25th birthday photoshoot with Freya

Freya loves book. She loves them more than anything, and estimates she’s read 5,000 so far.

In fact, one Christmas, family urged Freya to pull herself away from her book to spend more time with them.

Freya had discovered a hardback book with a dark green cover sitting on her grandparents’ shelving unit, and and had immediately become engrossed.

The story was about a group of children who go exploring into a coal mine, and have a dramatic encounter with some Russians who are looking for precious gemstones in there.

It was one of those books that was almost painful to put down, as Freya was so interested to find out what happened next.

Nevertheless, Freya obliged, returning to finish the book as soon as she could after the festivities.

She’d love to read that book again, but can’t remember what the author’s name was, nor the title.

She’s asked a few people, who have suggest Enid Blyton, but Freya knows it definitely wasn’t one of hers.

It’s now become her a bit of a side quest for her, as she continues to read whatever else she can get her hands on.

That includes a beautiful set of classic vintage fiction books, as well as rom coms passed on to her once Freya’s mum has enjoyed them!

So when Freya got in touch to organise a makeover photoshoot to mark her upcoming 25th birthday, it was absolutely essential that we included books as a key theme within it.

Freya is quite shy when meeting new people, but once she gets to know someone they soon find she has many different layers to her.

For instance, she kept the photoshoot with me a complete surprise from her family, who were left wondering where Freya had disappeared to with a shelf-load of books! 

Freya uses a Coclear Implant to communicate, and sometimes wishes she was better able to enjoy music without having to look up the lyrics and match them to the beat.

Nevertheless, she tells me that one perk is being able to switch the aid off when there’s a screaming toddler nearby!

As part of her photoshoot with me, Freya opted for professional hair and makeup by Kate at Ruby Rouge, who delivered a classic English rose look which suited the timeless styling perfectly.

I can’t wait to hear how her family reacted to seeing what Freya had been secretly organising, and I hope these images are a happy reminder of Freya’s quarter-of-a-century milestone for many, many years to come.

In the meantime, if you have any idea what the title of that dark green book could be – do get in touch!

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After her photoshoot with me, Freya said:

“I have chosen Sarah to be my photographer for my 25th birthday photoshoot. I was nervous about working with a photographer but her personality soon got me calm and I was confident with her. She also worked around my deafness which is a bonus for me (hence why I was so much confident around her). Her photos came out amazing that I was even told by relatives that they could be magazines shoots. It wad brilliant to work with you and Kate. Thank you so much for making my wish come true. I have had so many compliments so far!”

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If you’re looking for a bespoke birthday photoshoot in the Oxfordshire area, please get in contact.

Sarah Plater AMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.