Thursday 20 September 2018

Rainbow style, confidence blips + disappointing blog shoots


I've had many favourite styles and looks this summer but I think this rainbow overload of an outfit has to be my ultimate. I decided to go all out in my quest to rock the rainbow; Missguided white rainbow stripe shorts, Sunnylife rainbow pool floaty and Skinnydip London rainbow cross body bag. Rainbow on rainbow on rainbow, basically. Orange is a colour I've also been living for this summer and these Quay Australia tropical sunset sunglasses are my sure-fire. The shirred orange boob tube is another Topshop gem, I swear I just seem to shop in Topshop and Missguided these days. I was so happy with how this shoot turned out; the outfit sums up my style perfectly: beach disco meets retro summer camp.



I've had a few disappointing experiences lately when shooting blog photos and even though this has been fairly rubbish and a bit of a knock confidence wise, I thought I'd be honest and share. I loved every minute of getting these photos at the beach, and I'm thrilled with how carefree and confident I felt. But while we were still shooting the photos a girl and her dad swarmed into our view and asked if we were nearly finished. It was obvious they were wanting to shoot photos themselves at our spot, her dad had already approached our corner and I now realise he was probably scoping out the spot they wanted. We hadn't actually finished, but they just stood there waiting and in the end I told them "go ahead, we're finished" because I couldn't relax with them watching us like two eager hawks.
We packed up, me feeling increasingly frustrated and a bit upset, and walked off just as the girl was skipping around in delight, whooping and setting up some tunes. Obviously triumphant that she now had her perfect location, the perfect location we'd been in the middle of using. On reflection I wish we'd stood our ground but I just felt too harassed and awkward to stay. Shortly afterwards I realised how rude it was - there have been frustrating times when I've wanted that "perfect blog shoot spot" but people have been using it already and I'd never have dreamt of interrupting them. The beach we were shooting at is massive, there's space for everyone and they could have easily found another spot - something we've done many a time, or just waited patiently for us to finish without hassling us. 

Shooting at a sunflower field was our next mission for the summer; we'd set a date to travel to one particular field and I couldn't wait. My hairdresser had done my hair ready for the occasion and I'd got an outfit sorted. We'd missed out last year on getting photos in a sunflower field and I'd been keen for years to make it to one. I was eager to get tons of photos for my blog and insta which I was so excited about. On the day we were due to go we checked the website. Due to all the recent rain, the sunflower field had put up an announcement that morning declaring the sunflower fields closed, advising people who wanted to see the sunflowers to come next summer. I was really gutted, it felt like such a blow. I'd wanted to do something magical for the summer, have one really special blog shoot - the sunflower field was going to be that magical place. 




My next attempt to shoot blog photos was also a bit of a downer. A pretty pink sweet shop that I'd been eyeing up for a while. Due to it being centred in a busy high street I always knew shooting there would be a challenge but I didn't think I'd be shaking all over by the time we were finished for a few good reasons. Add in some dickish behaviour from some instagrammers at Peggy Porschen and that completes the final set of frustrations I've had recently in view of my blog shoots. I'll go more in depth about what happened at both these locations in a separate post; there's just too much to say. Disappointment is something I'm trying to channel into determination, I've realised that you just have to charge all your energy into making the next moment and opportunity more magical than the lost chance. Even though i'm sharing a negative aspect of various blog shoots I don't feel regretful as it's so easy to think everyone else's go to plan when in reality I'm sure they don't. 



Often I try and keep my blog a positive, upbeat place but I think sometimes it's OK to vent and get real about negative situations that can get the better of us. If opening up and sharing my heart on this blog has taught me anything this past year it's that my real life experiences; good and bad, can help people out there feel less lonely and more safe and secure.



I really think there's been more of a shift in blogging and social media. People are tired of the "look how amazing my life is" theme complete with designer shopping tags, fake smiles and twirls. They want relatable content, content that doesn't come with a false review or a five star rating. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself but when it comes to blogs I don't want to be sold something, I want to read something - preferably something deep and meaningful. I've realised I want to create content that girlfriends can discuss over coffees in Starbucks, that teenage girls can feel assured by, that young women can feel buoyed up and lifted by. Instead of people reading a blog and thinking "if only my life was that perfect" or "I'll never be able to afford that", I want my readers to come away thinking "Thank God I'm not alone", and "I'm so glad I'm not the only one going through this". At this point in time I'm focusing on raw truth and emotional empowerment.

