I’ve always been a bit of a shy guy. More so in intimidating situations, where I’m feeling unfamiliar with my surroundings or involved with new people. But as someone with a camera in my hand, over the years I have begun to feel a lot more confident. I guess this comes partly from my TV background, whereby I’m being paid to do a job, and if that means asking someone to move out of the way to get a shot, then so be it. Having a camera in front of me in my hands, has made me a lot more confident in being able to get to places, and ask for things that I wouldn’t normally have asked for.
This process of asking though, is something that I’ve had to learn over time. It’s not something that came easily to me. As a kid, I would always be the shy one not knowing what to do, or even if I did, not have the courage to do it. But as I got older and started to ask more questions, I began to realise there is no harm in asking questions, because the worst thing that is going to happen, is for someone to say ‘No’.
‘Don’t ask don’t get’ is a phrase that I could now swear by. It has enabled me to get in to some very fun situations, and meet some interesting and like minded people. For instance, occasionally I put shout outs on to social media looking for participants who’d be willing to have photoshoots, and there’ll be plenty of replies keen and eager to get involved. Talking and getting to know various people through social media has led me to meet some other outdoor enthusiasts in Norway and Canada, and hang out with them for a little bit showing me their back yard and having a great time. Even talking to an owner of a magazine led to me getting published for the very first time which was a very exciting feeling I have to admit!
Atlas Mountains
Even on trips to regions unknown, I feel more confident with a camera in hand, capturing moments and sharing stories.
I can see how asking for things can be somewhat intimidating. Moving to London and starting out in the TV industry, I was literally flying emails off left, right and centre to try and find someone that would give the chance to gain some experience within the industry and get a foot on the ladder. But sending emails behind the barrier of a computer and asking someone face to face are 2 very different things, especially if that someone who you’re asking is a top boss or someone you admire.
But by beginning to ask for things, confidence of actually asking began to grow, whether that be via email or face to face. I’m now in a position whereby asking for something is just as normal as asking if someone wants a cup of tea. For instance, a while back I set up an interview with Protect our Winters UK, and renowned adventure photographer Chris Burkard. When I received a reply saying he’d be up for an interview, I was over the moon! This is a guy who I respect and admire, saying yes to this interview. OK, I realise it’s only an interview, but when someone you deeply admire says yes something to you - it’s a great feeling!
So it just goes to show that even by asking something that maybe planned, or even something that could be a complete curve ball out of the blue but thought it’d be a chance that you couldn’t resist taking, great things can happen by someone saying yes. Of course the answer can always be no, and I’ve had a fair few of them in my time. But when someone says yes, who knows what could happen from that point onwards.
After all, if you' don’t ask, you don’t get.