I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - It’s easier telling other people’s stories than my own, and I’m not a huge fan of end of year reflections. Mostly, because I’m always busy DOING, rather than taking the time to reflect on what’s been and plan for what’s ahead. 


It’s always worked fine for me, but I am TRYING to slow down a bit, and this year I’ve managed to carve out more time for myself, even if the diary then gets filled with trips, kid activities, plans and gigs. But I am really looking forward to a quieter January/February, with time for the gym, some online business development and some home decorating (we’ve only lived here 4.5 years so far...)


And perhaps I need to keep a tighter hold of my diary (nah, sod it) because I accidentally photographed more weddings than expected this year! I think this comes down to an overall shift in the market, with couples not taking as long planning their wedding as they did even a few years ago. The pandemic certainly changed things, with couples feeling less pressure to have the BIG DAY and instead having wedding days with less guests, or venues off the beaten track. I used to be booked around 1.5 years in advance as standard by couples, now I can receive bookings only 3 months ahead of the wedding date. And don’t get me wrong, I would still recommend couples get their key suppliers booked in asap, especially if you’re planning a bigger wedding at a popular venue and have specific suppliers in mind. But hey, as long as I’m available, I’m totally OK with a last minute booking… and secretly quite like the spontaneity!


But anyhoo, that’s enough naval gazing from me, so have some random stats instead! 


Scenic panoramic view of rugged Scottish highlands with rolling hills and moody overcast skies.

In 2025 there’s been…

32… Weddings photographed, with 1,000s and 1,000s of big and tiny moments captured to live on in photos & memories.


A group of white pigs lying in green grass on a cloudy day.
A couple shares a joyful moment while sitting on an elegant red couch in a dimly lit room with vintage decor.
Black and white wedding photograph series showing bridal bouquets with white flowers and elegant floral arrangements.
Someone in an elegant white wedding gown poses gracefully on a large outdoor trampoline surrounded by autumn trees.
A couple shares a romantic moment at their Scottish Highland wedding with snow-capped mountains and a lake in the background.
A scenic coastal landscape featuring ancient stone castle ruins overlooking a tranquil bay in Scotland.
Silhouettes of a couple walking on a cracked desert landscape at sunset with mountains in the distance.
Person in suit walks across green field with orange smoke flare creating dramatic effect in cloudy weather.
A couple shares playful moments during their coastal wedding photoshoot on rugged rocky terrain under moody skies.
A couple in wedding attire share intimate moments while taking selfies with a phone during their celebration.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic moment on a serene beach with blue skies and calm waters.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a rugged mountainside during a cloudy day with dramatic scenery.
A group of people gather in a rural field during autumn with vehicles parked nearby and bare trees in the background.
A couple in wedding attire dances playfully along a wooded autumn path surrounded by fall foliage.

1…. Festival goal achieved! My band, Strange Weather, performed in the sunshine on the Free Range Folk stage at Belladrum festival to a good crowd, whilst my daughter and her friends literally rolled around in the hay in front of the stage. It was a lot of fun, and I had my Chuffty Badge on for the rest of the festival.

Three people pose together at an outdoor concert venue with a stage and musicians visible in the background.
A person in a teal shirt sits in a large outdoor sandbox filled with golden sand while others play in the background.

20… Giant pots of homemade lentil soup made. Or a lot anyway. My 7 year old tells me I make the “bestest lentil soup in the world” and, as it’s one of the few things I cook that she eats delightedly, it gets made a lot.


1…. Magazine front cover & main feature, with our gorgeous bridal collaborative-shoot at Estate of Ord headlining the Wed in the Highlands’ 2025 edition.

A bride in a flowing white wedding dress twirls against the backdrop of a traditional Scottish Highlands manor house.

€50m…. spent at Center Parks Ireland. Or at least it felt like that. Seriously, only go if you’re happy hemorrhaging money throughout your trip :-/

Group enjoying a boat ride on a sunny day with blue skies and scenic views.

