Susan Renée is fundraising for Leukaemia Research....

I’ve never really wanted to be famous and it’s just as well. Because now at the age of 38, having avoided getting into major trouble and not being particularly brilliant at anything, I am NOT famous and I probably never will be.

My life is pretty ordinary. I sleep, work and eat. Not enough of the first and a little too much of the others. Plain and simple. But still, all things considered, there’s magic. And I don’t want to take it for granted or miss it. Even for a moment.

I am a daughter, a sister and a mother.....

Nevertheless, blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma affect the magic of people of ALL ages from newborns to grandparents. I lost my precious dad just over four years ago to a cerebral hemorrhage. He had endured years of illness due to myeloproliferative disorder - a type of blood disorder that causes blood cells to grow abnormally in the bone marrow. I personally know two families who are currently managing the effects of their loved ones undergoing treatment for leukemia - and all the challenges that brings.

Leukemia Research UK is the only UK charity dedicated exclusively to funding research into all blood cancers, with the aim of finding a routine cure and improving the quality of life for people affected by these diseases.We need to be sure we reach all those touched by leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and give them the best possible chance of survival.

I am also an artist, a teacher and a photographer....

I have so much going on inside my head that sometimes it feels like I’m going to explode. I draw, I paint, I write poetry, I write books, I cry, I laugh, I often feel melancholy, and most of the time, I don’t really know WHERE I’m from or where I’m going. I have this overwhelming need to express myself. And in October, that’s going to be by trekking in Peru, having raised at least a little bit of money to help fund research into Leukemia and other blood cancers. Would you be willing to help?

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Trek to Machu Picchu 15/10/10 to 24/10/10. Flights and accommodation paid personally. Total amount donated given to Leukemia Research UK.

Susan Renée Chalk is fundraising for Leukaemia Research - JustGiving

Baby Elsie McRobbie :)

Born on the 14th December and weighing 7lb 12 oz, little Elsie Burr McRobbie is an absolute joy for her mummy Anita, daddy Gordon and big brother Gregor (aged 1 year :). Elsie was the perfect model during our shoot, and was so relaxed, she decided to sleep through most of it....simply gorgeous! x

Wedding & Portrait Conference, London

I was delighted to be invited to speak at the Society for Wedding & Portrait Photographer's convention last week in Hammersmith, London on my journey so far as an award-winning photographer. My two 2-hr long seminars were full and I have been humbled by the positive response by email and telephone since I arrived home.

Overall, the 2010 Convention was a veritable feast of education with seven days of action packed programmes designed to help photographers put their imagery ahead of the game. The three day Trade Show spanning the Friday to Sunday was a gathering of the who's who in the photographic industry with the ‘big guns’ present and eager to showcase the latest in technology and design.

The lecturing programme covered a superlative blend of classes covering business advice, wedding photography, portraiture, wildlife, maternity, natural history, landscapes, nature, fashion, events, architectural Interiors, sport, lighting techniques, Photoshop, babies, music, digital workflow…

It was also a great surprise and honour to find I was in the top three for Children's Photographer of the Year with the above image of beautiful Olivia....!! All in all, I had a fabulous time, and enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with those I've known for some time. I am home inspired and ready to shoot!! :)

Erin Cordiner

Eight year Erin Cordiner has just finished performing in 'Cinderella' at Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen and I popped out to her house this afternoon to take some new headshots for her portfolio. I was really impressed with her, and have already got some ideas in my head for future shoots.....would you be willing to model for me, Erin? ;)

Baby Cameron Wilkie :)

Cameron Alexander Wilkie was born on 16th November.....but was QUITE a surprise to his mum Michelle and dad Andy as he wasn't due until 21st December!! You can be sure that he threw the Christmas shopping into chaos, but what a lovely gift HE is! Weighing in at a healthy 6lb 2oz, Cameron is simply a beautiful wee man x

Happy New Year!!

I've not updated the blog for a wee while, so here goes.......

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my friends, family and wonderful clients......!!! 2010 is going to be a GREAT 12 months, I just know it!

During the holidays, I ventured out into the snow with my camera. Here's a few images from my adventures......