Taken at different places within Rochester, I captured the stunning eloquence and beauty of it's culture.  With gorgeous landscapes, castles and carefully crafted houses, I shot some sights that are sure to make you wish you could go there. The city of Charles Dickens; with ruins of medieval England, you feel as if you have stepped back in time. I went with my best friend Billy; who also likes the great outdoors. I always enjoy afternoon walks into town as a way to clear my head of all my worries, much better cure to that of staying home and feeling sorry for yourself. It was a fairly sunny day with occasional warm spells (when the breeze didn't pick up that is) so we couldn't resist a gentle stroll into our favourite place. It was the great escape! An escape into historic Britain.The first picture is of Rochester Castle, standing tall, surrounded by a huge patch of greenery. There is something haunting about it that sends shivers down my spine, almost as if it's looking back at me. I've always taken an interest in history, so seeing something well maintained that has been around for over 100 years is amazing! It is open for view and it is just as scary inside as it is outside. 

The next few pictures are of trees (yes trees.) don't judge now but I just thought they were so beautiful I had to take a picture. It could have been because they are covered with newly blossomed flowers, pink, white and yellow. Colours of spring! Rochester is covered with old trees dated back to the medieval times, many guarded to protect it's worth and value.   

The last two pictures are of my friend Billy, posed to capture the atmospheric beauty of Rochester. I just love the relaxed but melodramatic vibe expressed through the last image. He was sitting on top of a monument staring out into the distance. It reminded me of that long thought process experienced during adolescence and the beginning of adult-hood as you begin to look to the future. I'm hoping to became successful myself one day so this picture reflects anticipation but hope that I will one day achieve all my dreams and aspirations. 

I had an amazing day exploring, but above all I had a cracking day out with my best friend. Sharing a few laughs here and there about old school memories as we walk about town, it was a perfect day for reflecting on good friends, great day outs and gorgeous sights. Billy and I also came across a housing estate with a single painted blue house and it made us think of us (funny that) but not like (we are feeling blue) sort of thing but thinking how we are similar to the blue house in difference and uniqueness. We both believe standing out from the crowd is important, not just to be noticed but to have the confidence to take risks,  accept challenges and accept no limitations. The moral of the story is to not be afraid to do things differently if it makes you happy, express yourself through what you love!

Photography by Kate Russell

Model: Samantha

Hair: Kate Russell

Make-up: Kate Russell

Sneaky Preview:

Modelled by my stunning best friend, I created this glamorous, subtle golden look for that spring to summer feel. I used straighteners to curl Sam's hair but making sure I didn't heat the curl for a long length of time. I wanted to make sure the curls are natural and wavy and look effortless. The make-up consisted of orange, pinks, reds and peach tinted shades.  

Make-up products I used:

Wake Me Up Foundation by Rimmel London

Wake Me Up Concealer by Rimmel London

Bronzing Powder by Bourjois

Coralista by Benefit

Hervana by Benefit

Watt's up highlighter by Benefit

Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay- I used Chopper all over the lid and tease in the outer crease and blended in a sidewards motion

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara

Photography by Kate Russell- Sounds cliché, but this photo reminds me that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. ...and here's another one- always look at the bright side of life..  :D

I am going to start the month of April with a topic based around Optimism; the belief that good ultimately conquers bad and however difficult a situation is, things can only get better.  To begin with, I will tell you a bit about myself and my own personal experiences growing up. From an early age I have always been the type of person to look at life in a positive way. This may be because my parents would never criticise me on my personal achievements. I was never the top A student but my family was always proud of me whatever my results. They just said; 'Do the best you can and we will always be happy.' This always made me believe in myself, to stay focused and stay determined. I am currently at university and I hope to become a therapist for children. I want to help children  develop resilience and coping mechanisms to grow and develop into the best people they are capable of. Try looking it this way. Those bullies you come across during school. Remember they are depressed, unhappy and craving for care and attention. They are not bad people but people who have lost direction (like we all have at the some time) and need to be guided back on track. 

To be honest, I could be bias. I have never experienced a great deal of hardship in the mist of day to day life as others have or are coping with now but I have had experiences where I have had my confidence knocked to the point I believed silence was the solution. Having been bullied in secondary school for being a 'boff'- someone who worked hard, did what the teacher told and never spoke in class because I wanted to learn and listen, I decided not to speak to anyone because I was afraid of what they might say. However, those who truly cared for me kept me grounded and I never changed for anyone. My advice to you is; to never feel you must be quiet, to hide yourself for the sake of someone else. In order to be happy, it is important to be yourself no matter what life throws at you. 

Final Words:

My question to you is; why be optimistic? 

I'm not saying it will immediately sort the problem out but it will help you to cope with the hardships of reality. A natural and effective medicine that will guarantee happiness!