Today marks 6 months since I took the leap and went freelance. And although you can’t really call it a ‘proper’ anniversary, it’s got me reflecting on the journey so far.


Let me start by saying that the decision to switch to freelance didn’t come overnight. Sure, the romance of leaving a life behind to start anew would make a cool story, but that’s not how it went. Those close to me know that I toiled with the idea for years, probably since 2021, when I eventually made the decision it was motivated by a few things: 


  1. I’ve always wanted to work for myself - although my career history doesn’t really show this, having a family and the potential inherent ‘freedoms’ of being my own boss brought this back into focus. 
  2. I wanted more work in the industries I love (and that I’m good at) - I have a huge passion for anything active and outdoors, I love the sea and I weirdly love showing off properties. I wanted to start working towards getting back to telling more stories that mattered to me.
  3. If not now, I was choosing never - I’d been all talk for years. Talking about the possibility of ‘some day’… some action was way overdue. And if I didn’t do it then, I probably never would have. 
  4. The straw that broke the camels back - this quote from my copy of GFDA’s ‘Do the F*cking Work’.

These were the last words I read before I fell asleep. The following day I told Rachel what was happening, then handed in my notice at a job that I loved.

Freelance Life: An Honest Review


6 months have flown by! And I’ve been really fortunate with my freelance beginnings, reconnecting with old clients and continuing to work with the production company that I left have been two big factors in my success so far. I’m very grateful to everyone that’s worked with me.


I’ve rounded up a few random thoughts about what I’ve enjoyed so far: 


the good:


  • I haven’t missed a single school show, swimming lesson or parent’s event and I've done more school runs in the past six months than in the previous two years!


  • The background anxiety of answering to a 9-5 is finally beginning to fade. Having worked full time since I was 17, this has been the biggest mental shift.


  • It’s allowed me the flexibility to train for my first ultra marathon - my wife trains early so long lunch breaks are the only way I can get the time in on the legs without impacting family life!


  • The work is still varied, but it’s very slowly shifting more towards what I love and what I'm good at! 🏕️ 🏃 🚵 🏄‍♂️ 🏔️ 🏊‍♂️


  • New connections, friends and collaborations!


  • The support has been immense! Clients, other business owners, previous colleagues and managers. Everyone has been amazing!


the not so good:


  • There are days I miss having a team around me, surrounded by creativity and good company. I enjoy solitary work, but it can get lonely and I thrive on being surrounded by the right people.


  • Getting used to the ups and downs - I didn’t pick the best time to take the leap. Winter gets quiet and January was tough! But we made it through unscathed.


  • Paying for storage! Just had to order a new backup drive, so that sting is still fresh!


  • As much as I’m present more for my family, switching off from work doesn’t always come easy.

A few more highlights

My first overseas shoot in Lanzarote with Zone3, finally getting to work alongside James Wickenden and Gabs Burden, capturing triathlon and IRONMAN legends Casper Stornes, Kieran Lindars and Rebecca Anderbury.

Interviewing Casper Stornes the current IRONMAN World Champion

Getting to work with Dan Lockyer again at Utilita Bowl - we go way back! He was one of my first clients when I was freelancing on the side, then my manager in my first full-time photo/video job. We've finally got to work together again after a two year hiatus!

Reconnecting with old clients and working with them again has felt like one of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received!

Social content day with the team at Jigsaw Early Years and Impact Early Years

New collaborations! Building a network of other freelancers has been super fun and lead to some really rewarding work. I was introduced to Luke H Productions through a mutual friend and we've managed to squeeze in a few shoots together already! Having other professionals you can rely on gives me peace of mind, should the sh*t ever decide to hit the fan!

Overall, It’s been an incredible 6 months! And I’m beginning to understand the people that say they will ‘never go back’.


Thank you to everyone who’s worked with me or offered advice and support. It’s been a hell of a time so far! 🤙 🤙 🤙


Take it easy!