Embracing The Quiet Seasons with Polly Florence

Winter, now deep in her restorative slumber, brings a necessary pause, the truncated hours of daylight delivering their annual reminder that the greatest comfort is reliably found in the simplest things. These are quiet, reflective days and, for Polly Florence, a creative whose imagery speaks softly of calm, connection, and nostalgia, it is a time for embracing the slowness and for turning inward. Whether through the photographic essays on her beautiful Instagram feed, where all is soft-toned, amber-hued warmth, or via her contemplative blog posts, she weaves a seductive narrative whose constant threads are the changing seasons and the beauty ripe for discovery in the everyday. 

Polly’s abiding love of photography has proven both guide and gateway into a wider world of storytelling, ever since her childhood days when she found solace in immortalising moments in time. She explains, “I’ve been a creative person for as long as I can remember, from childhood, throughout school and into my adult life– it’s been the way I’ve found that I can best express myself and it brings me a lot of peace and comfort too. Photography is something I always remember having a passion for– capturing and preserving moments in time. No matter what other creative projects or hobbies I enjoy, taking photos has been a real constant over the years.” That peace is communicated through all her work, each image seeming to hold a quiet, grounded magic that transports viewers into the very moment of calm that incited her to reach for her camera in the first place.

Much of Polly’s creative inspiration stems from the cyclical nature of the seasons, most particularly in the way that they inform and guide us through the year. “The changing of the seasons is something that I’m always drawn to,” she says. “Embracing what each season brings inspires so much of what I do.” This deep appreciation for the present moment is central to Polly’s work. In an age where so much of our lives are conducted at lightning speed, her work serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of each season as it unfolds.

It’s no surprise, then, that Polly’s aesthetic should mirror the principles of slow living. Her photographs feel both of-the-moment and eternally familiar. And if they should inspire a sense of connection in the viewer, they serve the same purpose for their creator. “As someone who finds being in the present very difficult at times, embracing and appreciating each season that comes back around helps me feel connected to the present moment,” she reflects.

It is that uncanny ability to distil tranquillity into each frame that makes her work so magnetic and meditative. Whether it’s the soft light of a winter afternoon, an ajar window opening out onto a lush landscape, the curling steam piping out from a mug or the subtle play of shadows over a beautiful still life, her photographs invite us to find meaning in the stillness.

And it is amidst this silence that one imagines Polly having stoked the embers of her other passion: books. Her blog is filled with musings on literature, where she beautifully merges her love for storytelling in both the written and visual forms. Books have long been a source of inspiration, often shaping the stories she tells through her images.

Emery Oak Picture Frame and Beeswax Dinner Candle, featured

“I do think that there has always been a strong correlation between the books I’m reading and the stories I try to tell visually and vice versa,” she says. “I’ve often found that what I’m reading inspires my creativity in many different ways and also, physically, books make for beautiful subjects too. I got started on Instagram by taking photos of the books I was reading and I still find myself drawn to them again and again.”

As winter marches on, Polly gravitates increasingly towards classic literature and intricate fantasy novels, immersing herself in worlds she can lose herself in during the long, quiet winter evenings. For her, the act of reading isn’t just an escape; it’s a grounding force that connects her to a different time and place, while also inspiring her creative work.

Alongside the sustenance and solace found in her choice of reading matter, Polly’s winter rituals are deeply tied to the comforts of home – morning cups of coffee, long walks, and a focus on the small details that create a sense of warmth. “Winter is definitely the time of year when I’m at my most introspective,” she shares. “I tend to hibernate a little bit so I’m often keeping cosy at home. I do like to find solace and warmth in local coffee shops and bookshops when it’s cold out though, and I find a lot of peace comes from a brisk winter walk in the surrounding countryside too.” She adds, “I spend a lot of time trying to capture those thoughts and feelings in whatever form they take. I love to start a new journal, I love to make multiple lists, like ones of the books I want to read soon. I love to take photos of those small everyday moments: my morning coffee, the view from my window.”

Polly’s approach to creating a cosy sanctuary for the season is intrinsically tied to taking care over the tactile details and bringing nature in. Eucalyptus branches from her garden fill her home with fragrance, while soft blankets and ambient lighting add to the creation of a cosseted cocoon where time slows. “I love focusing on those smaller details,” she says. “For me, it’s bringing nature in wherever possible.’ 

In all things balance, though, and while winter may call for retreat, Polly’s creative spirit is nonetheless nourished by the act of travel. Having grown up without a great deal of opportunity to travel, her adulthood has thus far been an exercise in leaning all the more into the joy of exploring new places. “As soon as I started experiencing different places, I felt a real enthusiasm and inspiration for the thrill of visiting somewhere unfamiliar,” she recalls.

One of Polly’s favourite memories is a trip to Scotland, where she spent two weeks exploring the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. The rugged beauty of the landscape, paired with the warmth of the locals she met, left an indelible mark. “It’s such a magical place,” she says, “and I’d love the chance to go back and explore more of the country in the future.”

Like all the best travellers, for Polly, journeying to new destinations isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about embracing new perspectives. After returning from her adventures, she consciously channels the energy and inspiration of her experiences into her everyday life. “I always bring back new perspectives,” she explains, “and I really concentrate that into an appreciation of all the quiet, everyday moments at home.”

Wilford Armchair and Velvet Cushion featured 

As such, the shape of her days tend to follow a gentle pattern. ‘A typical day often starts quite slow,” she says. “Once I’m up, I’ll usually make some coffee using my pour over – I love the process and the time it takes to make my first cup of coffee this way. Along with my coffee, I’ll read a few chapters of my book or write in my journal before starting work. Work can vary depending on the day – this often involves things like answering emails, editing photos, putting together Instagram posts. Sometime during the afternoon, I like to head outside for a walk and to get some fresh air. The evening starts by making something comforting for dinner and then I attempt to wind down by watching a film or reading some more before settling into bed.’ 

Polly’s approach to winter embodies the spirit of slow living: an intentional focus on the present, an embrace of routine, and a celebration of the small, quiet moments that all too often pass us by. As we continue, then, through the heart of the season, Polly’s work serves as our gentle cue to search for the magic amid the stillness. 

Interview by Nancy Alsop