Another chapter closed and another year done and dusted. 2024 was something quite out of the ordinary in my little world and I thought it was worth jotting down some thoughts.
The year began with the overarching goal of seizing every opportunity and embracing any fun adventure that crossed my path. I resolved to strike a balance between the fun and the work - a tightrope walk every freelancer knows too well. The irony of course is that balance is often a mystical fantasy not actually grounded in the realities and intricacies of life. There is no such thing as a perfectly balanced scale. Between getting married in Eagle Bay, a wedding in India, photographing an elopement in Positano to spending 4 weeks in Mauritius – the scale definitely tipped towards fun. And I couldn’t be more grateful for it all.
This year, I made the decision to pack away my graphic design hat and lean wholeheartedly into photography and videography. It wasn’t an easy call. Design has been a faithful companion, a creative constant that I’d grown comfortable with and something that I was and still am passionate about. Saying no to branding and web design wasn’t about turning my back on the skills I’d built, but rather about giving myself permission to focus on what makes me truly tick. And honestly, diving fully into the lens has felt like stepping into the creative home I was always meant to find - cosy and fulfilling.
Eagle Bay
This tiny cove on the Great Southern coastline will forever hold a special place in mind and heart, the place where, in front of our closest and dearest we vowed to have and to hold, to love and cherish, for better or worse. We kept it simple, aiming for more dancing, less champagne towers, more fun and less overly strict timelines. A standout memory was when at 7pm, the sky turned pink and with a beer in hand we soaked it all up on the beach and even dipped our toes in the warm end-of-summer sea.
India - Coimbatore
A wedding invitation arrived from our friends—destination: India! We thought, this will be one memorable experience… 3 days, 5 events and 0 clue what we were getting ourselves into (if you know, you know). Well it turned out to be quite spectacular and polar opposite from the wedding we had, only the month prior. Endless flowers, vibrancy, dosa, dancing, turmeric powder and chai tea. As the only two Caucasians in a crowd of two thousand (seriously), we were met with warmth and an enthusiastic nudge to taste and try absolutely everything—and try we most certainly did. The one aspect that I could not wrap my head around was eating with our fingers, thank god for the invention of cutlery but they do not seem to be appreciated in India!
Italy - Amalfi Coast
Though ‘wedding photographer’ isn’t a label I typically claim, when this once in a lifetime opportunity came my way – shooting a Positano elopement – the decision practically made itself. I cleared out 10 days in my calendar and ventured (solo) on my first European escapade. With the elopement due to take place in Positano, I landed in Naples and made my way down to the Amalfi Coast, staying in the charming town of San Lazzaro - known for its breathtaking hikes and views of the coast. Whenever I look back on photos and videos of this trip, I genuinely cannot wipe the smile from my face. It pushed me so far out of my comfort zone, relying on my own instincts, like a dog following a scent. You’re guided by curiosity, veering off the path whenever something catches your attention. There’s no rigid plan—just an instinct to keep going and see where it leads (usually to a big plate of pasta).
Mauritius
A few things brought us back to the motherland this winter, a 100th birthday celebration, a baptism, a mini honey moon and of course - long overdue family catchups. I’ve always felt like I have a ‘Mauritian’ cup - one that slowly empties over time. Spending time back there fills it to the brim again, with family moments, good food and familiar landscapes.
There were many projects and clients that I adored this year. Diving more into my love of capturing interior design, I shot the Warm Hearted House video. I captured some familiar interiors inside the character house of Arrival Hall. I continued working with long time client - Sherwood Design and while in Mauritius, I had the pleasure of stepping into a newly renovated beach house, camera in hand. One thing that has become clear this year is my passion for capturing interiors… something I am looking forward to focusing more on next year.
I am feeling so excited to open the chapter of 2025 - I have a good feeling about it. As I mentioned, I’m diving headfirst into interior design. For the longest time, I resisted putting myself in one box. My business has been a juggling act of many: brand designer, web designer, photographer, videographer (and at one point, social media manager—though we don’t talk about that). But there’s something liberating about deciding to shout one thing from the rooftops. I truly believe in the opportunities that will come with this focus. If you’re still reading this, I have a little secret: I am working on a brand new business idea - completely separate and unrelated to Coco Studio which is scary but exciting… my lips are sealed for now but watch this space.
2025 feels like the year to strip things back—less noise, more intention. A chance to focus on what matters, to create with clarity and purpose. I’m excited to see what’s waiting just around the corner—I hope it's a good one for you and I.