Still Starting, Still Showing Up

This month hasn’t been filled with photo shoots or new content. It’s been slower, quieter—and in that quiet, some self-doubt crept in.

I turned 30 recently, and it made me reflect. I’m not quite where I thought I’d be—personally or professionally. I’d hoped to be earning more. Doing more. Feeling more established. But in truth, I only committed to photography about six months ago. It’s unrealistic to expect overnight success—but still, there’s a part of me that wishes I was already there.

Me and My trusty Sidekick Floki - Created by AI as a bit of fun.

TV doesn’t help. You see characters younger than you, already smashing it in their careers. Social media doesn’t help either. Instagram vs. reality is a very real thing. For a while, I’d scroll through and think my life sucks compared to everyone else’s. But now, I mostly stick to my photography account—because that’s where I put the real stuff. The work. The progress. The passion.

And that’s the thing—I am making progress. I finally launched my Etsy shop this month. It’s small, it’s early days, but it’s something I built. Something I’m proud of.

Still, it’s hard when things feel stuck. A colleague at work asked me the other day, “How’s the photography going?” I smiled and said, “Slowly getting there.” But what I really wanted to say was, It’s been quiet. No one’s shown interest lately. I’m feeling a bit lost with it. But I didn’t. Because sometimes admitting that out loud feels like failure.

The truth is, this journey is full of stops and starts. But even in those quiet patches, the spark’s still there. I’ve realized that the worst thing I can do is let the day job—or life, or doubt—get in the way of being creative. You don’t need to be busy with clients to stay inspired. You just need to keep making. Keep showing up for your own work. Even if no one else is watching right now.

Sometimes, you just need someone to hype you up. Because imposter syndrome is real—especially when you’re still early in your journey. But the moment you talk about your work, or show it to someone, and they light up—that’s the moment you remember why you do this.

And that support doesn’t always have to come from close friends or clients. I made a new friend on Instagram this month—another photographer just starting out. We’ve been sharing feedback, tips, and cheering each other on. That kind of connection is powerful. I believe in building others up, because we all grow faster when we grow together.

If you’re a creative just starting out, share your work. Talk about it. Make something just for you. Find opportunities—or create your own. Keep being creative, no matter what else is going on. Even slow growth is still growth.

If you’re new to my account or my blog, know this: I’ll always share the real stuff. No filters. No fake positivity. Just honesty. I don’t live life through rose-tinted glasses, and I won’t lie to you. If you’re looking for something relatable and real, follow along. You’ll see my journey as it unfolds—and maybe, just maybe, it’ll encourage you to follow your own dream too.

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Created by Ai - Not giving up - At the beginning of my journey but still here.

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Getting Out of My Comfort Zone: Starting in Events Photography

Getting out of your comfort zone feels exactly like it sounds — uncomfortable. Messy. Full of self-doubt. And yet, it’s where all the good stuff starts.

I recently decided I wanted to give events photography a proper go. Not just snapping for fun, but seeing if I could actually do it for real. The problem? I had no idea where to start. No clients, no portfolio, nothing lined up. But the thing is — you can’t wait for someone to tell you you’re ready. Sometimes you just have to say, “I’ll figure it out,” and dive in.

Why Events?

I’ve always loved taking photos, but it wasn’t until I got my wedding photos back that it really hit me how much photos matter. Over time, memories fade. Moments blur. People move in and out of our lives.

But looking back at those photos brings it all rushing back — the joy, the faces, the little details I didn’t even notice on the day. My photographer gave me more than just pictures — they gave me something permanent.

Photos taken from my wedding by my old school friend, photographer and mentor these inspired me to get back into photography in the hopes I could give something back memories such as these for someone else - Forever grateful for Charley Rose Photography

That’s when I realised, this is what I want to do for other people. I’ve always enjoyed taking photos, but for the first time, I thought — maybe I could actually turn this into something.

Creating your own Opportunities

Of course, no one is going to hand you work when you don’t have anything to show. So I made my own opportunities.

“Photographer Spotted” - this was less of a Candid moment more of a fun moment between colleagues, but captures the fun of the event perfectly.

I’m lucky enough that my day job has events — and I asked if I could bring my camera along. I’ve only done one event for them so far, but they were happy with the outcome. That alone gave me such a boost. Even knowing it wasn’t perfect, hearing that they were pleased reminded me why I’m doing this.

Since then, I’ve been taking every chance I can to shoot. Friends, family, anything that helps me build up real-world experience. Is it paid? No. But right now, it’s about practicing, learning, and building confidence.

Learning the Hard Way

That first event wasn’t smooth sailing either. I had a brand-new flash — not the one I wanted (budget reality) but one that would do the job. I tested it the night before and thought I was good to go. Turns out, testing at home and shooting at a real event are two very different things.

