The Story So Far: An Update on My Journey
Since I started my photography journey and made the decision to try and make a living from it, it finally feels like my head is above water.
It has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions. At times I’ve thought maybe I’ve made the wrong choice. My mental health has suffered, and I’ve honestly thought about giving it all up. But my family have been the ones to spur me on, keeping me sane and reminding me this is a long, slow journey.
The trouble is, I’m impatient. When I do something, I throw myself into it fully—sometimes to the point of obsession. I have this habit of wanting everything done yesterday.
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The Early Days: Building the Foundations
Since launching my website, I’ve been focused on building my brand and gaining trust. My Facebook page started to pick up followers, and things were looking good. But then it all became stagnant—like I’d hit a wall.
When that happened, my mental health dipped again. I questioned myself constantly. Am I doing something wrong?
But I persevered. I kept working to build trust, to share my work, and to keep the page alive. That persistence eventually led me to new ideas.
📸 website.
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The Calendar & The Community
I decided to create a calendar and also start the Frickley Country Park Photography Group. My goal was simple: to share my photos but also to create a space where other people could contribute their own experiences of the park.
At first, both the group and the calendar were slow to take off. Doubt crept in again—maybe I’ve done the wrong thing. But gradually, things began to grow.
The group started to gain real interest, people began sharing their walks, their photos, and their experiences. It’s amazing to see a little community forming. I truly believe it will become a special place for like-minded people.
Meanwhile, the calendar has picked up momentum, and I’ve had great feedback. The self-doubt—will people even like it?—is slowly being replaced by belief.
📸 Calendar 📆
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Giving Back: Freebies & Giveaways
I’ve also started running a weekly Freebie Friday—where I share free screensavers as a way to give back to my page followers. On top of that, I’m holding a monthly giveaway, which is exclusive to followers. Right now, the prize is a 2026 calendar.
It feels fantastic to see people joining me on this journey and being excited to be part of what I’m building.
📸 Screensaver.
Local Support & Exciting News
One of the things I’m most proud of is how the local community is starting to support me. My local council has agreed to help promote the calendar, which is brilliant. Even more exciting—my local libraries have also agreed to get involved.
At the end of November, right through until Christmas, something exciting is going to happen. I can’t say too much yet, but I promise I’ll keep everyone updated as it unfolds.
📸 Frickley country park.
Looking Ahead
The one thing I know for certain is this: I am a genuine person who cares about others. I want people to feel that through my products, my photos, and my blogs. I would never do something to others that I wouldn’t do to myself.
To everyone who has followed, supported, or even just taken the time to read this blog—thank you. It genuinely means the world to me. This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the journey leads.