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.