New Year, New Opportunities

2025 was a year of business, both on a personal level as an individual and as a creator, and amid global events that caused uncertainty. While I won't get into world news, we have all seen it and, I am sure, would all like a day of normality. On a personal level, I started a new role, continued with studying and took my first steps into the realm of music photography.

It all started with a colleague of mine showing his music, sharing his shots, and talking about his son, who is getting into videography. He blissfully relived his moments on stage, the crowds, the lights, the scents, and the feelings. I was getting quite intrigued at the time and, I must say, felt the need to try out one of these heavy metal nights, not as a photographer but as someone inspired by his story. The conversation continued to photography, and the question was asked: "Can I come and photograph your band?" Bearing in mind that the event was at the end of June. There were no hopes or ambitions, no planning or preparation, and no prior research before the question. To my shock, however, he said yes! What a turn that was!

One of my first shots, Pantheist

Now, I'm not going to pretend that I had the skills or the equipment to do it well. I had the Panasonic Lumix S1, the Lumix 70-300 F4.5-5.6 and the stock 20-60mm lens. Neither lenses were particularly suited to low light, nor was I prepared for what would happen. However, at the time, I loved the shots! Looking back now... well, let's just say there's already a world of difference.

Ok, I still quite like the image, but it was a struggle; most shots were out of focus, the aperture was not great, and I was running around like I was free-range, unsupervised, and wildly under-planned. However, after the first shots, the proverbial dust settled, and the enjoyment really began, and wow, was it a feeling I would continue to chase!

The Shallow Souls, my second ever shoot

That night, I stayed up all night editing, not because of any expectation, but because the adrenaline was still pumping and the pure excitement of what could be (mostly badly focused) was an incredible moment. After editing, I am certain every band in South Wales got a message, as my wallet started shaking!

I won’t dwell too long on kit, but upgrades do matter. I am hoping to have my new camera next week, the beautiful Lumix S1rii, the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG DN OS Sport. Why so many letters? The Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4, an incredible lens for its character, the Lumix 50mm F1.8 and the Sigma 16-28 F2.8 Contemporary. Back to the music, and some incredible friends made along the way.

Death Cult Electric, gig 4?

With that said, seeing "Backstage" is very, very cool! But being proud of something, sharing it, and having the musicians respond positively were major wins. Hearing the stories of each band member was an even more surreal moment, and some of them are among my closest friends. The lighting became a bit more controlled, focus improved, confidence improved, and the images improved. It may say cliché, but practice really does make perfect. Although I do prefer the saying Fake it until you make it! Does anyone really know what they are doing? If they do, then I can assure you it was not an easy path. Anyway, I digress. That feeling of pure satisfaction continued, and the camera came out with me more and more again.

I had my first "income" from a gig in October. While even now it is not a sustainable income by itself, the first time someone offers something is incredible. While the extra bonus was nice, it was more about the appreciation, recognition, and the fact that someone liked my images enough to actually offer money for them. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

The Drowning

Ok, so the bands were getting slightly bigger, more renowned, with bigger crowds. This is where imposter syndrome really hit. There was an event I was able to attend to take some photos for, free, of course. There was another photographer. While he was strutting around, having all the confidence in the world, like someone who would walk up, take a masterpiece, and shrug, I was sweating my cheeks off and giving an unsolicited masterclass in motion blur! Ok, this was a bit extreme. But I was envious of his camera setup....

This was actually one of the best moments, though, seeing an actual "professional" working on his craft. He remained calm and collected, seemed to know where to be at any given time, and, afterwards, the most important lesson was comparing the shots after he posted them. My small win, though, was that one of the band members used my shots! I’d love to say this didn’t go straight to my head, but I respect the truth too much.

Nightlives, my final session in 2025

So, where are we now? 2026 is a year of opportunity. Apart from a brief catastrophe (My lens is currently being repaired because I dropped it, please don't laugh!) I have my first agents and promoters contacting me for professional bookings. I have released my first music video, with more on the way. I am seeing posts in which I recognise the exact moment it was taken being shared even weeks or months later, and a renewed sense of the incredible talent we have in the UK.

Why am I writing this? Yes, this is a moment of reflection, but it has a purpose. For anyone reading this, whether a photographer taking the next step or a musician just trying to make a name for themselves, 2026 can be the start of a new, exciting journey. No professional is born a professional. We all make mistakes, we all learn, and I guess we all fake it until we make it. The lack of confidence is the only thing stopping you from reaching out to bands, promoters, venues, teams, or anything else that drives your creative identity. But rather than fear the mistake, embrace it. And 2026 can be a year you will never forget.

Oh—and if this doesn’t help your gear acquisition syndrome, it didn’t help mine either. My poor, poor wallet...