When I was 10 years old, my grandad gave me my first camera.
We were planning a trip to America, and he wanted to upgrade his camera to a better model. I was fascinated by the photos he took. I wanted to try taking photos myself. So he gifted me his old camera.
During our trip, we took hundreds of photos, and my interest continued to grow over the years. We planned photography day trips to so many places. One of our favourite places being Pagham Harbour because of all of the wild birds and variation in landscape.
Once I was old enough, I decided to study photography at GCSE and college level. I wanted to learn more technical skills and find inspiration from other creative practices.
After finishing school, I decided to carry on studying photography, and completed my university course with a first class honours. For a while, I only photographed landscapes and nature. But in my second year, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and try portrait photography.
Then after finishing my course in 2020, I decided to start my own photography business. COVID delayed my business growth, and at times I considered taking other job roles for a sense of stability. But I’m glad I stuck with it in the end, and I’m proud of the work I have created since.
Over the years I’ve tried all kinds of photography. Including weddings, sports, products and more. But the thing I enjoy most is portrait photography. Especially working on location to capture headshots and lifestyle shots for businesses.
I will always be grateful to my grandad for starting my fascination with photography. And I will always be grateful to my family for pushing me to follow my dreams. I feel so lucky to have a career in something I’m passionate about. Working for myself allows me to be more creative in my work.
It’s been 5 years since I graduated from university and looked into setting up my business. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved since then, and look forward to what the next 5 years hold.
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wow!! 12My Story: How I became a photographer