Hope Photography

Hope Photography Natural, timeless photos made simple and relaxed
Rutland & South Yorkshire
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I honestly feel like I’d be 12 months further ahead if I’d just committed to this decision earlier.But I overthought eve...
10/06/2026

I honestly feel like I’d be 12 months further ahead if I’d just committed to this decision earlier.

But I overthought everything for a long time, if I’m being honest.

When you’ve been in a career for 10+ years, got kids, and a lot of responsibility, the idea of trying something completely different doesn’t feel like a quick decision.

I had to think about the risks, what it would mean, whether it would actually work, all of that.

And in reality, I probably just made it a lot bigger in my head than it needed to be.

I launched it, got my first bookings, and shot my first weddings on my own last year.

I think I’ve nearly doubled that this year, which still feels a bit mad to say.

Not trying to show off at all, there’s been a lot of work in the background to get to this point.

But if I’m honest, the biggest change has just been starting.

If you’re sat overthinking something right now, what’s actually stopping you from starting?

06/06/2026

Honestly, the enquiries where you get ghosted, the mistakes you make, and the money you end up spending on camera gear in the early days… it all feels a bit much at the start.

But the support from people, especially other photographers and clients who actually take the time to message, does mean a lot.

I remember my first post that actually got a bit of engagement and thinking, right, this might actually work.

I didn’t expect to still be posting on social media in 2026, but the enquiries and bookings are slowly coming in.

There have definitely been moments where I’ve been a bit frustrated with how slow it’s felt, but in reality it’s probably been perfect timing. It’s meant I’ve had a lot more time with the kids while they’re this young, which I know I won’t get back.

Now it feels like I’ve got some momentum behind me, and I’m excited to see what the next couple of years look like.

I never really paid much attention to reviews until I started running a business.Now I completely get why people look fo...
03/06/2026

I never really paid much attention to reviews until I started running a business.

Now I completely get why people look for them.

I think we’ve all been there when we’re thinking about buying something, booking something, or trying a new service. Something catches your eye, but sometimes it’s hearing from people who’ve already done it that helps make the decision.

When I first started photography, I wasn’t really thinking about reviews at all. I was more focused on making sure I was producing photos I was genuinely happy with and giving people a good experience from start to finish.

The first reviews I shared were literally screenshots of text messages I’d received after delivering galleries.

I’m still basically doing the same thing now, just in a slightly more organised way.

Either way, I’m grateful whenever somebody takes the time to leave feedback after trusting me to capture something important.

It always means a lot.

02/06/2026

I had no idea when I started photography that I’d end up filming myself working.

At the start, I was honestly just thinking about camera settings and making sure I remembered enough poses for couples and families.

The more I’ve learned though, the more my focus has shifted to everything else.

The light, the background, the composition, thinking ahead, keeping things relaxed, and making sure people actually enjoy the experience rather than feeling awkward in front of the camera.

Back then, the thought of setting my phone up to film myself working would’ve made me cringe. To be fair, it still does a bit.

But I know showing more of the behind the scenes helps people see how I work, so now I just set my phone up, hit record and try to forget it’s there.

Still a lot to learn 🤓

01/06/2026

I honestly thought starting photography would mainly involve taking photos.

Didn’t realise it would also mean filming myself, talking to my phone, trying to think of reel hooks, and awkwardly setting my camera up in public hoping nobody notices what I’m doing.

If I’m honest, this side of it has probably been more out of my comfort zone than the photography itself.

The first few bits of content I posted felt massively awkward.

But I’ve realised if I want to build this properly around work and family life, people need to actually see the person behind the camera and how I work.

And to be fair… it’s starting to work.

A few more enquiries, a few more bookings, and enough to keep reinvesting back into this.

Still a lot to learn, but definitely glad I started.

A lot of couples tell me they feel awkward in front of the camera. And I fully get it.But to be honest, you don’t need t...
30/05/2026

A lot of couples tell me they feel awkward in front of the camera. And I fully get it.

But to be honest, you don’t need to know how to pose or do anything differently.

I always want to keep things relaxed and natural, so nothing feels forced and your photos actually feel like you.

If you’re planning a wedding and want photography that feels easy and natural, drop me a message.

A few dates still available this year and beyond.

If you’re still reading this and know anyone who’s engaged and planning a wedding, I’m currently offering heavily discounted engagement and pre wedding shoots.

I think it’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and helps make your wedding photos feel even more natural on the day.

29/05/2026

I respect the hustle from other photographers trying to get work, especially with how expensive everything is at the minute. I get it.

I just didn’t realise how competitive the photography world is until I properly got into it. Probably a bit naive on my part.

For me though, I’ve always wanted people to book me because they like the work and how I work on the day, rather than just being the first name they see in a comment section.

I remember messaging a couple of photographers when I first started asking about second shooting and, rightly so, getting ignored. I needed to learn a lot more before that.

I did the same again more recently after losing a job just trying to get a bit of experience and again, that’s just part of it I guess.

I think I just didn’t realise how much of photography is actually business and not just taking photos.

But I do still love it, and that probably balances everything out.

Can any other photographers relate?

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