30….. Properties photographed for architects and commercial clients, taking me all round the North & West Coasts of Scotland.


10…. Trips to Culloden House Hotel to document its beautiful renovation this year.


1015.... silly/funny/absurd things I've said to make a client relax and laugh during photos 

A panoramic view of a historic Georgian manor house with ivy-covered walls and manicured lawns under a blue sky.
Professional photographers with cameras capturing evening event photos at an outdoor venue during twilight.

1…. New band-mate acquired. In November, we welcome guitarist Rob Ross to Strange Weather and it’s sounding great.


2… Shiny, sexy new cameras bought! I upgraded my equipment, shifting entirely back to Canon after a brief tryst with Sony.


40… trips around the sun complete 😁 + 1 Massive blow-out party.


30+ ...... audiobooks listened to whilst working.

Recommendations from 2025 would be: ‘Here One Moment’ by Liane Moriarty, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens, ‘Strong Female Character’ by Fern Brady, ‘The Seven Lives of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid and ‘Frankie’ by Graham Norton.

A black and pink gothic-themed birthday cake with spiral decorations and ornate details illuminated by red lighting.
A collection of book covers arranged in a grid showing various titles from 2025 reading list including fiction and non-fiction works.

30… Commercial jobs completed, including work for Diageo, Mikeysline, a new Pet Crematorium, Colin Campbell Jewellers, Highlife Highland, the National Trust for Scotland and loads of other really interesting companies, SMEs and sole traders.

Professional business office entrance with stone facade and glass door in natural daylight.
Black and white close-up sequence showing hands rolling a cigarette with tobacco and paper in five steps.
People observing and pointing at something in the distance from a boat on a sunny day at sea.
Panoramic view of rustic stone cottages nestled in rolling green countryside with blue sky and scattered clouds above.
Delicate dried flower stems with tiny white blooms against a warm orange background.
Silver wedding rings photographed in detail on a dark textured metal surface.
A bartender in red pours whiskey samples for a tasting flight with multiple bottles displayed on shelves.
Party guests laugh and smile while enjoying drinks and conversation at a festive indoor gathering.
Elegant plated dish with shrimp, vibrant green sauce, granola topping and pink edible flowers on a ceramic plate.
A playful Yorkshire terrier lying on hardwood flooring with various happy expressions.
Two people sit on opposite sides of a table looking at their mobile phones while having coffee together.
A panoramic collage of spring garden scenes showing bluebells, trees, and residential buildings in natural sunlight.
A woman in a black sweater smiles and poses in a bright interior space with hanging pendant lights and ornate decor.
Group of healthcare professionals in white uniforms sitting and standing together in a modern office setting.
Colorful bunting flags hang above a display of white t-shirts with retro-style text designs at a merchandise booth.
Visitors explore ancient stone ruins along a winding path through historic archaeological site in Scotland.
Rustic dining room with exposed wooden beams, stone walls, hardwood floors and a colorful oriental rug under a long table.
A group poses behind vibrant pink and purple lupine flowers blooming in a garden setting.
Modern red shipping container building with large windows sits on a grassy hill under blue skies with wispy clouds.
Guests celebrate at a lively indoor party with colorful bunting decorations and tables set for dining.
Professional woman in a beige blazer gestures animatedly while standing in front of modern artwork and leather couch.
A chocolate Labrador retriever lounges comfortably on a beige couch next to someone wearing a green sweater.
Close-up view of hands using precision tweezers to handle small components in jewelry making or repair work.
A black and white collage showing people walking down ornate white stairs in formal attire.
Modern black and white barn conversion with sleek metal roofing and large windows nestled in rural countryside setting.
A person in a navy shirt sits at a desk with a computer setup and lamp, shown from different angles in a tiled view.
Elegant gold and silver jewelry pieces including rings and necklaces displayed on white ceramic holders.
Close-up view of a soldering iron tip heating up electronic components on a circuit board.
People gather along a rocky coastline watching seals swim and play in the ocean waters.
Elegant plated dish featuring sliced bread, citrus segments, and a sauce garnished with microgreens on white porcelain.
Modern loft apartment with skylights, hardwood floors, and round gray seating cushions arranged in an open floor plan.
A professional workspace featuring a desk with a laptop, business cards, and a dog resting nearby.
Five people sit together on a beige couch wearing colorful outfits including green, white, olive, pink and blue clothing.
Co-op convenience store exterior and parking lot with shopping carts visible under cloudy skies.
Person in brown sweater and black pants leaning on white decorative railing at sunset with orange sky in background.
Siamese cat lounging on a grey couch in a cozy living room setting.
Modern hospital room with multiple patient beds, medical equipment, and large windows providing natural light.

