UPDATED 2026 because I can’t believe I’ve been doing this full time for 6 years!
When I tell people I took the giant leap into self-employment on 1st May 2020 — right in the middle of a global pandemic — they still do that sharp intake of breath, that “oooooof” sound, and sometimes even a grimace. And honestly? I don’t blame them. The world was in chaos. Everything changed overnight. Weddings, events and family celebrations — the entire reason I wanted to be a photographer — suddenly stopped happening.When I tell people I took the giant leap of faith into self employment on the 1st May 2020….during a global pandemic, they wince, sharply inhale and make an “oooooof” sound.
At the time, I had enough bookings in the diary to feel confident. I handed in my notice, poured my heart into building my business and was ready to go full-time. But literally while I was still working my notice, every single one of those bookings got cancelled. Just like that — no income, no safety net, and no clear idea of what came next.
Unlike employed friends, I wasn’t eligible for furlough. There were no guaranteed support schemes that covered new business owners like me — I found myself one of the many who fell through the cracks because everything I’d earned so far had gone straight back into the business.
My work in 2020:
My work now…
What I Did Instead
Instead of giving up (because let’s be real — there were moments I wondered if I’d made a huge mistake), I leaned into what I could control:
✅ I adapted what I offered
I finished a Smartphone Photography Masterclass I’d been meaning to launch for ages… and it actually sold. Thirty people bought it in the first 24 hours. That was a huge confidence boost and a real reminder that even in tough times, people will invest in learning and creativit
✅ I embraced smaller, local projects
Doorstep and garden photography sessions — once just a quirky idea — became a lifeline. People were craving connection and creativity more than ever, and these mini-sessions helped me keep creating and earning.
✅ I applied for support opportunities
I was lucky enough to secure a business grant aimed at female entrepreneurs affected by COVID-19 — and that helped me invest in a rebrand and new marketing support to attract my ideal clients.
What I Learned That Still Matters in 2026
Looking back from 2026, I can say this experience taught me some core truths that still guide how I run and grow my business:
1. Nothing is guaranteed — but you are adaptable
Self-employment doesn’t come with safety nets like sick pay or guaranteed income — but it does give you the freedom to pivot, test and create new offerings. That agility has become even more important as the economic landscape continues to shift and evolve post-pandemic.
2. Community support is real and powerful
People genuinely want to support local, independent businesses. Whether that’s booking a session, buying a course, or sharing your work with their friends — community can keep you going when times are tough.
3. Creativity thrives under constraint
Being forced to rethink how I worked pushed me to innovate. I found new ways to connect, new services to offer, and new confidence in my own creative voice. That’s something no economic crisis can take away from you if you’re willing to adapt.
4. Self-employment isn’t just about surviving — it’s about purpose
There were weeks when I wondered how I’d pay my mortgage or feed my family. But through it all, photography reminded me that people value memories — especially when life feels uncertain. That hasn’t changed.
Final Thoughts and a note about mentoring
If you’re thinking about taking the leap into self employment as a photographer here’s what I’d tell you now:
- Self-employment won’t always be easy.
- It won’t come with guarantees.
- You’ll work harder than you ever have.
But if you love what you do, can adapt, and are willing to invest in yourself and your community — it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make.
Because even in uncertain times, people will always value the things that make life meaningful — and capturing real moments is one of them.
I do offer 121 mentoring – contact me to find out more about it.
You can see my current work here and you can read more blogs on self employment as a wedding photographer here.
