The Diary of a Photographer

Isn’t it terrifying? When you’re five years old and your teacher asks what you want to be when you grow up? I don’t think I actually knew what a photographer did back then, but that was always my answer.

Time goes by, photos get taken, and before you know it, you’re the person who always seems to have a camera in hand. I’d like to think people asked me to take pictures because they liked my photos, although there’s always been a small part of me that wondered if it was just because they didn’t want my face in them instead.

Somewhere along the way, a few kind words about my photography started to stick. An ambiguous string of compliments (half throwaway, half sincere) was enough to rekindle something. At 24, I decided to take the plunge and follow five-year-old Sam’s dream: become a professional photographer.

So, here we all are. I’m Sam Crathorne, a photographer based in South Derbyshire, taking my first proper steps into professional photography. After years of taking photos for fun. I finally decided to build Sam Crathorne Photography, turning a long-time passion into something real.

I wanted to document the process because, honestly, I’m a man who asks a lot of questions. Every question I’ve ever typed into Google, every frantic search for tips on TikTok, every bit of advice from other photographers — it’ll all live here, in The Diary of a Photographer.

This blog is my way of sharing what I learn as I go: the practical, the technical, and the personal. I’ll be writing about choosing the right camera gear, finding editing software that fits your style, figuring out what aperture and ISO actually mean, dealing with bad lighting, and learning how to get the best out of people during a shoot. Basically, all the things I wish I’d known sooner.

If you’re a new or aspiring photographer, maybe you’ll find something helpful here — a shortcut, a lesson, or just reassurance that it’s okay not to have it all worked out yet. I’ve spent plenty of hours behind the camera, but there’s still a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to sharing that journey openly.

So, welcome to The Diary of a Photographer.