Latest News from Philippa Huber Photography

Well, that’s another month flown by - here’s my February recap!

I’ve enjoyed being back in the Shambles, seeing faces old and new and catching up on the local news…I was supposed to be slimming down my table and wall display but somehow I’ve got over-excited again about printing and have more small squares out there than ever before (they’re really cute, don’t take up a lot of space and can be displayed in different ways, that’s my reasoning anyway!) not forgetting my mugs, bags and keyrings that I print myself…

Spontaneous decisions tend to be the best, and M and I decided to go to Wales - it was extremely spur of the moment, we found a great little place just on the edge of the Brecon Beacons and, happily oblivious to weather warnings raging through the region, we set off for 3 nights.

Isn’t it wonderful how just a couple of days away can feel like so much longer? Exploring the woodland paths was fabulous and made me remember that I want to do more tree/woodland photography this year - with my favourite Wiltshire tree knolls so close, as well as the ancient forests, I just need to get planning for some shoots there.

Don’t forget that you can click on all the photos here to see them bigger and better (recommended!)

The 4 Waterfalls walk had a couple of non-waterfall surprises - the first robin was singing its little heart out (I am SO happy to be hearing all the birdsong again); the frogs were guarding their frogspawn and also seemed to be enjoying the sunlight reaching through the trees; and that final robin seemed to be telling me to get a move on, it was not my patch!

and the waterfalls themselves, well, they were in full flow after the previous day’s storm, and I felt slightly nervous approaching the edge of the paths or river bank. And then some canoeists appeared and were happy riding the waves off the top of the fall…I mean, what???

The next day, we went off looking at reservoirs, gasping at the landscape and amazing views, and then got back to ‘our place’. M went off to the pub (oh what a choice there was!) while I got set up for PermaJet’s online panel discussion to Celebrate Women in Print - it was a really lovely free-flowing chat about photography, about print (I was particularly eloquent on this subject!) and about opportunities and support (or not) for women within the industry. I recommend it, and not just because I’m in it!

 

So that’s kind of brought me up to the present, and here’s what I’m doing in the near future:

The Photography Show starts this weekend and hopefully next month’s blog will be full of photos from the 3 days I’ll be there.

Excitingly, I’m going to be on the Fundamentals Stage on Saturday at 12h00, part of the Turning Pro panel. I’m so pleased to be able to share my knowledge and experiences of the past few years - what’s worked well, what less so:

Turning pro: What you need to know - The Photography Show 2025

If you’re going to be at the Show, do get in touch, or come and say hello at the SheClicks stand where I’ll also be, listening to inspiring photographers share their insights and journeys. I’m also going to be hanging out at PermaJet’s stand with lots of questions about printing, and I’m going to be playing in the Creator Playground (last year it was amazing fun, I’m hoping for more of the same).

You may be wondering what I’m doing for the rtest of the month…well, here’s the plan:

I’m getting really busy again with my Pet Portraits; I had a brilliant shoot at Foxleys Paddock last weekend (sorry, no photos to share until those who were there have seen them) - the sun was shining, the dogs were running, the humans were smiling…it really was excellent and I recommend it as a location close to Devizes for those of you unsure about having a photoshoot in a public space or with a nervous dog.

So, more Pet Portrait Sessions next week in some of my favourite places…I will be packing my wellies!

Next Thursday (13th) I’m doing a talk for the Photography for Fun group, part of Devizes U3A - I’m really enjoying putting some of my favourite photos together and forming a hopefully interesting and cohesive talk!

The Craft Fair season doesn’t start early and I’m excited to be at Lacock (in the village hall) for the first event of the year there, on February 22 & 23, nicely planned for the weekend before Mother’s Day - if you can make it, I and many other quality, talented makers would love to see you there.

Other new and exciting news is that I’m going to be a regular at Plank's Farm Shop - I’m going to be setting up there on the final Saturday of each month, starting on March 29. I would really love people to come over and say hello (please thankyou!)

And looking further ahead, I’m going to be at The Bath Independent (@thebathindependent) • that’s very exciting even if it isn’t until May!

I think you’re all up to date, and now I need to get ready for tomorrow in the Shambles, Devizes - do come and say hello if you’re local and if you’re not and would like to comment on anything from this month’s blog, please do!

 

Thanks for reading, wishing everyone a happy and productive March,

Phil x

Hello 2025!

Hello and Happy New Year – I’ve been back in my favourite spot in the Shambles, Devizes this week saying the very same words to so many people who called in to welcome me back and have a look at my work…I’m willing the change of season along with some cute spring chicks, but then, since there was a rather half-hearted effort at snow on Friday, I also put out a quite surreal aerial photo of Silbury Hill under a white blanket.

Silbury Hill in the Snow

 

But before I head forward, let’s look back for a moment at why I have been absent for January….

After a great but hectic 2024 that left me feeling in need of a proper break, I headed off to Cornwall and Devon for some refreshing sea air, big hills and coastal walks and a rather enjoyable selection of pubs!

Staying right on the beach in Downderry was amazing – and late sunrises meant I was able to enjoy an early morning of solitary photography, just me and some oystercatchers and gulls along with the swishing of the waves as the sun rose behind them.

Oystercatchers at sunrise, Downderry beach

A Gull riding the waves…

After a quick trip back to Devizes for a change of clothes, I was off on a train to catch a plane to get on a ship in Norway, heading for the Arctic Circle – an adventure indeed!

