Spirit of Biking 10

My first experience of being on two wheels was when my dear old Dad took me strawberry picking on the back of his clapped out old Honda 90 in the 60s…I remember sitting on the back not being able to see a dam thing past the large bulk that was my Dad, but feeling the crack on the thigh from Dad for having my little arms wide open as though I was flying and not holding as I should have been…that feeling of exhilaration, adventure and excitement has stayed with me to this day…Throughout the 60’s I would be pillion on Norton’s and Triumphs and Scooters, flying around the streets of Lowestoft, riding pillion with the local lads, wearing no helmet, hair flying in the wind…It was incredible, memories that have lasted a life time.  Bikes didn’t play a part in my life during my 20s into my late 40s as my love of horses took over and fed the desire for speed and power.  In 2006 the bike bug bit me again hard, and I went out and passed my test and spent solitary time riding the roads of Norfolk.  Then in 2006 on my way to an Eastern Lights cavalcade I met a fellow rider, who turned into my dear friend Angela, and from that moment we rode everywhere together, Many parts of the UK as well as Europe, the excitement that would swell inside me when we started off on a new trip was indescribable. What’s round the next bend, where will this road lead..who will I meet along the way.  Taking on the challenge of travelling 3000 miles and camping the whole way is no mean feat for women over the age of 50…but we did it and loved every mile we covered. In 2011 we completed a rode trip to Austria, we returned in the July and Angie died on New Years Eve of stage four-brain cancer.  I was devastated. 
At this point I decided I no longer wanted to ride, my friend had gone and I felt desolate and alone.  Then I heard of a female Biker group, “Norfolk and Suffolk Female Bike Group” I joined and I’m so glad I did, because through this group and the new friendships I have formed,  the quest for adventure and the longing to experience the open road is well and truly back…….Being a biker to me means…you have family, your never truly alone, its doesn’t matter where you ride…be it to Tesco’s or Europe,  you will always find a kindred spirit on two wheels to pass some time and tell each other stories of your travels…the Biking fraternity……there really is nothing like it,  and as long as I’m able to “git me leg over” I’ll carry on riding to my next adventure.

Sandi Lowe

A Fork In The Road... Taking A New Direction

The end of 2014 sees me following a dream I have held for over 10 years.

Ever since the idea of living on the coast came to me, I have wanted to follow this path. And now it’s time to set the wheels in motion.

On 24 December, I’ll be closing the Letchworth studio to move on. I’ve had a fantastic time here in Letchworth, where my business has grown from being in The Wynd to much larger premises in Station Road, photographing so many families, seeing many of you grow along the way.

This move is a fantastic opportunity for me to take motorbike portrait photography, a real passion of mine, to a new level.

For these motorbike portraits, all shoots are on location and don’t need studio premises. This will allow me to spend more time with each of my clients, providing a more bespoke and unique service to all.

I started in photography because I loved capturing memories, personalities, which is even more possible when out on location. And I’m so excited that this change of lifestyle will give me more time for myself and in turn more energy and passion for my clients and portraits.

I always believed I wanted the large studio with many staff members, an ever-expanding empire. But especially in this last year, I have realised that actually I want a different lifestyle, one where I connect with all my clients, and allows me a more relaxed pace.

This move will mark the start of a huge lifestyle change for me, where I can regain some of that life/work balance that the studio has not been able to provide me. (If you know me well, you’ll have seen this!)

I’m very excited about this change and look forward to photographing on the beach!

What does this mean for you?

If you’ve been putting off having a studio portrait, make sure you book now! There is very limited space before the studio closes on 24 December, so get in quick. I won’t be taking any bookings for January 2015.

Don’t worry if you miss me! I’ll be back at least four times a year offering you the chance to enjoy a family location portrait. (Dates to be announced on the Facebook page).

If you’d like me to contact you directly with dates when I’ll be back in the area, please let me know so I can make a note.

Thanks for your support in Letchworth and here’s to big new dreams!

Michelle