My proud mum moment... Watching my baby in the nativity

Have you been to see your child in their school play this year? Was it a version of "The Nativity"? I hope you took your camera and didn't have "technical problems" like me.

Today I saw my first nativity starring one of my own children, which may seem strange seeing I have an 8 year old, but his school's usually put on a musical "show" at Christmas, rather than The Nativity. Even if there had been a nativity, my eldest wouldn't have been starring in it, as unlike his mum (I studied performing arts at college, and was fortunate enough to tread the boards of west end stages including the London Palladium, Her Majesty's Theatre, and Saddlers Wells - forgive me for a little trumpet blowing as I relive my youth) the stage doesn't come naturally to him.

My eldest son was offered a line in this years school play and his response to his teacher was "I don't know what you're talking about?" - gotta love him. So, suffice to say, I'm expecting my eldest will stick to mathematics or sport ...but after today's performance, I'm completely sold on the idea that my youngest may follow in my footsteps, maybe the next Hamlet? Because he was the most magnificent, "sheep" I ever did see. Baaaaa.

Honestly though, I think this production put on by his school was nothing short of a masterpiece. The children were phenomenal. The songs were brilliant. The parents clapped and cheered in all the right places - and most importantly, the star that had forgotten how to shine, was shining brightly by the end. Bravo!

The worst thing for me was - I couldn't see my little sheep. I was sitting at the back of the church (Holy Trinity in Bengeo, Hertford - It really was a beautiful location), and as he is tiny and standing at the front he was completely hidden by the pew. After about 10 minutes, I decided I needed to see him, so I snuck down the aisle and sat on the floor in front of a pillar - I received a great big smile when he saw me which completely made my day.

The the second worst thing to happen? My phone stopped recording videos or taking photos because it was FULL! How on earth did I get to the point that my smartphone has literally no capacity left?

I'm sure there is a lesson (or two) in here somewhere - BACK UP YOUR PHOTOS! As it so happens, mine are backed up on google drive, but not on my external hard drive, because, lets face it - it's a faff, so I hadn't deleted all 13000 photographs from my phone - Oops.

Second lesson? WHY DIDN'T I BRING MY REAL CAMERA? I mean come on - I'm a photographer and have all the kit, I shoot these sort of events for a living - what a rookie mistake. Thankfully my son was standing directly in front of another child, so inadvertently ended up in all of his parents' videos, which they kindly sent me - so lesson number 3? Make friends with other parents :-)

The most amazing thing for me today though, was, that as my eldest (who has autism and ADHD, so you can possibly imagine his attention span for standing on a stage) has never really joined in an entire production, I've never had the pleasure of just sitting back and enjoying it. My youngest however - despite not rehearsing any of the songs, dances or actions at home - took part in the entire production - and it was honestly such a proud experience for me ...but now I'm just turning into a gushing mum.

I suppose when I think of a nativity I either think of the birth of Christ recreated fairly straight, with a narrator, two children playing Mary and Joseph, a baby doll for Jesus, and lots of other children dressed up as animals, wise men and shepherds. Or... "Nativity, the 2009 film where a primary school teacher Paul produces the school's nativity play. Have you seen it?

Competing against a posh rival school for the honour of best reviewed show in town, the stakes are raised when Paul boasts that his ex-girlfriend, a Hollywood Producer, is coming to see his show with a view to turning it into a film. The only trouble is - they haven't spoken in years. With eccentric assistant Mr Poppy fuelling his 'little white lie', Paul finds himself a local celebrity and at the centre of quarreling parents and over-excited children desperate in their bid for fame and fortune. Paul's only hope is to get back in touch with Jennifer and lure Hollywood to town so that everybody's Christmas wishes come true.

Anyway - that's the plot - it's pretty hilarious - watch it with your kids this Christmas if you haven't already.

So today, the lovely little song about a star, with a mixture of brilliant narration, songs and dances, was the perfect combination.

Hopefully next time, I'll be better prepared and take my camera... If you don't want to make the same mistakes I did, It's not too late to hire a professional event photographer. That way you really can sit back and enjoy the show without worrying about any unforeseen technical issues.

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12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 4

by Joanne Lewis • 4 December 2020

A picture of Santa and me...

12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 3

by Joanne Lewis • 3 December 2020

... Buy one, Get one Free*

12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 2

by Joanne Lewis • 2 December 2020

... a second print using the same photo for free*

12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 1

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... a mounted print of a photo she's created for me*

Unbelievable Photography deals Black Friday 2020

by Joanne Lewis • 26 November 2020

I couldn't let Black Friday 2020 go by without some amazing deals for my wonderful and valued customers... I've missed you all so much this year, but have loved the few shoots I was able to squeeze in between lockdowns and Home Education. With all the optimism I can muster for next year (I am naturally a pretty positive person) I am offering some spectacular deals on vouchers for my Hertford Studio and outdoor or on-location sessions next year (packages may be given as gifts, but please confirm preferred locations around Hertfordshire and some parts of London, Cambridgeshire and Essex with me before booking).