We saw the northern lights, heard the crunch of ice as the ship made its way ever northwards and eastwards, walked out in -19 and I, personally, marvelled at the expanses of snow, ice and rock. What a place! I obviously took lots of photos and haven’t been back long enough to spend much time with them, but below are some of my current favourites that sum up the essence of the trip…watch this space, there will no doubt be more shared as I uncover them…(and don’t forget to click on the individual photos to see them in more and better detail)

And now, I’m back in Devizes and my workshop and gearing up for lots of lovely Pet Portrait Sessions - I did my first of the year at the fabulous Dawlish Warren in Devon. The weather and tide were with us, and so was the marvellous Pierre, who ran as fast and as far as his legs would take him for a good hour. He even went for a paddle which is quite a brave thing to do in January! And then, I’ve been told, he had the most enormous afternoon sleep while I was emptying pockets and boots of sand!

So, don’t forget I’m in the Shambles every Thursday, Friday and Saturday - a new plan for this year is that I’m not going to be there physically on Fridays, though my display will be and you can see my great neighbours and colleagues Jo (All That Glitters silver) and Sara (Dragonglass by Sara) to pay for anything or for any information. Instead of being there, I’ll either be in my workshop in Devizes Marina Village (and you’re very welcome to pop in and see me there on Fridays) doing my admin, editing and working on so many behind-the-scenes tasks or I’ll be out on a photoshoot.

Any questions, drop me a message/email/text.

Here’s to 2025 and all the good things that are going to happen!

Phil xx

Pet Portraits in Devizes and around - what I've been up to!

Well, it’s been an incredibly busy year so far, and it's just getting busier...and it’s also been noted that my blog posts have been lacking to say the least...so I thought it would be good to put that right with a little update on what I’ve been doing and what I’m going to be doing... 

I’ve been photographing pets, lots of pets – mostly dogs, of all shapes, sizes, ages and characters, and I’ve loved every single shoot. I’m not going to lie, some are more challenging than others, but all have produced great memories and great photos. I’ve made new friends, both 2 and 4-legged, and am thoroughly enjoying my Pet Portrait Sessions.  

 

Yesterday morning I was in my element, in the heart of the ancient Savernake forest, photographing a made-for-an-autumn-photoshoot Vizsla – she and the golden russet colours of the forest floor and leaves still clinging on the almost bare trees were phenomenal...I am very excited about the photos...but I never share before the owners have seen the best of the best at the ‘Reveal’ so I’m afraid that for now, you’re just going to have to take my word for it. 

 

an early start in the amazing Savernake Forest

But here are a few of my favourite photos from recent shoots, to give you an idea of what fun I’m having! 

 

 

And the fun is set to continue, with my happy involvement with the inaugural Pewsey Pawfest on Saturday 23 November, 11am - 5pm! 

The name says it all, really – a day celebrating all things doggie, in the Bouverie Hall in Pewsey. There will be local experts on all things canine – behaviourists, groomers, trainers, artists, walkers and so on – and ME – I'm giving a talk at 1pm on how to get the best photos of your dog with your mobile phone. I’m going to have a table there with examples of my work and will be offering a few on-the-day special deals for my Pet Portrait Sessions, so do come along if you can (entries free, Honey’s Real Dog Food are generously sponsoring the event). I really hope this Dog Festival in the amazing vale of Pewsey will be the first of many more.

Before then, though, I’ll be in my usual spot in the Shambles, Devizes (that’s Bay 20 if you weren’t sure) - this week I’m there from Thursday to Sunday so there’s plenty of time for you to call in and say hello.

I change my display often - at some point it looked like this!

And next week, I’m going to be chatting on Swindon radio 105.5 Live - so if you’ve wondered who I am, how I’ve got to doing what I’m doing, and what I’m doing next, see if you can listen in. Wednesday 20 November from 10am…


Well that’s it for now folks- I’ve an early start setting up in the market and a heap of things to be getting on with - if you’ve any questions or comments, feel free to let me know and hopefully you’ll be hearing from me here again soon!

Take care of yourselves,

Phil x

Pet Portraits - preserving a moment in time

Pet Portraits - my exciting new venture!

Isn’t it amazing how a left turn here or a right turn there can change a life?

Since 2019 I’ve been lurking in the narrowboat’s cratch, crouching in fields and hiding by rivers (to name just a few places) enjoying my wildlife and nature photography more than I’d ever imagined possible. It’s been wonderful; I’ve seen more of the UK in these years than in all my life, and been lucky enough to get to places inaccessible to most (I’m definitely thinking of the tidal river Ouse at dawn here).

And then, last summer, we made a very, very spontaneous decision to turn left off the Thames at Reading, heading onto the Kennet and Avon canal, a canal we left 3 years ago vowing never to return…and here I am (we are, don’t worry!), still continuous cruisers on our 45 foot narrowboat but with something like watery roots being put down around Devizes. It’s fabulous.

I’ve a stall in The Shambles, Devizes’ every Friday and Saturday (come and say hello) and am now branching out into Pet Portraits - what could be better than preserving a moment in time of your perfect pooch, your favourite feline, your happiest horse, mightiest mouse….OK I’ll stop there, the point is, I’m here to photograph all your pets and animals however large or small.

I’ll share more of my Pet Portraits as I capture more moments in time and, if you’re interested in your own photoshoot, please get in touch either here or via any social media app or even in person in the Shambles every Friday and Saturday. There’s no pressure, no obligation and my pricing is reasonable and clear, with no hidden extras. I’m not putting prices here because if you’re thinking of offering a session as a gift I feel it takes some of the charm away.

Well, now I have to go and get ready for tomorrow’s market…I hope to see or hear from you soon,

Take care til then,

Phil x