“Suit and Tie” - We caught eachother at the same time. This was with my Canon and my New Flash before it started to play up.

I messed up. I didn’t bring spare batteries, so it died after the first hour — classic rookie mistake. I didn’t get as many photos as I wanted, and some weren’t as sharp or polished as I’d hoped. But despite all that? It was still better than the photos I used to take back when I was a teenager shooting everything in auto.

And that’s the thing — practice makes perfect. You only get better by actually doing it.

Making It Work With What I’ve Got

I’ve got a pretty good camera body — I was able to invest in that — but everything else? It’s basic. A couple of lenses, nothing flashy.

But I’ve learned that the fancy kit isn’t what makes the photo — you are. Working with what I’ve got has forced me to really understand my camera and think creatively. Shooting in manual has been a game-changer. I’ve learned to adapt — whether it’s finding better angles, adjusting to bad lighting, or just figuring it out on the fly when something goes wrong (and it will).

Finding My Style

Something I’ve noticed is how much I love candid moments. In my day job, I’m the loud one — always the butt of the jokes, always in the middle of it. But give me a camera, and I’ll happily fade into the background, just watching.

“Raise your Glass” - This was one of my favourite images from the work event - captured pure joy and celebration the whole vibe of the event.

I love catching people when they aren’t posing — those real, quiet moments that most people don’t even notice are happening.

And if I’m honest, I’m aiming for a cinematic feel in my photos. That’s the style I’m chasing — photos that don’t just show a moment but feel like a still from a film. That’s the dream.

The Risk

It’s scary, though. I won’t pretend otherwise. What if I can’t get enough work? What if people don’t like my style? What if I get sick and can’t do the job? How will I make it sustainable?

I also get imposter syndrome — I question whether people actually like my work or if they’re just being nice. I don’t always handle rejection well either. But honestly? I’d rather risk failing than never try at all.

Practice Makes Perfect

I’ve always quietly believed in “practice makes perfect” — and this is proving it. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet, but I’m better than I was last month, and next month I’ll be better again.

Right now, I’m giving my time for free, knowing full well that every shoot is a chance to learn and improve. Eventually, I want this to be my day job. But for now, I’m putting in the hours and learning everything I can.

If You’re Thinking About It — Just Start

If you’re even slightly thinking about trying something new — whether it’s photography or anything else — just start. Seriously. You don’t need it all figured out.

Here I am ready to start about to go out to an event Cat in Hand - wait put the cat down and get the camera. “Picture taken by my Husband on my Iphone”

Start small. Practice. Mess up. Learn. Repeat.

The worst that happens? Someone says no. A photo doesn’t turn out how you wanted. That’s part of it. None of it’s wasted if you learn from it.

I’m doing this for me. To learn, to get better, and to hopefully give people the kind of memories I got from my wedding album.

So here I am — camera in hand, not the cat — figuring it out as I go.

Finding Your Passion in Photography: Shoot What Excites You

Photography is more than just capturing images—it’s about discovering how you see the world. Whether it’s the intricate details of a flower, the vast beauty of a landscape, the soulful gaze of a pet, or the raw emotion in a portrait, every photograph tells a story.

But what truly excites you behind the camera? What subjects or styles make you want to keep learning and improving? For me, it’s a mix of macro, pet, landscape, and portrait photography, and I’m currently challenging myself with astrophotography to expand my skills.

Let’s explore how embracing your favorite photography styles can help you grow creatively while also pushing yourself to try something new.

1. Embracing What You Love

The best way to improve in photography is to start with what excites you. When you’re passionate about a subject, you naturally put in the effort to get better. Here’s a look at the styles I love and how I’m working to refine them.

Macro Photography: The Beauty in the Smallest Details

Macro photography reveals a world most people never notice—tiny textures, patterns, and intricate details that become mesmerizing up close. Whether it’s the delicate veins of a leaf, the shimmer of an insect’s wing, or water droplets frozen in time, macro photography turns the ordinary into something extraordinary.

How to Improve:

• Experiment with lighting—try backlighting to highlight textures.

• Use a tripod and focus stacking to ensure crisp, sharp details.

• Play with depth of field to isolate subjects and create dreamy backgrounds.

Pet Photography: Capturing Personality and Emotion

Pets are full of personality, and capturing their quirks, energy, and soulful expressions is what makes pet photography so rewarding. Whether it’s the excitement in a dog’s eyes mid-run or the calm curiosity of a cat lounging in the sun, every shot tells a story.

How to Improve:

• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze movement, especially for active pets.

• Get down to their eye level for a more engaging and personal perspective.

• Work with natural light to highlight fur texture and avoid harsh shadows.

