Author: Zoë Noble

  • Childfree Portrait Project — Call For Subjects

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    Zoë Noble, Photographer

    Hey all!

    I am doing an ongoing portrait series about women who choose not to have children, and I would like to invite you to share your story with me.

    I’d love to hear from women who have always known they didn’t want kids, and from those of you who have decided more recently. I want to know what brought you to this decision, whether that’s the experiences or events of your life, ethics or beliefs that you hold dear, or just the knowledge that motherhood isn’t for you. I’d like to learn about your life, about how you choose to spend your time, and about the passions you’re free to pursue as a childfree woman. I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and I want to hear yours.

    For this project I have three main goals. I want to shine a spotlight on childfree women, who are elsewhere overlooked or judged for their choices. I want to explore the issues faced by these women, and the issues that have led them to their decision. And, in doing so, I want to help to remove the stigma often attached to women who don’t plan to have kids.

    As a childfree woman myself, I believe that people who choose not to have children are no different from people who choose to have them. Through my Childfree portrait series, I want to show that women who have made this decision are normal, vital and can lead lives just as fulfilling as any mother’s.Through a sensitive interview, accompanied by flattering photography, I promise to do justice to your story.

    How you can help:

    1. If you fit this description, please consider being part of this project. I’m a professional photographer and a sympathetic ear, so trust me — I’ll make you look good! Just apply using this form.
    2. If you know someone who’s decided to remain childfree, and might be interested in talking to me, just forward this to them. If they’re interested, please ask them to apply using this form.

    From there, I’ll reach out to schedule a Skype interview and a photoshoot in your home, or wherever you feel most comfortable.

    It would be amazing if you could share this far and wide. I know there are lots of women out there who are living their best lives without children, and I appreciate your help in reaching them. This topic is near and dear to me, so thanks for taking the time to read and share this.

    Thanks a lot!

    Zoë Noble

    https://www.zoenoble.com/

  • Doggystyle: Emma and Doris

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    Doggystyle Portrait
    “I’m looking after Doris for a month.

    I used to have dogs back in New Zealand, and eventually I’d like to get one here too. But back home you can have a garden and leave the back door open, and it’s a little more difficult over here. But if you’re used to having dogs, and put in the time and effort, it’s fine.

    Doris is very calm, but then suddenly skits out, and gets really playful and excited. When she’s really excited, she can’t control her limbs and kind of looks like she’s having a spasm. She comes up and shakes and does this little T. rex move, and it’s really funny.

    But she’s a really good family dog, really gentle, and gives lots of kisses. ”

    Doggystyle Portrait

    Doggystyle Portrait

  • Geeking Out On Analogue Photography

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    Croatian flag

    Just picked up the prints from our summer holiday in Vis, an island a few hours from Split, Croatia. The reason it’s taken so long to get the photos is that I STUPIDLY left the film back in our apartment!? Yup, I’m a massive idiot. Thankfully my guardian angel/Airbnb host Ratko found the film and posted it to me – but it took two months to get here. I’d almost given up hope and then it arrived in the mail last week ????

    Usually I’d take my digital camera while travelling and I’d have all the photos on my laptop, backed up after each day – this was my first holiday ONLY shooting analogue. Why? Because, for a change, I decided to leave the bulky cameras and multiple lenses and just travel really light. When I’m not working, I want to have a complete break from carrying heavy equipment, changing lenses, charging batteries and the post-hols photo editing.

    The beauty of film cameras is that they simplify your decisions, leaving you to simply enjoy the moment of taking the photo. You really have to slow down when you shoot analogue, and you truly consider every photo. You remember that you have a limited number of shots and concentrate on really nailing that exposure. So many times I’ve composed an image with my analogue camera, only to decide it just wasn’t worth wasting a shot.

    This way of thinking really helps photographers. Taking hundreds of photos with a digital camera may be easier, but it doesn’t help you understand what makes a good photo. Anyone can blast out 1,000 shots and get one killer image. You know you’re a great photographer when EVERY shot is a killer image.

    Anyway, enough photo geekery… we had such an amazing time in Croatia and would recommend the island of Vis (thank you Ed and Sarah for the amazing tip!) and our beautiful villa in a heartbeat. We want to be there right now!

    All photos shot with Olympus OM-2, 35mm lens and Kodak Portra 400 film.

    Croatia sea

    Church and blue sky of Croatia

    Green seas

    James looking out to the sea

    Peeling paint

    Pink flowers

    Vis beach view

    Port with fishing boats in Vis

    Narrow buildings in Vis

    Fishing boats

    Sea view in Croatia

    Walkway in Vis old town

    Vis old town

    Fresh fish in Vis

    Sun setting in Vis