New Beginnings & Being Brave

There’s something incredibly powerful about beginnings. They’re exciting, terrifying, and full of possibility — and this website is one of mine.

Back in 2019, I did something that felt completely mad at the time. I was 29 years old, full of self-doubt, and absolutely petrified… and I decided to go back into full-time education to pursue photography. Not as a hobby. Not as a “maybe one day.” But properly — with the hope that one day I could call myself a full-time photographer.

Walking into that classroom for the first time was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. I was the only mature learner, surrounded by school leavers who seemed confident, fresh, and completely unfazed. I questioned myself constantly. What am I doing here? Do I belong? Am I too old to be starting again?

But here’s the thing about bravery — it doesn’t mean you’re fearless. It means you do it anyway.

What I never expected was that those same classrooms would give me friendships for life. Bonds that crossed age gaps and stages of life. People I still keep in touch with, still laugh with, still cheer on. One of those friendships even led to us getting matching tattoos — something I smile about every single time I see it. Proof that taking a leap can give you far more than you ever planned for.

That one brave decision changed everything.

It led me here. To this website. To a life that looks nothing like it did when I was too scared to imagine going back to college at 29. This space is something I am incredibly proud of, not just because it’s a photography website — but because of what it represents.

For a long time, I carried an old-fashioned belief that becoming a mum meant my life was somehow “over.” I was a young single mum, and I thought dreams were things I used to have. That could not have been more wrong.

Today, I have two of the funniest, cleverest, most wonderful best friends I could ever wish for — my identical twin teenage lads. They are my everything. And honestly? I would do all the long days, the sleepless nights, the exhaustion, and the overwhelm over and over again just to have them in my life. If you’re in that phase right now — please know this: it really does get better.

Somewhere along the way, I also found myself in a happy, stable relationship, one filled with laughter — real, everyday laughter. The kind that reminds you how good life can be when you take a chance and allow yourself to believe you’re worthy of it.

That same bravery carried me through my course. I passed with top marks and was even awarded an “Outstanding Studentship” award — something that still makes me emotional to think about 🥲 One day, I hope this very website helps me earn an office where I can hang that diploma on the wall. A quiet reminder that I did the scary thing… and it was worth it.

If you’re reading this from a dark place — if you’re scared, unsure, or not ready yet — that’s okay. Truly. You don’t have to leap today. You don’t have to know all the answers. Just know that when you areready, bravery doesn’t mean changing everything overnight. Sometimes it’s just allowing yourself to believe that a different life is possible.

New beginnings will wait for you.

Take the step when it feels right.

And trust that you are far more capable than you think.

A Special Thank You

To Richard — The best Photography mentor you could wish for. Thank you for your time, skill, patience, and unwavering kindness. I know when we first met you weren’t quite sure about my commitment, but you played a huge part in helping me feel comfortable, capable, and confident enough to find my place there. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without your guidance. A fantastic photographer… and an "alright" gardener too.

💛