Learning Zone One: The Foundations
IN THIS LESSON
I open up about how I transitioned from a long, exhausting IT career in London to becoming a documentary wedding photographer.
I share the moment that sparked my interest—a magazine article featuring candid black and white wedding photos—and how that led me to pursue this career despite having no camera, no experience, and no financial safety net.
I talk about the challenges of starting from scratch and how passion, hard work, and determination helped me succeed.
This course is built on that journey, and I’m here to share the lessons, mistakes, and strategies that helped me create a fulfilling and sustainable photography career.
Key Takeaway Points:
Starting From Scratch is Possible:
I transitioned from a demanding IT career to full-time wedding photography with no experience, no financial safety net, and no guarantees—just a passion for storytelling.Inspiration Can Strike Anywhere:
A candid black and white wedding photo in a magazine sparked my journey into documentary wedding photography, showing that inspiration can come from unexpected places.Passion and Hard Work Drive Success:
Success didn’t come overnight. It took determination, consistent hard work, and a deep commitment to capturing authentic moments to build a sustainable career.Mistakes Are Part of Growth:
Every mistake I made in the early days was a learning opportunity. Those lessons in light, timing, and composition helped me develop my own distinctive style.Fear and Doubt Are Normal:
Feeling nervous or uncertain when starting out is completely normal. You don’t need a perfect plan—you need resilience, hard work, and a willingness to learn.Growth is an Ongoing Process:
Even after photographing nearly 800 weddings, I’m still learning and refining my craft. Photography is a lifelong journey of growth and evolution.This Course Reflects My Journey:
Everything I teach in this course is built on real experience—my successes, mistakes, and the strategies I used to build a thriving photography career.Your Path Will Be Unique:
There’s no single roadmap to success. Whether you’re refining your style or starting from the ground up, this course offers guidance for every stage of your journey.Authenticity Matters:
Staying true to what you love and how you want to tell stories is key. I built my career by focusing on real, meaningful moments instead of following trends.We’ll Navigate This Together:
This course isn’t just about instruction—it’s about sharing ideas, engaging with the material, and growing alongside a supportive community of photographers.
