In your own words, how would you describe your creative work?

I generally introduce myself as a Documentary Photographer, so am I 'a creative'? I don't know. So much of documentary work is about research, which seems the polar opposite of creativity. Maybe, part creative, part researcher.

When did you first discover your passion for photography?

Although I had been fascinated by photography since my early teens and had even applied unsuccessfully to work as a photographer's assistant when I left school. I didn't understand why I was photographing.

Then, in 2013, I attended a short course in Documentary Photography at the London College of Communication. The tutor introduced us to work by some of the great documentary photographers and talked so passionately about his craft. It sounds cliché, but it was almost like someone had turned on a light. I remember thinking, 'This is why photography exists'. That moment literally changed my life.

What's the creative process?

It's hard. There's a lot of self-talk involved. Fundamentally, documentary work is about access and talking to people. When I was at school, I was painfully shy. By necessity, the documentary work has helped with that. However, I still find it incredibly uncomfortable and, at the same time, immensely rewarding. Once I get into the project, it gets easier and my need to not be the centre of attention plays to my benefit.

What does a typical day look like to you?

Unfortunately, I'm not a full-time documentary photographer, so it's pretty dull in the main. I now work at the '9-5' four days a week. The remaining three days are often spent researching and thinking. The actual process of taking the pictures is 10% of the time.

What have you learned most about yourself in recent times?

That I'm capable of far more than the twelve-year-old me ever imagined he would be and that confidence is everything. If you’re reading this and there’s something you want to do, try. Even if you fail, you’ll feel much better about yourself than if you hadn’t tried.

Do you have any wisdom you can share with others who are thinking of launching a creative business?

1. Don't give up your job (if you have one).

2. Try to do your creative work as a side project until you know you won't hate more than what you're doing now. 3. Make sure you have some savings before you start.

4. Success takes persistence.

What is on your mind right now?

I've recently launched the first print version of The Gravesend Journal, and I'm working on issue two. I need a deadline. Without it, I drift to a gentle stop. However, about now, my self-imposed deadline of the end of March doesn't seem far away.

There are many important stories that need telling in any community; I hope that The Gravesend Journal can be the voice for some in Gravesham.

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