A knock-back never feels good. That little jolt in your stomach. The quiet ‘oh’. It’s never pleasant in the moment — But once the feeling settles, something shifts. It sharpens you. It reminds you what you’re capable of. And, if you let it, it pushes you forward harder than before.
It's not a new pattern for me.
Many years ago when my dad told me not to bother with motorbike lessons and to buy a sensible car, I didn’t argue — I just got on with it. Not only did I pass my test, I went on to earn a ROSPA Gold award. A 'don’t do that' turned into a 'watch me now' moment. It made me want to be the best motorcyclist I could be. I know dad wasn’t trying to spoil my fun — he was being practical. I did need a sensible car, and I did need to get my act together … but still!
Motivation to move onwards and upwards.
Same with photography. When I first started out in photography, I offered to second‑shoot a wedding for a friend. She said, "No, I need a photographer". That one stayed with me. So I worked. Practised. Pushed myself.
It pushed me to keep going.
Not long after, I was in London with my print case — and awarded an Associateship with the SWPP. They even upgraded me on the spot. I must have been doing something right—it pushed me to keep going. I didn't blame my friend - she didn't have the confidence in me that I had in myself. So when a conversation doesn’t go the way I hope— the feeling is familiar. It stings for a moment, then it flips. Underneath the disappointment is something much stronger: the drive to raise my standards every time.
I go the extra mile.
I go the extra mile—whether that’s refining a shoot, reworking ideas, or making sure every client feels completely looked after. But sometimes, even that isn’t enough to change someone’s timing, circumstances, or commitments. That’s life. It doesn’t mean the work isn’t good enough — it just means the moment isn’t right or I've misunderstood the situation.
This is where that drive shows up—behind the scenes, refining, adjusting, creating.
Moments like this remind me why I do this, and why I reel (just a little) when I get a knock-back - It’s because I care so much—about the experience, the outcome, and making sure people walk away with something they’re genuinely proud of.
A knock‑back isn’t the end of anything.
It's not personal.
It’s a nudge.
A recalibration.
A reminder to keep going, keep improving, and keep showing up with the work I believe in.
And honestly?
I’m more fired up than ever.
Because a knock-back doesn’t stop you.
It just points you in a better direction.
And if you’re on your own journey—whether that’s in business or stepping in front of the camera—keep going. The right “yes” often comes after a few “no’s”.
If you’re looking for someone who brings that level of care and drive to their work, I’d love to hear from you.
