If you had told me years ago that I’d go from reupholstering furniture to photographing some of the biggest names in music and fashion, I wouldn’t have believed you. My path into photography wasn’t traditional. I didn’t go to art school, I didn’t start with a fancy camera, and I definitely didn’t have industry connections. But somehow, through a mix of passion, persistence, and a little bit of madness, I made it happen.

The Early Days: Covered in Fabric and Staples

I dabbled in photography but never took I seriously, i wanted to but that step felt a little scary making it my main source of income so I spent years working in upholstery, 9 to be exact. Myself and my Mum had the soft furnishings world by a grip.. My mum taught me a lot- How to handle the business side of things, how to communicate with customers and how to make a living doing something that you love.. she can take full credit honestly. Super mum.. anyways It was hands on, detailed work cutting fabrics, stapling, sewing, bringing old things back to life. Looking back, I realize that this work shaped my eye for detail and texture, what fabrics work best with others, colour coordination, pattern matching which later became a key part of my photography style. But at the time, I knew deep down that something was missing. I wanted to create from start to finish, not just restore.

Picking Up a Camera for the First Time

My first camera wasn’t some top of the line DSLR. It was my mum’s old Nikon, a hand me down that I started experimenting with. I took photos of everything random objects, my friends, whatever caught my eye. What started as a hobby quickly became an obsession. I was constantly looking at images, breaking them down, trying to figure out why some looked so captivating and others fell flat.

The Shift: From Hobby to Career

I started doing shoots on the side, mostly for free. I’d photograph friends, models, musician anyone willing to step in front of my lens. I spent hours on YouTube learning how to edit, studying lighting, even became a model to see how other photographer work and feeling what it was like being the subject- figuring out how to direct people was a huge game changer. Little by little, people started noticing. The first paid gig felt surreal.. it wasn’t much, something like $300 AUD but it was proof that I could actually make something of this.

Breaking into the Industry

Getting into photography professionally wasn’t easy. I had no formal training, no degree, no connections. What I did have was a relentless drive. I networked like crazy, took any opportunity that came my way, and constantly pushed myself to improve. I even sneaked into London Fashion Week, shooting Kenz backstage and from the sidelines (This is how i met the love of my life, crazy right?) i emailing brands and musicians with nothing but my best work and a shot in the dark.

Then, the breakthrough happened. My work blew up on social media, I started working with Adobe and got sponsored by Nikon i then started working with musicians. Concert photography became a thing for me. The energy, the raw emotion, the unpredictability it was everything I loved about photography wrapped into one chaotic, beautiful experience.

Where I Am Now

Now, I’ve shot world tours, worked with major brands, and built a career doing what I love. But I never forget where I came from. Upholstery taught me patience, precision, and how to work with my hands. Photography gave me a way to tell stories, to capture moments that mean something.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: there’s no right way to chase a dream. Your path doesn’t have to be conventional. You don’t need permission. You just need the guts to go after it. If you truly love it, you'll do ANYTHING for it.