One year as a Kent wedding photographer

Reflecting on my first year as a Kent wedding photographer — a letter to my younger self

Dear me, one year ago,

Here you are, standing on the edge of something big. You’ve just decided to follow your heart into wedding photography — a dream that feels exciting but also, honestly, a bit scary. You’re still working your day job, juggling hours and energy in a way that’s exhausting but somehow keeps the dream alive. It’s not easy. Some days, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours, or enough confidence, but you keep showing up. And that’s everything.

I know the last few weeks before this journey began were some of the hardest you’ve faced. Losing your childhood dog, Badis — your faithful, loving companion who had been by your side through so much — left a deep, aching space in your heart. Some days, that loss feels incredibly heavy, like a shadow that quietly follows you everywhere. But you found a beautiful way to keep him close. Your wedding photography collection names are inspired by him, and with help from Freya Taylor Boards, you created a small icon within your branding as a gentle nod to his memory. You also decided to donate a portion of every booking to The Blue Cross, a charity that supports those grieving pet loss — a cause so deeply meaningful to you. It’s your way of weaving Badis’ spirit into your work, allowing his love to live on in every story you capture.

Your mum has been your rock throughout this time. When your confidence wavered — which it did, often — she was there with steady hands and gentle words. At first, she helped calm your nerves, reminding you that you’re capable even when you doubted yourself. Now, she’s not just your support but your business partner, running Your Wedding Mum, a content creation add-on alongside you. Together, you’re building something truly special.

In this first year as a Kent wedding photographer — from Sittingbourne to Canterbury, Faversham, and beyond. — you’ve photographed ten weddings. Ten entirely different stories, each one a new lesson and blessing. You met couples who welcomed you into their most intimate moments, trusting you to capture not just their smiles but the genuine emotions of their day.

Like that unforgettable moment when the groom tears up as his bride walks down the aisle. That simple, raw emotion — the kind that brings you close to tears too — reminds you why you do this work. Those fleeting moments of honesty and love are what you want to hold onto, what you want to give back to your couples through your images.

This year has also been a time of discovering your style — what you love to capture and what doesn’t quite feel like you. You’ve realised you prefer the quiet, candid moments over posed shots, the soft light over harsh flashes. You’re learning to trust your instincts, to listen to your heart as much as your camera. This journey of finding your photographic voice is just as important as the photos themselves.

Winning Best Newcomer at the Kent Wedding Awards was a moment you never saw coming. You didn’t think you’d even make it to the finals, let alone win, but there you were, standing tall and proud. That recognition was a huge boost — a sign that your hard work is noticed and valued. And then came seeing your work featured in the A Kentish Ceremony Magazine and becoming a recommended supplier at Pretty Prep Studios. These milestones aren’t just awards or titles; they’re proof that you’re carving out a place in the Kent wedding photography community, that your vision is resonating with people.

Balancing your wedding photography alongside your day job means long days and late nights. Some days you’re running on adrenaline and pure passion, some days it feels like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But every step, every late night editing photos or answering emails, is part of building the career and life you want. And slowly, steadily, your confidence is growing — you’re becoming the Kent wedding photographer and Sittingbourne wedding photographer you dreamed of being.

It’s okay to still feel like there’s so much to learn. That feeling means you care. That feeling means you’re human. And it means there’s so much room to grow. Remember to be gentle with yourself, to celebrate every win — big or small — and to keep believing in your path.

The best is yet to come, I promise.

With love,

You — one year on 🤍