Behind the Wheel, Behind the Lens A Driver's Journey into Photography
Welcome! I’m thrilled to share my journey as a driver and photographer in the vibrant streets of London. I’ll take you through the path that led me from driving to photography and eventually to becoming a driver-photographer.
My photography journey began in 2012, and it quickly became the most interactive and engaging activity I had ever experienced. As someone who had struggled with ADHD, concentrating for long periods was a challenge, but photography changed that. With little knowledge of photography, I started experimenting with my camera every day and sought online tutorials to improve my skills. In the summer of 2014, I decided to print a few of my London photos as posters and sell them in tourist markets like Portobello, Smithfield, and Camden. It was a fun and exciting experience, but in hindsight, it proved to be a bad starting point.
Now that I look back at those pictures, I find myself wondering why I made that choice. What was going through my mind at that time? The truth is, it was a mix of feelings. I was lost, confused, and driven by hyperactivity. It’s fascinating to reflect on how those emotions shaped my creative pursuits and the lessons I’ve learned. Afterwards, I redirected my focus to driving and took on an exciting new project: creating a photo book titled “London’s 100-year Journey.” This ambitious endeavour aimed to chronicle the evolving essence of the city over a century. With great enthusiasm, I set out to visit 53 locations across the city, meticulously seeking the exact spots where the original photos were taken. The process involved careful research and hours of exploration. It was a humbling experience to witness the passage of time and observe the stories embedded within the streets and buildings.
Engaging in this project prompted me to take my career as a driver more seriously and appreciate the unique opportunities it offered. Driving allowed me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passion for photography while exploring the ever-evolving cityscape of London. It was a realisation that my driving job was not just a means to an end but an integral part of my creative journey.
In 2016
A pivotal moment arrived when I met my wife. During this time, the idea of becoming a photographer began to take shape in my mind. She significantly impacted my photography journey, and together, we enjoyed capturing beautiful moments and being creative. This inspired us to launch a photographic business specialising in family, wedding, and event photography.
In 2018
I self-published my book, “London’s 100-year Journey” However, I soon realised that I had set my expectations too high, and the photography business and book publishing didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped.
The photos below represent when I published my book and decided to rent a red phone booth, wrapping it with my photos as a promotional effort. I stood there for days, pleading with people to take a look at my book.
About a year after publishing my first book, I realised the photography business and book publishing journey had been more challenging than anticipated. I faced hurdles and setbacks along the way. I was battling depression and seeking therapy while trying to find my path. Despite the initial difficulties, I refused to let disappointment deter me. Instead, by the end of 2019, I resolved to work on the second edition of my book with the hope of finding a publisher. However, despite approaching numerous publishers, I haven’t succeeded. But I haven’t lost hope and still believe it will happen one day.
In the meantime, you can check out the Kindle version of “London’s 100-year Journey”
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I took the opportunity to focus on my driver-photographer concept. Combining my two greatest passions was incredibly intriguing, and I found the process fascinating. While doing so, I realised I needed more experience and a stronger portfolio to showcase on my platform. This led me to sell my photography packages on platforms like Airbnb and Fiverr, where I gained valuable experience and built my portfolio in portrait photography. I have served over 300 customers and am now ready to offer driver-photographer services with ten years of experience in driving and photography. Reflecting on these memories, I realise this is just the beginning of my journey. What started as a fun and passionate pursuit became a profound profession. One of the greatest blessings of my job is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with individuals of different ages, races, and nationalities. Many of them have become dear friends.
I find purpose and fulfilment through the lens of my camera and behind the wheel. Capturing moments and engaging with others has become a profound exploration of the human spirit. Join me on this extraordinary journey as driving and photography intertwine, revealing the beauty of everyday life. Let’s celebrate the connections that bring us closer, one drive and one photograph at a time.
