Playful Penguins collaboration

One way to develop your skills and portfolio as a photographer is to collaborate with other individuals and businesses. The idea is to trade your skills in a way that both parties can benefit. Photography is the perfect skill for this as you can provide some great pictures for someone’s website and social media, in exchange for building your portfolio and potentially generating more potential leads from families.

I took this idea and tapped into some of the groups which my daughter attends, reaching out to them about photographing some of their sessions. One of these Playful Penguins, who agreed and we set a date for the first session in Worthing, West Sussex. They provide sensory outdoor play for young children in Horsham and Worthing. Prior to the pandemic their sessions were indoors as ‘Messy Penguins’ but they have taken the opportunity to move things outside, creating lovely woodland sessions for children!

The sessions are structured but relaxed, so that children have a multitude of things to explore in a free and creative way. Some things on show included a Christmas tree to decorate, a village scene complete with snow, painting and creating Christmas decorations!

Parents can wonder around the area with their kids and explore the various activities at their leisure. This form of free play encourages children to use their curiosity and initiative to play with the things they choose themselves. The various materials on show have a sensory aspect too as children use their senses to investigate the things around them. Being outdoors in woodland in particular helps with this as it feels a lot more open than an indoor setting would be.

What really struck me was how young children of all ages where so engrossed in what was on offer. The younger ones enjoyed taking everything in and seeing what their bigger siblings were up to. While the older children got stuck into the activities involving a bit more concentration.

It is a very relaxed atmosphere and a fun way to spend an hour with the kids. If you would like to know more about the sessions which are run by Laura, all the information is on her website here www.playfulpenguins-sussex.com

If you are thinking of getting some professional photos for your own business or initiative, drop me an email at info@josemanuelphotography.co.uk I am always looking for new ways to develop my skills and meet interesting people!