Landscape Photography: The Art of Seeing

Landscapes have a way of making us feel small yet deeply connected to the world. Whether I’m capturing a sunrise over the mountains, waves crashing against the shore, or a fog-covered valley, landscape photography allows me to share the beauty of nature with others.

Canon 5D Mark IV ISO 200 55mm lens f10 1/80s

How to Improve:

• Shoot during golden hour for soft, dynamic lighting.

• Use leading lines (roads, rivers, fences) to draw the viewer into the scene.

• Experiment with long exposure to create dreamy effects in water and sky.

Portrait Photography: Capturing Human Expression

Portrait photography is something I’m actively working to improve. Unlike landscapes or pets, where you work with what’s in front of you, portraits require interaction, direction, and an understanding of how to make your subject feel at ease.

How to Improve:

• Learn how to direct and pose people to create flattering, natural-looking shots.

• Experiment with different lighting techniques like soft window light or off-camera flash.

• Use backgrounds creatively to add depth and emotion to portraits.

2. Expanding My Skills: Astrophotography & Beyond

While I feel comfortable with macro, pet, landscape, and portrait photography, I’m always looking to challenge myself, which is why I’m diving into astrophotography—capturing the beauty of the night sky. It’s a completely different world, requiring technical precision, patience, and an understanding of how to work with minimal light.

Astrophotography: Unlocking the Night Sky

There’s something surreal about photographing the stars, the Milky Way, and even distant galaxies. Unlike daytime photography, you don’t control the light—you have to work with what nature provides.

First Attempt of Astro photography after researching the appropriate settings, depends on what you have and use this was my best out of that attempt at 5am - Canon 5D Mark IV ISO 6400, f4 2.5s Standard Lens

How to Improve:

• Find dark-sky locations away from city lights for the best results.

• Use a tripod and manual settings—long exposure is key to capturing starlight.

• Experiment with settings: Start with ISO 1600-3200, a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and 10-30 second shutter speed to let in as much light as possible.

Blending Portraits & Astrophotography: A Creative Challenge

One of the most exciting ways to combine portraits and astrophotography is by capturing people under a starlit sky. Imagine a silhouette against the Milky Way or a softly lit subject with a galaxy-filled sky as the backdrop—it’s cinematic and surreal.

How to Do It:

• Use a low-power light source (like a flashlight or LED panel) to subtly illuminate your subject without washing out the stars.

• Have your subject stay still—since you’re using long exposure, any movement will blur the image.

• Experiment with light painting—using a flashlight to gently highlight your subject while keeping the night sky intact.

This style of photography pushes both portrait and astrophotography skills to the next level, creating truly breathtaking images.

3. Finding Your Unique Style

Exploring different photography styles not only helps you grow technically but also helps you find what truly excites you.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

✅ Shoot often—the best way to improve is through practice.

✅ Pay attention to what excites you—what subjects make you want to pick up your camera?

✅ Experiment fearlessly—try new techniques, break the “rules,” and push yourself creatively.

✅ Don’t be afraid to fail—mistakes are part of the process and often lead to creative breakthroughs.

Photography is all about passion, curiosity, and constant learning. Whether I’m capturing the energy of a pet, the emotion in a portrait, the beauty of a landscape, or the vastness of the cosmos, each shot brings me closer to refining my style.

And if I ever feel stuck? I just pick up my camera and start shooting—whether it’s a walk outside, an experiment with lighting at home, or simply playing with the settings on my phone. Inspiration often comes from action, not waiting for the perfect moment.

What’s Next for You?

What excites you most about photography? Are you looking to refine your current skills or explore something new? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your photography journey!

Dusting Off the Old DSLR: A Journey Back to My Film Days

I recently dug out my trusty old DSLR camera from my university days, when I was studying film. It’s been a while since I last picked it up, but I’m excited to get back into the swing of things and build my photography portfolio.

As I start to relearn the techniques I first picked up at 15, I’m reminded of just how much there is to know. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but I’m taking it one step at a time. I’m focusing on mastering the basics - F-stop, ISO, Shutter speed - and experimenting with different settings to see what works best

The thing is, I’m still learning. Every day is a school day, and I’m loving the process of discovery. If you’re like me you just want to get started and take photos. But I think it’s worth taking some time to get to know your camera again, learn it’s limitations and it’s quirks… like you would your date before you jump in both with both feet.

So this year I’m committing to taking as many photos as possible, experiment with the settings and techniques to improve my craft. It’s not about taking perfect photos straight away or even all of the time. For every good photo there are hundreds of them that don’t see the light of day. So why don’t we have fun whilst we learn on this journey together, who knows what we may discover.

Just for some context these cameras don’t work, but I thought they might inspire you to dig out your camera and try something new. I plan on doing a monthly blog of my journey this year. I’d like to get to a point where I can post some tips and hints to help you with your future in photography.