Why am I a photographer?
At the beginning of the 21st century I was doing an MBA course and working for a Chemical company - the course was by and large a crock of crap but there was one section of the course that was about developing yourself and I learned a handy tool. They gave us a vast list - over 60 items that covered most of the types of activities we do at work and asked you to rate your ability 1-10 … this took a long time. Was I good at detail work? , was I accomplished at being in charge? , Was I skilled at conflict resolution ? The questions seemed endless - Then we had to do it again but this time we had to rate how much we enjoyed each type of activity. Then we were asked to write a CV for a hypothetical job using the info - Many included items they enjoyed - but sucked at … others put items they were good at but hated doing … the object was to impress upon us that you cannot expect to like a job when they are hiring you to do stuff you hate … even if you are great at it. I’ve applied this to my photography … I’m good at weddings … but I don’t like doing them. I’m good at photoshop but I don’t like having to do it if I don’t need to. I love portraiture and Landscape but I feel I still have a lot to learn.
Photography has never been just about capturing images for me—it’s about connection, curiosity, and constant growth. I became a photographer because I love the challenge of telling stories through visuals, but I’ve stayed a photographer because of the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the doors it continues to open in my life.
One of the most unexpected joys of this journey has been the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to meet. I’ve shot Ex-British PM David Cameron , senior public servants , models , athletes , 95% of the Indian Pagent crowd (well it feels like that) Fire performers , Clowns , hula hoopers and Unicycle riding knife jugglers … Photography has brought me into spaces and moments I never would’ve experienced otherwise. I’ve worked with clients from all walks of life—artists, entrepreneurs, parents, newlyweds, and complete strangers—each with their own unique energy and story. These interactions have deepened my understanding of people and how they express emotion, confidence, vulnerability, and connection. Every shoot is a new conversation, a new perspective, and often, a new friendship. These human moments are what give photography its depth, and they’re what keep me inspired.
Even more meaningful, photography has helped me build lasting friendships. The creative world can be fast-paced and unpredictable, but some of the strongest connections in my life have come from shared projects, spontaneous shoots, and long conversations over coffee after a session. There’s a special kind of bond that forms when you create with someone—when you see each other’s vision, encourage each other’s growth, and celebrate each other’s wins. I’ve found a community of like-minded, passionate individuals who not only inspire my work but enrich my life in ways I never expected when I first picked up a camera.
Photography also forced me to step into the world of social media—something I never imagined would be so integral to my creative career. Social media has become a platform not just to share my work, but to share parts of who I am and what I value. It’s a digital extension of the human connections I make in real life, and I’ve learned to embrace it as both a creative tool and a necessity.
At the heart of everything, I’m a problem solver. Photography constantly pushes me to think critically and creatively—whether it’s finding the right light in a tricky environment, guiding a nervous subject into feeling comfortable, or editing a series to evoke the right mood. Each project presents a puzzle, and I thrive in the process of putting the pieces together. That love of problem-solving is what keeps the work exciting, even after years behind the camera.
But more than any technical or logistical challenge, photography has taught me about empathy and observation. I’ve learned to look more closely—not just at how things appear, but at what they mean. A gesture, a glance, the way someone holds themselves in front of the camera—all of it reveals something about who they are. Being a photographer means constantly asking, “What’s the story here?” and learning how to tell it honestly and beautifully.
Ultimately, I am a photographer because it brings together everything I love: people, creativity, challenges, and growth. It has taught me more about the world and myself than I ever expected. And as long as there are stories to tell and people to connect with, I’ll keep doing what I do—one frame at a time.