Since my last post I've thankfully been feeling better in regards to the washed-out hormonal stuff. I'm taking iron tablets and am working on a healthier diet for improvement. Unfortunately just as I started feeling better in that respect, emotion wise I've dipped. The last few weeks have seen lots of highs and lows; I keep breaking down in tears and have been finding it a bit hard to cope with certain situations. Often I'm sensitive, vulnerable and I get hurt easily and quickly. I've felt my confidence crash, and only last night Graham was talking to me about focusing on the positive aspects of my life instead of the negative. He mentioned how I'll let one negative impact the rest of my day, which I know is true. His words struck a chord and I realised I haven't been practising the Law of Attraction at all recently, something which I was really interested in and invested in, something that had really helped keep more of a positive and happy vibe to my life.


I really want to get back into the swing of blogging; I have lots of hot topics to talk to you guys about! Hopefully sharing some of my heart on here can continue to help people ♥︎


🌈🌈🌈

17 comments:

  1. Another Amazing post! It annoys me that some people can be so rude, standing there watching you in an attempt to make you leave. Next time, carry on regardless...you were there first! I love your posts & they already do so much for a lot of people, not just the blogging commmunity. You have that perfect balance of positivity & realism. You have uplifting content which is relatable & true, you say a lot of things that ring bells with how a lot of people feel or have felt about something/experienced x

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  2. "Instead of people reading a blog and thinking "if only my life was that perfect" or "I'll never be able to afford that", I want my readers to come away thinking "Thank God I'm not alone", and "I'm so glad I'm not the only one going through this". At this point in time I'm focusing on raw truth and emotional empowerment." - I love that so much. If you ever wrote a book about your life as a blogger, this should so be the blurb. Sorry, a bit random haha, just really loved the wording and the message. I think it's great that you're being so honest on your blog, I completely agree that there is a shift happening and people are starting to prefer content they can relate to, content that isn't polished. If we are all authentic online, we can change the dynamics of social media. Also, the photos are gorgeous, you look stunning! I'm sorry to hear that this photo shoot turned out to be a bit of a disappointment, they should have just gone somewhere else - like you said, it's a long beach and there is definitely space for everyone. One of my friends swears by the Law of Attraction, I think I need to check it out. I hope you're feeling better soon, remember that it's okay to go through difficult times, no one can be happy 24/7 (another myth pushed by social media). I think realising that you want to pay more attention to the positive things in your life is a great first step. xxx

    113thingstosay.com

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  3. Wow! If I were to tell you how many times I have forgotten to put the SD card back in my camera, or charge my battery once I'm already at the shooting location, you would probably laugh. It broke my heart every time, no joke. I had resort to my iPhone!!!! I think this might help you...which is what I have learned to tell myself every time something doesn't go as planned. "It's all a learning lesson, or it's a learning experience!" In this way I take control of the situation, and feel empowered by the fact that I can do something about it next time, because there is always a next time. It's part of the package of blogging that we love so much. People will do what they're gonna do, but it's how we react to it that will help us in the long run. Also I have been at a public place when others wanted to shoot and it was the beach, a couple and their photographer wanted my spot. What I said to my friend was, we were there first and while I was mindful they were waiting, I also reminded myself that I took the time to get up early and get there in time to get the spot. That helped me to feel free and confident while shooting. We were done in less then 20 mins and I think that was fair enough. Practicing the law of Attraction takes mindfulness to check yourself when your thoughts are going in the negative direction, finding a key phrase to tell yourself to get back on track can be helpful also. I know it's work, I've been doing it since 2011 and I'm just starting to feel like it's part of who I am, like second nature. lol! I think the more you practice the better you will get at it, like anything else. Take care Sophie. Sending you all the positive vibes!

    xoxo,
    Tania
    https://inspiremyfancy.com

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  4. I don't know which i like best ,that cute colourful bag or your pair of shorts,you look amazing in this colourful outfit.


    www.stylenbeautylounge.uk

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  5. Dear Sophie!
    I always love reading your posts and your outfits are so unique, I never see them somewhere else you are really a fashion icon to me! Love the rainbow style it instantly brightens up your mood! Wish you a good Sunday evening!
    x Eva https://nicovabeauty.com

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  6. I am so happy to hear that you are going to be posting more on the blog! Even with all those crappy experiences. I am proud of you! Taking photos in public is tough, and you have some great instagrammable spots which is awesome but also leads to more crowds and thus more people taking pictures and that can be super stressful. Sorry some people can be rude. It is so frustrating and I appreciate you keeping it real. I agree with you. There has been a shift on social media and blogging. The posts people like the most are honest and real life.

