About Me
I am a child/ teenager photographer and owner of Frank & Bloom but who am I really?
I love being around people yet need my own space too. I’m keenly interested in other people’s lives, thoughts and feelings and sensitive to other people’s emotions. I am an introvert but not shy with it. I listen more than I talk, and I recharge by being on my own (usually editing!). I’m also a perfectionist when it comes to editing, I am a bit of a geek and I love technology!
I love nature, sunrises and sunsets. Dusk is my favourite time of the day. I worry about our planet and I try to be as eco-friendly as possible. I wear the first thing I see in my chest of drawers. I love dressing up when I’m in the mood – hair, makeup, nails, but when I am not I am comfortable being scruffy!
I have a son who I love too much and an amazingly supportive fiancé. I love animals and I have one cat who has diabetes and she follows me everywhere.
I love tea!
#This is me
Why I set up Frank & Bloom
Growing up as a girl felt like a minefield for me as I’m sure it is for many. Dealing with the highs and lows of adolescence, school, hormones and the need to fit in with my peers was very challenging. I remember every part of it. It was one of the most confusing, overwhelming and upsetting, but also fun times of my life.
My wider family were very close and there were many strong female figures throughout – Mum, Gran, aunties, great aunties, first and second cousins. Naturally my kind, positive and supportive mum was a primary influence on me. I was always encouraged to express myself, whether happy or sad and I felt free to be myself around her. I never felt forced to do anything I didn’t want to. I cannot remember ever being criticized and was continuously encouraged that I could do anything I set my mind to.
Why Frank & Bloom?
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My late, sweet and funny, free-spirited gran taught me one of the most memorable lessons of all – “No one is watching you as much as you think they are. People are too pre-occupied with themselves and their own lives to give you much of a thought. Not everyone’s going to like you in life either Jo and that’s OK” she said, and it is!
So, pull funny faces, ride on your bike down hills with your legs out yelling weeeee, do silly dances, sing whenever you feel like it.
In an abstract way, Frank & Bloom is a manifestation of my mum’s and gran’s guiding philosophies. If a girl can experience a sense of liberation by others celebrating and encouraging her to simply be herself, then I sincerely hope that the Frank & Bloom photoshoot experience can play some measurable part in that.
Feedback from clients
"Jo finds out what the girl is actually about and then photographs them in their element, capturing the character of them, rather than just making it about 'prettying' them up. As you can see and hopefully what our girls will see is the energy within us all and the inner light that is in itself more beautiful and powerful than any magazine cover or Barbie doll.”
”Melanie
“Jo did a shoot for my daughter who has zero confidence in herself, but right from the start Jo put her at ease, taking her through the shoot stage by stage. By the end of the day she was buzzing. As for the photos, all I can say is "stunning" and the action shots blew me away! Anya loved all of them, especially the ones of her and her mog. If you want a photographer that captures truly amazing photos and is able to put the child at ease from the start, you won't find better.”
”Heidi
“Lily is undeniably IN these pictures; beyond just being beautiful but being HER. It is so refreshing to see photos of her that aren't pouting or posing and I love that now and in the future she will be able to see her 16 year old self fully open and free. We all felt instantly comfortable and at ease with you which meant we were able to truly enjoy the experience as a whole without any kind of pretence.”
”Melanie
“Jo is an absolute natural with kids and has a natural affinity with them. She manages to make them feel extremely comfortable in no time, and they tend to fall in love with her due to her easy-going, fun, friendly and motherly nature, which makes them feel relaxed and ensures they forget there’s a camera there. This relaxing situation enables Jo to capture your child’s true and beautiful essence."
”Roda
"I felt more myself & comfortable knowing you already knew a lot about me. The photos have really boosted my confidence about myself because it shows the ‘real me!"
”Eloise, 13
"Amelie absolutely loved doing the shoot and she wanted to go back and do it all again! You ‘saw’ Amelie for who she actually was and recorded her personality in a completely natural environment.”
”Kellie
"I cannot help but smile every time I catch a glimpse of one of the photos as they seem to perfectly capture my daughter’s cheeky, beautiful and funny soul in every picture! I love every single photo and I’m already planning to book in my youngest daughter next. Jo, thank you for a gorgeous afternoon and the most beautiful pictures of Imani.”
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