'DOOOOOWWNN TO MARGATE'


In September 2023 I spotted that Lens Eleven were organising a meet up / Styled shoot down in Margate. It sounded like it was going to be a lot of fun, so I had a brave moment and booked my ticket.

It was a bit of an early start for me, but I grabbed my camera, jumped on the train and headed off on a little creative adventure.

I gave myself plenty of time, and enjoyed a little walk on the beach before everyone else started to arrive, which was really lovely! 

I’ve been to several workshops over the last few years, never really knowing anyone before going, but always making some new friends along the way. This was no exception, I was instantly surrounded by the loveliest, friendliest group of women ever! 


All armed with our cameras we set off to explore parts of Margate with Lindsey our model for the day. We were split into a couple of groups and given freedom to shoot, prompt.. basically just have lots of creative play time around various fun colourful locations in the town, and on beach.

I think it is so important to take time out to explore creativity, and connection with other creatives. Being self employed, I often spend a lot of time on my own between shoots, and days like this are just so valuable. From trying new camera settings, or prompts, to having conversations with people you know will just ‘get it’. 

After the shoot we all ate Pizza and continued the chat, before a few of us took to the shops for a mooch. I had to leave to catch the train home, but I left feeling so full up of the good stuff, and a camera full of images that just bring me a whole lot of joy.

I realised recently I’d not really shared many of the photos, so decided to rectify that with this little blog!

Black and white portrait showing joyful expression near vintage viewing station.
Woman in flowing blue dress posing dramatically by coastal viewfinder.
Casual pose in floral dress and black hat by vintage lamppost.
Casual pose in brown jacket against colorful graffiti wall.
Blue dress outfit against iconic Lido sign tower on cloudy day.
Winter style with furry hat and floral dress outside shop window.
Person in vintage blue dress poses playfully by seaside viewing station.
Model in blue dress reclining against mosaic wall by the sea.
Vintage-style photo of blue dress against pink Lido sign by ocean.
Black and white portrait against brick wall with vintage aesthetic.
Person in brown jacket poses playfully near blue wall at beach.
Floral dress and pink boots outfit near vintage doorway.
Pink boots and floral dress outfit in front of green ice cream shop.
Vintage-inspired fashion pose with sunglasses outside green shopfront.
Someone posing with raised arms against a weathered coastal wall with graffiti. Margate, Kent

If you are a woman in photography, at any stage, I highly recommend connecting with Lens Eleven. There are lots of courses available from beginner, to advanced, to film making, an online community, and various in person meet ups too.


Also, because I just can’t help myself, here are a few behind the scenes photo from the meet up too..


Group of photographers capturing shots on a coastal promenade during a photoshoot.
Photographers with professional cameras taking pictures along a seaside cliff.
Line of photographers with cameras positioned along a coastal walkway.
Photographers capturing shots of someone posing on a seaside wall.
Group of photographers taking pictures in a quaint European town square.
Photographers lined up along a seaside wall taking pictures against a cloudy sky.