15.03 - This weekend I pulled a load of archive HD’s from the loft to check they worked and I took a trip down memory lane! Some drives mounted/ some did not!) This is a portrait of @jessica__emmett taken in 2015.
13.03 - Our boys.
This project took roughly 6 months. In part due to money but also because we wanted these to last a lifetime and it was important that we invested in the process.
It started with a request from me. 'Boys… for my birthday present can I please take your portraits?' - ’Yes’ they said.
So we set up a mini studio in their bedroom and took some pictures using defused window light. It was fun. I took pictures of the boys and they took some of me! I had an idea in my head and they let me play it out, to the point where they even let me style their hair...
Once we made our shortlist, I approached the amazing @ela.calin.retouch for some help with the retouching. She was brilliant and super helpful. Retouch is a craft and the process was a joy.
For Nicole’s birthday present, we got these two images printed by @peradamprint in Frome (recommended by @tomhullphoto ) - Jennifer brought them to life with proper care and attention.
And lastly, for Christmas, we got them framed by a local studio in Bruton called @dovecotegallerybruton who matched an existing frame style we have in our home.
These images now sit proudly in our lounge. They have so much meaning attached to them. A snap shot of our boys aged 10 and 6.
@tokengerman
Christmas 2025. Friends and family, walks and talks. Food and drink. Blue sky and cold air. Connection and disconnection. Late nights and lazy mornings. The festivities had it all. Now onwards into 2026 we go. @tokengerman
Last weekend, I was invited to capture the Harvest Supper hosted at @thenewtinsomerset in collaboration with Steve and Jules from @horrellandhorrell . It was a beautiful evening set in the abundant estate kitchen garden, serenaded by the stunning @charlotteanneclark and surrounded by the late-summer glow. It was a stunning celebration and a beautiful partnership.
I’m trying to hold onto this holiday, taking the learnings and weaving them into our everyday. @therecreationnation was more than a holiday – it was transformative in a number of ways. It was a rhythm change.
Set within the tree-lined landscape of the Ardèche in France, up a slow, long and winding road, is a converted silk mill that is the home of ReCreatioN. We spent a week nature bathing within a community of like-minded souls. Nothing to distract but the sounds of the river cutting through the valley and the children playing. It was screen-free for the best part of six days.
This post is as much for me as it is for you. And for anyone who feels they might want a little reset.
Justin and Louisa are creating something that feels needed in the world – a space that sits outside of our system. A reminder of what’s important, especially when you have little children. Time is precious and our attention is often stolen from us by busy schedules and iPhones.
Recreation reminded me to slow down. Focus on play. Focus on nature. Focus on being present. I watched Justin teach the kids and saw how they responded. They went into the experience unsure, but connected instantly. They listened intently. They immersed themselves in the experience, and seeing them so content was magic.
Louisa often referred to Recreation as a project. For me it was a space to be challenged, a space to learn and a space to relax. It was grounding, and it was a reset. I came away with a deeper understanding of what is important to me, and I’m excited to return.
I am grateful and proud that we decided to give it a go, and I am I sure that i am a better person from the experience. The seed has been planted and I will continue to grow from our time there.
@theblossomingtable@thedaurats@millmioo #recreationnation #ardeche
