MENDHI

Sometimes I have to stop and think about how lucky I am to be doing what I am doing. I don't think that I'm in any rush to get back to my old public sector job lol.

I get to go out and photograph weddings. One of the most joyous days in someones life. I get to see all those little moments of happiness and pure joy. I'm lucky enough to work in an environment in which every ones actually happy to be there not going through the motions of life.

I have to say Muslim weddings no doubt are my favorites with their traditions, vibrant colours and costumes. I especially like being asked to do Mendhi pictures as well. Mendhi for those of you that don't know is an evening of singing, talking, food and presents prior to the Nikkah (wedding) Its almost the equivalent to a hens night but with out the wild drinking and strippers!! This is also the night when Mendhi (hennah) is applied to the brides hands and feet. This is a tradition found in most arab/asian weddings. I particularly love the look of brides when they have had their hennah done. The patterns and the symmetry are amazing.

Below are a few shots of a Mendhi that I did last week for a wonderful young woman called Sumeria.
I hop you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them x

Application of henna

The finished hand

The colour is begining to set underneath

part of the Mendhi custom, oil, bangle and sweet

Mendhi presents

Mendhi

The finished arm

Work

Last few days have been a bit of a whirlwind. After the quietness of Ramadan its a relief. Even though I understand that the majority of my clients are Muslim and will not even be thinking of photography during this period, it's still scary when your phone is quiet and your email inbox empty.

Working for yourself in this kind of industry isn't like working a 9-5. It's a constant hustle...a constant worry of when the next jobs coming in and if you can cover your costs this month.
So needless to say I am now feeling a bit more settled. Since Eid I have done a whole wedding package including Henna/wedding/Walima, I have also done some product photography and am currently negotiating another 3 weddings for October.
On top of this I have also found out that I will be off to France in two weeks to photograph another wedding in the french Alps.

So I guess what I am trying to say is when working for yourself never get too disheartened Times may go quiet but you never know what's around the corner. Keep your head up, spirits high and keep persevering. It will all be worth it in the end. xx