2022: A Look Back at the Year That Was

Bears Den live at the O2 in Glasgow

Bears Den are amazing band to see live, do check them out.

Lifestyle photoshoot in Kelvingrove Park

Was an honour to be able to take some lifestyle photoshoots, this one in the amazing Kelvingrove Park.

Busking on the streets of Glasgow

Glasgow is such an amazing vibrant place!

Cartington Castle at sunset.

It was a family wedding up in Northumberland, at the family farm. They even have a castle on the farm!

Cedarwood Festival

I was involved in setting up and running a christian festival based in Durham in its first year. Months of hardworking paid off as it was successful, and an amazing time.

Lifestyle photoshoot

I had previously done a photoshoot of this amazing family a couple of years ago, and when they came back to England for a few weeks, they asked me to come over for another photoshoot.

Coffee in Edinburgh

This year has been fuelled by coffee, So glad for coffee shops serving iced cold coffee when its needed, and that day it was needed.

Coldplay on their C stage

Coldplay are amazing live. This is the third time that I’ve been to see them and they never-ever disappoint!

Derwent Waters

Other than the Lake District being absolutely stunning, it also holds a special place in my heart. It was amazing to introduce it to my now wife during Easter this year, as she had never been before.

Troy jumping the blocks

Even though I’ve moved up to Glasgow, I still venture down to my home town of Stockton at various points, usually for work. ABC gym in Portrack has always asked me to pop over whenever I’m down to take photos for their website and social media.

Taylor Wedding

I had the privilege of not only being the official photographer for Hughston and Mel’s wedding, but also be part of the grooms party. This was a double wedding weekend, working the first one on the Friday, and then being a guest on the Saturday at a family wedding.

Family holidays

My nieces eldest two children came to stay with us for about a week during the summer holidays. They had never been to Scotland so it was jam packed with activities and exploration.

Dramalam Theatre School

I was asked to video the end of year performance for the Dramalam Theatre School.

Glasgow Christmas Lights

I’m a big kid when it comes to Christmas and the festivities. There’s something about the collected unity and festive spirit of everyone at this time of year.

Our Wedding

Not only did I attend a few weddings this year, we had a wedding of our own in October.

The Stockton Mayors Carol Service

Nothing starts the Christmas period than helping out at the Mayor’s Christmas Carol Service at Stockton Parish Church. I used to work at SPC running their tech, so when it comes to big events, I get invited back to help out.

Neist Point Lighthouse

We have family living on the Isle of Skye, so we try to go up to see them at least twice a year. Skye is such an amazing dramatic place. Even the journey to Skye is impressive.

Northern School of Art

Northern School of Art has just moved in to their state of the art purpose built college. I was asked by the company who provided the facade for this building to take some photographs of it for their promotional purposes.

Coldplay frenzy

my friend Michelle and I both turned 40 this year, so to celebrate, we went to see Coldplay at Hampden Stadium.

Worship

As well as taking photos, I love to play keys and to sing. There’s hardly any other place that I feel like I’m home than being behind a keyboard and a mic. A friend of mine was leading worship at her church so asked me to come along and support her.

Private Pier at Luss

Living so close to Loch Lomond (comparatively), we took the opportunity for a lazy Sunday adventure to Luss. It’s such a beautiful remarkable place.

Riverside Stadium

As a Boro fan, I managed to get tickets for the FA cup match against Tottenham, which the team not only played well, containing the likes of Son and Kane, but our local lad from the youth academy scored the winner in extra time!

Fingal Edinburgh

Being a full-time photographer isn’t just taking photos all the time, but about making connections with other businesses. it’s all about networking. This networking event was on the Fingal floating hotel in Edinburgh and it just screams luxury, being the sister ship to the one Queen Elizabeth used to use.

Fortieth Sunrise

So, I turned 40 this year……

To celebrate, we hired a cottage on the coast in Saltburn for the weekend. On the Saturday we had friends over for takeaway and to hang out. It was an epic, splendid evening. Just perfect.

