I hope this post gives people a little boost of inspiration today …

Seven years ago I took a leap of faith and left my luxury fashion PR role in London to pursue a dream of becoming a photographer. 

I didn’t even know how to use a DSLR when it wasn’t on Auto but I loved photography and so for the next 12 months I practiced every chance I could, attended night courses, did workshops with professional wildlife photographers and followed my heart.

It was super scary but I knew I was on the right path when on the day I quit my job, this black and white image of mine of pier jumpers at the Oyster Festival in Whitstable was named as a finalist alongside eight other photographs in the Daily Telegraph’s weekly travel competition, The Big Picture. This gave me such a boost of confidence!

I still have a lot to learn but I am so grateful that I followed the sign posts and took that leap of faith as it completely changed my life.

Whenever I look at this photo I remember the feelings of excitement, anxiety, fear and hope I had about changing my career and the millions of ‘what ifs’ that filled my head – ‘ what if I fail, what if I can’t do it, what if I make a mistake, what if I run out of money, what if I’m no good, what if I’m too old, what if it’s the wrong move.’

I’m glad I didn’t listen to my chattering monkey brain!

Most of all I am so grateful to all those friends and family who encouraged me to jump into the unknown.

And if I can do it, so can you.