How did I become a headshot photographer?

Growing up on a farm in rural Kent, if you had told me I would end up taking photographs for a living in central London, I might not have believed you.

In 1993, I had just finished art college and the burgeoning wave of YBAs, Damien Hirst and all, was exploding into the public consciousness. I wanted somehow to be part of it.

In true entrepreneurial spirit, my first venture was opening a sculpture park (www.gardensofgaia.co.uk).  A head full of ideas coupled with a serious lack of business experience resulted in a fairly steep learning curve!

If I’m honest, it wasn’t the absolute success I had hoped for.  But it allowed me to dip my toes into the commercial world out there. I was up and running.

Keen to explore all artistic avenues, I then embarked on a film masters course.  With cameras all around me, I began to find my feet. I graduated flush with enthusiasm and a building sense of expectation.  I was ready to make my first foray into the film business.

I worked various jobs in the industry from Location manager to Director and with each job gained invaluable experience. But deep down, I knew I needed to set my own working agenda.

It was a fortuitous meeting with another photographer that shaped my career.  I met a friend of my brother’s who was over from Vancouver for work. We spent a few days together and had some of those life chats that can so often be a turning point. He helped me realise that I could combine my love of meeting people with my passion for photography.

The seed had been planted.  My business as a headshot photographer was born and I haven’t looked back since.

In addition to my day-to-day work, each year, I set aside some time to explore an area of the world that’s new to me. 

I find that meeting and photographing people from all parts of the globe helps fuel the enthusiasm for my work.

It also serves to remind me, that you never stop learning, no matter how much you think you know.