Cyrano

This year, we got the privilege of seeing James McAvoy perform in Cyrano in Glasgow. Such an awesome production, simple set, yet so powerful!

Mutts for the win

These trusted pair have become my companions as I often work from home. They are cute, funny, crazy, snuggly bundles of fluff. They have truly kept me sane this year.

Hawling Wedding

To be invited to be the official wedding photographer is also amazing, but its somewhat specially when its someone who was in your youth group at church many years ago and now live in Australia.

First Wedding Fair

The start of the year also so my first wedding fair held at Pollockshaw, it was also their first wedding fair too. It was good to make connections with other suppliers, one of which lead me to edit a video for them to enter an award of best funeral supplier. Acts of Dove went on to win the award.

Christmas Mini photoshoot

This was my first venture into Christmas mini shoots. The feedback I received have been amazing, and is definitely something I will do next year!

Well the has been quite the year! My first full year of a full time photographer included attending countless weddings, holidays and gatherings with family and friends, it was an unforgettable rollercoaster ride. It's been a year of immense personal development, both professionally and personally.

As a freelance photographer, I had the opportunity to explore and capture a variety of unique experiences over the course of a full year. Through my photography, I documented everything from luxurious summer weddings to moody architecture in all its urban glory.

I was also privileged to be able to cover myriad different lifestyles—from capturing people lifting weights at the gym for promotional material, to my first ever Christmas themed mini-shoots for families, to editing videos for award winning businesses. Every day presented an exciting adventure into new worlds of creativity!

My goal as a freelance photographer is to capture moments that tell stories and evoke emotion. Exploring these different disciplines with my camera has enabled me to do just that—exposing me to new ideas while sharpening my reflexes with each passing shot.

The world of solopreneurship can be a lonely place. As an solopreneur, you are your own boss and making decisions for yourself - but that doesn't mean it has to be a solo journey.  Meeting amazing people who share your same passion and drive is one of the best parts about being part of this unique community.

This year, I had the pleasure of connecting with some incredible solopreneurs who have now become close friends. We share ideas and offer advice in order to help each other succeed in our respective businesses. It's been so refreshing to know that while I'm on this solopreneurial journey, I'm not alone; these inspiring individuals provide me with support when needed most. Not only do they encourage me to keep pushing forward, but they remind me just how powerful our collective knowledge can be when we come together as a team! Please check out their websites at the bottom of the blog. I do also need to give E3 initiative and South Lanarkshire Business Gateway for the amazing support and brilliant courses that they have created.

After some turbulent years, this is the year I got married. We finally decided to make it official and tied the knot surrounded by family and friends. The wedding day was everything I could have ever wished for - filled with joy and laughter as we celebrated the start of our new life together. Seeing everyone that came to witness our special moment made us feel so incredibly loved and grateful for all those who supported us throughout our journey leading up to this day.

It was also this year that I turned 40. Turning 40 is a milestone that many people look forward to, as it is often seen as the start of a new chapter in life - and it certainly has for me. It is a time to reflect on what has been accomplished and take stock of where one stands in life. As I turn 40, I am reminded of all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me over the years.

I have been blessed with an amazing family and friends that have kept me going over the years with their unconditional love and support. I finally been able to go full time as a wedding and freelance photographer! For these reasons and more, turning 40 feels like a celebration for me – not only for reaching this milestone but for everything else that I've achieved along the way.

I’m so excited for all that 2023 has in store. While 2022 was an incredible year, I'm sure 2023 will be even better. I’m looking forward to the challenges, successes, and opportunities that come my way. It’s time to embrace the unknown and take on anything that comes my way with confidence! Let's make this another great year, filled with happiness, joy, and growth. Here's to a wonderful 2023!

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A list of some of the amazing Solopreneurs that I’ve met - please do check them out!

Helen at untangledspaghetti.co.uk

Antje at antjebothin.wordpress.com

Shona at https://brachanconsultancy.com/

Kirsty at kirstenrees.co.uk

Kerry Samantha kerrysamanthaphotography.com

Kirsty www.hmraitt.com

Carolé Shabby Upcycler https://theshabbyupcyclers.com/