This month, Becky Demmen-Sewell, Founder of Time To Be Photography in Norfolk, reflects on how on-location shoots with local businesses have offered her a unique perspective on the county
I grew up in Norfolk and loved it. It was in a small village, and it was, let’s be honest, idyllic. The kind of childhood I would love for my daughter now. Lots of days spent idle in the countryside. I really love this county, or at least, after my teen years I loved it. Well, after I went and studied in Cardiff and then boomeranged back, I realised I loved it. As someone who grew up here, I know this county very well although, it is so big and varied there is always something more to learn. Now I am working as a photographer with the businesses in Norfolk I am really happy to say I am falling in love with Norfolk all over again.
What started as headshots and on-location shoots has actually turned into a unique way to learn about and see the county I live in. And every time I pack up my camera to head to Norwich or weave my way to a rural retreat, I know I am going to get further insight into the place I call home.
Here are some things I have learnt about Norfolk through working with its businesses:
1. It’s more than a geographical location to most folks.
This is something that is likely true of all counties and those that love them, but I can only speak for Norfolk. Norfolk isn’t just the location people live or work. It’s a place that calls to people.
The place is the point of many of the businesses I have worked with. Whether that is in the iconography of their branding, or in the very DNA of the business’ story. Businesses in Norfolk are often directly inspired by Norfolk, and they utilise Norfolk only supply chains (or nearly!).
I have often been documenting a space, and the owner can tell me where each product is from and where it is made. It totally reframes how I feel about the landscapes I am driving or walking through when everything I have just photographed comes from that landscape.
2. Norfolk doesn’t always move at its famed slow pace…
In fact, wander and amble around the countryside under open skies for long enough and you are bound to find a bustling market hidden away around a corner. Or a beautiful barn that from the outside is rustic and unassuming, but inside is an artists’ collective creating the lives they want for themselves in dynamic and exciting ways.
We (or I) enjoy a lovely pace of life here that is true but the businesses that operate here also know when to put down the accelerator to innovate and make sure they get to where they need to go. When I introduced myself at university and said where I was from, a few people said things like “that’s where my grandparents retired”. So, I think that can confuse people, but we are ambitious and quietly bustling to make things happen all the time.
Whether that is a business in the wellness space or a tech start up, they are all working hard to make their thing exactly what they intend and bringing something new all the while.
3. We look after each other here.
Ok. This is something I knew about anyway, but you can forget community spirit is around when you yourself are experiencing a hard time. But the business communities I am part of?
They don’t let you forget. We look after each other here.
Since returning from maternity leave, I have found countless businesses whose first instinct is, who else can I bring in here? Who would benefit from this opportunity? I see local networks in action constantly and none of the businesses I have worked with are successful on their own in isolation. These businesses are rooted in Norfolk, and they know they share those roots somewhere along the line. These businesses are often not only working hard to deliver the product or service that is core to their business, but they are also trying to support other businesses and their local communities. It’s so inspiring in the world of business to find SO many businesses that are focused on collaboration and thriving together. (AND IT WORKS!)
It’s been amazing over the last couple of years to delve in the world of small to medium businesses in Norfolk and it’s been an absolute privilege to work and grow alongside them and be part of their communities. So, take a moment next time you visit a small business and see if you can spot any of the above whether that is a completely local supply chain or a collaboration between a coffee shop and a yoga instructor. Because I tell you what, it puts a smile on my face every single time and may just change how you see our county too.
Image of Becky Demmen-Sewell – by Mother Folk Photography
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