8….inches my hair has grown this year, so I can get 10”-12” chopped off soon for The Little Princess Trust! ARGH!


8… bras I bought and subsequently hated. Are they the bane of my life? Maybe.


1… Completely surprise wedding… the couple’s family though they were gathering for Carrie’s 40th birthday, only for a newly married bride & groom to pull up at the party!


0… months late submitting my books to my accountants, for a change…


14th....pint of blood donated to the NHS


6+....Times I soaked myself lying on beaches or leaning into hedges or wading into the sea to 'get the shot'

People and dogs enjoy a sunny day at a scenic beach with blue water and rocky coastline in the background.

Evenings I worked until after midnight – far too many, but my brain works so much better at night.

Time spent with friends – not enough.

I'll try to redress the balance a bit more again in 2026! :-D


And finally, my Dad taught me to be generous with what I am lucky enough to have – so I try to channel as much as I can into causes that are important to me. And in a year that has filled my feeds with heartbreak and injustice on such a huge scale, it has not been difficult to find worthy causes. If you have a few extra pennies and want to help, then some of these include:


My Voice My Choice, protecting women’s rights across Europe.

World Food Programme –food & care for Palestine.

AKT - helping find safe homes for LGBTQ+ young people who would otherwise be left to sleep rough.

Amnesty International – Supporting Human Rights across the world.

SNAP – Special Needs Action Project - improving the lives of young people with additional needs in the Highlands.



Take care, and I can't wait to meet more of you in 2026!
Alison xx
A joyful couple walks together outdoors by a waterfront on their wedding day in black and white.
Frozen water droplets cling to bare tree branches with green leaves in a cold winter morning.
A romantic garden scene with stone pillars and lush greenery creates a magical outdoor setting for a special moment.
A family takes a sunny outdoor selfie together against a bright blue sky on a windy day.
Children in red uniforms run and play together on a grassy field during an outdoor activity.
Wedding reception dance floor with guests celebrating under draped white fabric ceiling and warm lighting.
Wedding guests gather outdoors for drinks and celebration at a rustic venue with slate roof buildings.
A festive birthday party table with a decorated cake, grapes, and snacks laid out on a wooden deck.
Scenic mountain landscape with small white houses nestled at the base of rugged brown cliffs in rural Scotland.
Family group poses together in casual attire against cloudy sky in outdoor field setting.
People dancing and celebrating at a lively nighttime party with glowing lights and energetic atmosphere.
Close-up of hands wearing wedding rings during a romantic moment at a wedding ceremony.
People splash and jump through puddles on a wet path near a scenic mountain landscape.
A group of people jumping and posing playfully on a path outdoors with cloudy skies overhead.
Black and white photo of people lying on the floor in a circular formation with their heads together.
A group of people laugh together while sitting in an audience during an event.
A photographer with professional camera equipment poses with three others in front of a rocky cliff face outdoors.
Two singers perform together outdoors under a canopy tent with microphones and music stands in a wooded setting.
A sequence of photos showing a sheep curiously approaching and investigating a photographer lying in a green pasture.
A flowing white dress twirls dramatically against the backdrop of a traditional white stone house.