Finding out about Anna Rainbow Photography
Tell us a bit about your business/blog/what you do
In short, I’m an equine and wedding photographer based on the western edge of the South Downs, almost in no man’s land between the borders of Hampshire and West Sussex. I’ve always had a camera in my hand even growing up, taking pictures of my beloved (well most of them were) ponies, their offspring and a whole lot more in between.
Once my friends started getting married, I always took a camera with me, (sometimes because I was asked and others just because) as the days were such fun and I wanted to capture the less formal elements. These are (from experience) the bits the bride and groom missed. Equally I didn’t want to get the wedding photographer’s way and as in those days we were all using 35mm film, there was only so much you could take. For me, I trying to limit myself to two 36 exposure films (oh the joy of digital photography!) I’d then get a double set of images developed and sent to the newly weds in time for their return from honeymoon. Even now in the world of digital photography I spend two-three weeks editing images before giving them to the client and I know I waited a month for mine 25 years ago. The fun of having some informal photos to reminisce over was a nice surprise to come home to.
Move forward 20(ish) years and my hobby has turned into a small business and while it’s not my only business, I use my photography skills as part of my marketing and PR business as well. I love learning and still have plenty I would like to achieve
Why did you decide to come to Style, Skills & Silver?
For lots of reasons, I love the brands that were there – a new convert to HiHo’s gorgeous silver, and what I have I wear every day even when I’m riding. My MacKenzie & George Ledbury belt, not to mention my Fairfax & Favour heeled Regina boots are some of my most loved wearables – my hubby got the biggest kiss when my F&Fs turned up last Christmas
I am also a huge admirer of Sophie and Rachel’s photography. Both inspire me enormously to continue to improve and look at other ways of taking beautiful photographs.
I’m no style guru and tend to wear a very classic, not always inspiring wardrobe. I wanted to see how I could put my clothes to better use – and boy did the style team do all of that. Listening to Karen, Melanie and Harriet has given me all sorts of ideas. I now just need to put my brave pants on to see if I can up the ante a little, but don’t hold your breath
Perhaps the principal reason I came was because I knew it would be a fantastic day – Rhea and Emma are so enthusiastic about everything they do. As a partnership, the work they do, even if in theory Emma is a client of Rhea’s, is lovely to follow and I’ve learnt a lot over the last couple of years since joining the original Small & Supercharged group, which was originally suggested to me by Sophie!
Retrospectively, Ruth’s amazing tea. Turning up late, feeling rubbish and somewhat embarrassed (all of which I will now blame on a massive and continuing bout of fuzzy head syndrome – otherwise known as concussion), Ruth’s tea was some of the best I’ve tasted and so helped me find my feet, even if my head continued to spin for much of the day (it was clearly enjoying its only little disco at my expense)
What did you enjoy the most?
Being completely out of my comfort zone trying to put outfits together in the Style session. I’ve always known you can dress jeans up, but the end results were really great. I’m not sure I added much, but I certainly took away a lot!
Have you/are you planning to use any of the skills you learnt there?
Definitely. I love putting a flatlay together, but now see how much more I can do with what I have. And need to make much more/better use of lighting (my photography nemesis)
Thinking of style, what are your most loved products – what will we always see you in when you’re out and above?
There are a few. As winter is fast approaching, I’m rarely without a cashmere jumper or several (I’m often described as a lizard as always cold). My Schoffel waistcoat and decent wellies (Le Chameau 1927s) are never far away if I’m venturing out, particularly dog walking.
If I really want to be seen and it’s cold, I’ll often mix a bit of Marine style too as have a fab orange and navy Cuba jacket (in fact I should have snuck away with Melanie’s Clifton Cinch belt, it would match perfectly)
Whose style would you like to steal?
I’m not sure I could ‘steal’ anyone’s style in the truest sense, perhaps mainly because right now, I’m feeling particularly old, weak and very feeble!
That said, I’m a country person at heart, so often add a bit of tweed if I’m off out
Having followed some of Karen’s gorgeous posts – call me a stealth follower – I love what she wears and how she puts her outfits together. There’s so much of what she says and does that resonates, I just need to be braver about doing something about my ‘fuddy duddy’ wardrobe!
In a flatlay of your day to day life, which items would we find in there?!
There are 3 elements to me – corporate PR, equestrian and weddings. Listed below is a bit of everything I might include, but necessarily in the same image
Flowers (or part of), something equestrian linked, images I’ve taken, a camera (or two), a coffee mug, note book, multiple coloured pens, iPad, jewellery
Now for the serious stuff…
What’s your favourite type of cake?
Lemon Drizzle – usually made by my daughter
What’s your favourite event – horse trials or other
Definitely horse trials, but I’m becoming a big fan of dressage (even if I’m totally hopeless at it). I’m feeling a little of Dressage Anywhere coming up in 2019
Where can we find you on social media?
https://www.facebook.com/weddingsbyannarainbow/
https://www.facebook.com/annarainbowphotography/
https://www.instagram.com/anna_rainbow_photography/
https://twitter.com/photos_arainbow
Where can we find you online (website addresses)