A horse photographer’s reflections at 50

Throughout my photography career, I’ve battled with confidence and pushing myself through my own predetermined comfort zones. Especially in my early years, when I was quickly put off by a negative or sweeping comment. A friend recently asked, ‘Do you wish you had gone full-time as a horse photographer earlier in life?’ And the honest answer is, I’m not sure, maybe no. I don’t think my younger self would have coped so well! But then I didn’t have The Guild of Photographers! 

On reflection, my greatest photographic successes have come since joining The Guild. Lesley and Steve, the directors, have created a truly special organisation – friendly, supportive, and full of learning opportunities. And it was The Guild that provided me with the platform to develop, refine my skills, and gain more confidence in my work. 

Age and experience, I suppose, also builds character. These days, I actively push myself out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s speaking to potential clients, setting my pricing, running workshops, giving talks, or entering competitions, I now see these challenges as opportunities to grow.

Would my younger self have believed that I’d become a full-time photographer, mentor, and judge? Probably not! But I’ve learned that growth happens when you take risks, embrace the uncomfortable, and enjoy the experience and the process of learning.

So, what would I say to my younger self?

Building confidence won’t happen overnight

It takes baby steps, and that’s okay. You’ll find your feet gradually, but your love for photography—and the impact it has on people—will keep driving you forward.

Focusing on your clients and their needs, rather than your own fears, will help with imposter syndrome. Your ideal clients won’t care what car you drive or that you show your products from cardboard boxes from the boot! They’ll care about your skills, the experience you give them, and the value you provide.

You don’t have to do it alone

Get a mentor as soon as you can! It wasn’t until I started having mentoring sessions with The Guild that I really began assessing my work and developing my skills. That period was a turning point—I call it my ‘wide-eyes phase’. It’s when I made the most progress, learned new techniques, and started accepting critique (even when I didn’t always agree with it!).

That’s when I truly began to explore who I was as a photographer, refine my style, and grow in confidence.

Create your opportunities

In the 1990s, I learnt with film. A Pentax K100 and ME Super were my cameras, and I was often seen at a local riding club or college equestrian events learning my craft. While there, I was ‘informally networking’ and not realising it! In hindsight, some opportunities seemed to be handed on a plate to me, but I either ran scared or, through lack of knowledge or awareness, I didn’t take advantage of them. There was no internet then to research or gain advice from, and I don’t even think our local town had a camera club.  

Be open to networking and keep your eyes peeled for opportunities. If something comes your way, don’t dismiss it too quickly—you never know where it might lead.

These days, I take a much more proactive approach. I contact magazines and organisations to see if they’d be interested in an article or a speaker. It’s been surprising how many say yes.

Your sensitivity will be a strength

You’ll feel it’s a battle sometimes to create a thick skin. But you actually don’t have to.  You’ll learn that understanding your client’s needs and having empathy will be such a positive skill. Having the compassion to do your best and help as much as you can. Your skills will help increase the value of your customer’s experience, as well as your business. 

And remember—not everyone is your client. With age, you’ll realise you can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. Not everyone will like your work, and not everyone will care what you do. And that’s okay too.

Say yes

A fellow female photographer once told me she was so nervous before giving a talk at a major photography show. But she commented with a smile, ‘I just keep saying yes’. What a brilliant mindset and show of strength. Since then, I’ve tried to do the same, even when it does scare me. This positive mindset and putting on my ‘big girl pants’, opens opportunities and experiences. Whatever your circumstances towards your goals, saying yes more often to opportunities could help you reach your own goals sooner.  And with that often comes the surprising element of enjoyment! 

Learn to love the phone

In the early days, you’ll have to really psych yourself up to call a potential client. You’ll even leave motivational Post-it notes on your desk to remind yourself to make the calls!

But in time, you’ll realise that the phone is an incredible tool. It allows you to build relationships, understand your clients, and make things happen far faster than email ever could.

Now, I see picking up the phone as part of my unique selling point—it helps me connect with clients and ultimately grow my business.

Be true to yourself

Your path will meander, and you’ll dabble in digital and marketing for over 25 years. But if you look at your past passions, horses have always been there.  Don’t dismiss what you love so easily. Your love of history, architecture, and the environment? Use them to shape your work, as these influences will help define your photographic style.

And don’t worry about what anyone else is doing

Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s what makes life so interesting. We’re all on our own paths. Just keep doing what you love and focus on developing your craft.

Keep going. Keep learning. Keep trusting your instincts. You will get there—one step at a time.

For more reading – visit Creative Light Magazine here: https://photoguild.co.uk/guild-magazine/