    I love this rainbow look. Those shorts are too cute and you pulled all the rainbow detail together like a pro. Love it Sophie! <3

    --Elise
    www.caturdaystyle.com

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  7. Your photos look amazing and I really like your outfit. Also this is great post. I really enjoy reading it. Sometimes I also can't understand how people can be so rude and can't wait that someone else make photo. I always think "You aren't only person on whole world and you need to have respect for others, wait little bit."

    http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com

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  8. Hello gorgeous your images are stunning and so are you. This rainbow colourful beach fun vibes are awesome and I agree with you about writing from your heart, I do the same, my life has not being easy but I try to turn the negative into positive by telling people what I am really telling myself I find that helps me and others. Write what you want be yourself, share experiences that is what makes you and your blog so special xoxo Cris
    https://photosbycris.blogspot.com/2018/09/discovering-albert-park.html

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  9. How indeed rude for them to just stare. I hate when people do that. I mean its a huge beach. -Couldn't they have found a different spot? Damn! I've heard of that cake place in London. It is definitely a favourite Instagram spot for bloggers. Ha! You're a strong person Sophie. Great advice from Graham and definitely something I'm living by. Yes to real blog posts. Ain't nobody got time for perfection and expensive things.
    Great post my dear Sophie. -And you look so pretty. Lovely statement ensemble there. :-)

    https://www.missymayification.co.uk

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  10. I'm sorry to hear some of the shoots you had planned didn't quite worked out, in particular being moved on from the beach spot you had chosen to shoot an outfit at. Sometimes it works out best just to tune out everyone else around you and focus on the end result - getting those killer shots! Although, also totally appreciate this is easier said than done haha. You're looking so fabulous here by the way; it's so lovely that regardless of how you may be feeling, you always show cheery colours and good vibes in your photoshoots. You're a strong woman, babe :) Hope you're having a fantastic week so far!

    aglassofice.com x

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  11. That's so rude! You're definitely not alone in feeling awkward, shy, nervous when people are staring at you. People often don't understand boundaries or have any manners, so I'm sorry that happened to you. It's bad enough when passers by stare at you, but for them to sit there and stare and wait, so rude. Overall though, loving the rainbow vibe. You have a super cute bag there, very fun. You actually remind me a lot of myself when I was a bit younger, which is really warming :) Glad I found your blog! Happy to hear you're getting better too, that's always good news :)

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  12. I think these photos turned out great despite the rude people - teh rainbow vibe is so fun! it's a shame you had so many encounters with rude people and ended up frustrated after just trying to take photos for your blog - it must be so much work trying to find a different place every time and a then to have to deal with frustration when you get there would be so upsetting. I just do my photos in pretty much the same spot every day, I'm in awe of people who can scout out locations!

    Hope that you are having an awesome weekend :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  13. You look fantastic in those rainbow shorts, I love how all your posts are so colourful and amazing. I can't believe that happened to you at the beach though, how very rude of those people, I'd have been very tempted to sit my backside down in the spot and literally sit there all day, people can be so rude.

    Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog

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  14. Quite relatable, i've had similar situations unfortunately. And I have the same thing as you, i always figure out that they were rude and what i should've done, when the situation is over. haha. - If you ever feel sad, anxious: don't hesitate to message me, girl! :).

    ps. You look beautiful in these pics. That rainbow bag is just SO YOU!
    SkeletonWeirdo

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  15. I can't believe how insensitive and thoughtless that girl and her dad were, that is so rude! It can be nerve-racking getting photos in public places at the best of times, and that kind of behaviour really doesn't help. Your shoots always turn out so lovely though! x

    Kate Louise Blogs

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  16. Ah this is absolutely gorgeous - love the look! Love the outfit, it's perfect! It's a shame to hear your story but always think positively and if you ever need anything, we're all here for you!

    Layla x

    https://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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  17. I have brought the wrong lens, forgot the battery and this past FW I left me vlogging camera at work. These photos turned out great. It can be hard to not focus on the negative and more so here in the west I we people have it easy. Be happy for all the great things, being healthy, attractive, having friends...

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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