of your world & celebration. You were awesome

Here is a collection of pictures to celebrate 2011 & embrace 2012 with inspiration & love.

My aim is simple & profound: in search of emotions that celebrate love & life.

I’m looking for the real you, the beauty that you hold within your deepest core: your true Self.

I want to give you images that will become treasures to share with your family & friends for years to come. Moments captured that will make you relive each & every emotions to the slightest details, moments in love…

Lets be 2012 the best year, full of intimacy, love, potential, motivations & splendor.

It might have taken Laura and Simon a decade to decide to tie the knot but when they did it was a lavish, elegant affair that entertained friends and family for 3 days.                        In celebration of their life achievements together Laura & Simon created a stylish and relaxed home wedding making use of their everyday work and family locations.

Laura is the proud owner of a beautiful spa resort St Giovanni Terme, Rapolano with terraced natural hot water pools in the middle of a green valley, an estate she created from nothing in the first years of her relationship to Simon. It is no wonder then that the sunset drinks and midnight swimming pre-wedding party took place there at the spa, with guests enjoying a relaxed and playful atmosphere before the big party.

The next day Laura and Simon got married with a private, small service at the Museo Dell’Antica Grancia of the picturesque village of Serre di Rapolano close to where they live. Afterwards they took the close family and friends present at the service for an Italian-style food feast at their favourite local restaurant Il Goccino.

Most of the English friends were staying at Villa Buoninsegna and on the last day Laura, Simon and the rest of the closest Italian friends joined them for a sumptuous lunch buffet and a day of swimming, pool games and a variety of garden activities.                               In the evening, Laura & Simon dressed their home for the wedding party, a large farmhouse sitting at the bottom of a sloping wood, and took charge of every detail. Simon is an Englishman and a writer and since moving to Tuscany has fallen in love with its culinary tradition and become a bit of a master chef himself specialising in creative Italian dishes based on traditional recipes but with a contemporary twist. Despite not having time to actually cook, he personally supervised the wedding dinner & added his own personal touches: alongside the most delicious and refined dishes of the Italian tradition there was also for the delight of his English friends fish & chips and a huge barbecue with a vast selection of meats and vegetables. A sublime mix! Other quirky little details included an ice-cream van, a fire eater, a salumiere (italian old-fashion charcutiere) & a dance floor at the edge of the wood with a huge tree full of hanging lights.

The home garden party was infused with relaxed elegance: silver candelabres on one side and cushions thrown on grass on the other. A chic but informal celebration where all the guests, including the many children, enjoyed a warm, chilled evening and had the time of their life. As you can imagine it lasted till the early hours of the morning.

For anyone organising a wedding in Tuscany, here is the list of Laura & Simon’s suppliers

BOUTIQUE  Dolci Trame in Siena for { SHOES }  Maison Martin Margiela * { DRESS }  Italian Designer Gianluca Capannolo * { FLOWERS } Agrifloor, Siena, +39-(0577)-593615  * { BAND } Ballantines in Arezzo * { ICE CREAM VAN }  Il Preludio * { MEAT }  Sandro Ciofi  “ Antica Salumeria Salvini ”

For friends & family who haven’t had a chance yet to see the 3 days event, you can browse through the different days and order prints here: Laura & Simon’s wedding online gallery on the ‘client area’ on the ‘love page’ of my website. Enjoy

Just a little note to say that no I have not move away from London to a warmer climate or decide to stay in Italy or France after all this lovely weddings abroad. I have just taken a wee-break from blogging as I my little Dylan has taken priority these last few months. Who wouldn’t, he’s so gorgeous!

But here I am back with the spring full of new projects & loads of blogs in the waiting.      2011 is & will be majestic in spreading the love…

ELEGANT & IMAGINATIVE HOME WEDDING IN SOUTH OF FRANCE

Melanie is half English, half French and spent her childhood between France and Japan before moving to England and meeting Tom while traveling Australia. When it came to choosing the theme of their wedding day Melanie and Tom decided to pay tribute to Melanie’s multicultural background and have a West-meets-East ambiance. Merging French natural flair with English humour and an Asian twist Melanie and Tom’s wedding was the most perfect example of a home country wedding. Warm, relaxed, fun yet impeccably stylish. The venue ‘Le Péquelin’ was Melanie’s family home in a small, charming village ‘Le Castera’ near Toulouse, South of France. While the gardens were beautifully lit with Chinese lanterns, the main hall was ingeniously furnished with tables borrowed from the local community hall that had been expertly dressed to match the elegant vintage look of the bridal outfit.  A proper barbecue with a hog roast lent the dinner that little rustic touch that had everyone immediately relaxed and ready for the fun. And fun we had! Melanie and Tom rocked the house until the early hours with all the guests wearing different wigs, from ragamuffin hairpieces to French berets. We all had the time of our life.

To see the full wedding album CLICK HERE

Ludovica e Dario might just be the new Romeo and Juliet with a happy end. Not only did they meet in Shakespearean Verona but, as our classic characters, their love story had to overcome a few obstacles to blossom. As you might know Italy is deeply divided between North and South, both politically and culturally, with nasty feelings sometimes running between Northerners and Southerners. Ludovica is a ballet dancer from Naples, in the deep South of Italy, while Dario is a violinist from a town near industrial Turin, in the North. They met 7 years ago while both working on a production at the world famous Arena Amphitheater in charming Verona and fell in love at once.  Not a year passed by that their baby son Giorgio was on its way to enlarge their little family, already including their two beautiful dogs. Five years on Giorgio is waiting to see his little sister Stella, peacefully waiting in the belly at the time I took these photos. Well, what else can I say? Love conquers it all!