A visual narrative with written word of Jane's Growing Garden Allotment, in Stone, Staffordshire, a naturalistic, organic, no-dig allotment with a delightful story, that I felt compelled to share.
A different perspective to the garden photography arena
As a former fashion-led, luxury fine art wedding photographer, Gina's aim is to bring an exciting and unique perspective to the gardening arena with her understanding of natural light photography, capturing luminous, unforced, and beautiful personal branding narratives on traditional rolls of film.
During the Pandemic, I stayed in to protect my vulnerable husband. With not venturing out of the house for 18 months, in fear of the world, I turned to growing micro-greens. My morning ritual was a time for reflection with a cuppa in hand, whilst nurturing the little-shoots, and noticing the hope that they brought me. This soon led to me growing edibles in my garden, and immersing in nature in nearby parkland with my camera.
As my mental health improved, I visited, and photographed a friend's 'garden for nature'. The ritual of sitting amongst the tall swaying grasses, observing nature, light and the overwhelming feeling of peace, I soon realised that being in gardens, and photographing them, was what I wanted to do.
A few months later, after missing peoples stories in my work, I repositioned myself as a personal branding storytelling photographer for niche talents in both the garden and the creative industries.
What is Personal Branding Photography?!
I help garden, and creative talents to create a visual aesthetic that tells the story of their business through a mixture of stylised and candid captures, for a window into their world, showing what makes them special.
My work helps discerning businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace to help potential customers connect with them and their brand. My work helps to build trust with consumers, and why they should invest in a business as an individual; through a collaboration exercising visual flair that highlights a business owner's personality, lifestyle choices, values, and so much more. Whether you are looking to show behind the scenes stills or the products and services you provide, or the whole story, I can add a touch of magic to your existing marketing visuals.
A beautifully realistic reflection of allotment life
During the early months of Autumn I photographed Jane Kelly of Jane’s Growing Garden allotment in the market town of Stone. Jane wiles away her days nurturing and harvesting the fruits of her labour, videoing her discoveries, plus learning, whilst sharing her time with chickens and Rocky the dog.
Jane’s allotment is a complete reflection of her. You will not see a beautifully manicured space, but a realistically relaxed reflection of allotment life. Insect-riddled apples stay where they fall as offerings to nature, whilst randomly planted trees and archways add height and intrigue as they obscure the eye. Flower beds soften pathways as they spill and sprawl, and chickens cluck as they roam about, receiving the occasional cuddle from Jane.
Toward the end of the day, as dappled light fills Jane's space, she is reflective. With a coffee close by, Jane cuddles her chickens, and looks across to the neighbouring allotments. There is a strong sense of pride and community here.
The beautiful stories that I love to tell
I typically love to work with garden industry talents, such as gardeners, garden designers, flower growers, writers, journalists, authors, and social media influencers, that appreciate the value of putting a face to their business, and telling their story through storytelling branding photography. This typically encompasses business portraits, portraits that showcase their personality, photos of them in the workplace, behind the scenes, images that portray their values, lifestyle choices, the clothes they wear, down to their favourite daily cuppa.
What Jane's Garden allotment means to her
Gardening organically was less of a decision but more of an extension of my relationship with nature. Whereas it would be nice to have a quick fix to eliminate problems, I’m confident enough to know that, given a little support, the garden will sort itself out. Blackfly on the broad beans are enjoyed by the ladybirds, and frogs help to keep the slug population to a minimum. I’m acutely aware of the balance. For this reason my planting and layout encourages wildlife to visit so that I can replicate, as much as possible, an environment where things can thrive.
Sitting at the top table allows me to just ‘be’. Listening to the birds busying themselves in the fruit trees above - or observing the chickens as they quietly purr together in dust baths. The pond entertains with the buzz of industrious insects and the occasional glimpse of the many frogs that have made it their home.
The reality of allotment gardening
Of course, this otherwise serene spot comes with its own pitfalls. Autumn sees the trees catapulting many of their apples downwards – narrowly missing the ears of unexpected people below!
Sharing my space with natural visitors (?) even enhances jobs such as weeding. More often than not the satisfaction of excavating a whole, unbroken root will be accompanied by an apology to an unsuspecting worm, as I carefully relocate it to a more sheltered spot.
I hope that my videos share the reality of having a growing area. They show not just the highs, but also the lows. By documenting the journey – from a bare, arid piece of land to what it has become today - allows me to look back with a sense of pride and, hopefully, show the viewer that anything is possible. Be true to yourself and satisfaction will follow.
Thank You
to Jane for being an absolute joy to work with, and to
Chrissie at Staffordshire Living
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