Like my craft and ethos, I believe at the heart of all success is support.

Having a sure-fire support network is vital. Now, I am not talking about people you chat to all the time, nor am I talking about your 'best friend' necessarily. You need something deeper rooted than that, connections with the likeminded, with similar work ethic, drive and most importantly compatible morals. People who will help you because they WANT TO HELP - because they know, you'll always do the same in return. Now, it isn't often I ask for help, nevertheless, even for me, sometimes this hectic lifestyle throws spanners in the works and I need to call in a favour.

KNOW YOUR PEOPLE

A huge part of your support network, whether it is 1 person or 50 people, is knowing who's fit for what purpose and use them to their strengths. I say 'use', obviously these genuine connections never are 'using' due to the fact you'd return the favour in a heartbeat. For example, you've broken down on an evening, you don't call the reliable person who works late and has 4 children to get fed and to bed before school tomorrow, you'd reach out to the person who works 9-5 and has a dog to walk on an evening. This favour calling in won't completely upset their life.

WHAT IS A TRUE SUPPORT NETWORK(?)

Something I feel many people misunderstand in life...A true support network does not need daily, weekly or even Monthly communications, You occasionally 'check in' on one-another and know you'll always have each other's backs when needed. I am fortunately blessed with multiple wonderfully strong people in my support network, all over the UK and worldwide. Most of which I'd always go to war with, not against. If they are reading now they know who they are without even questioning it.

GAINING A SUPPORT NETWORK AS STRONG AS MINE

There is no sure-fire way of building this wonderful network, that being said, I believe it is rooted to your character. How you present yourself (and, I don't mean visually), are you an 'asset' to the world, do you uphold strong morals, stand by your word, work hard, display you reap what you sow(?).
You need to be the person you want to attract.
Granted, this does occasionally bite you on the backside - multiple times I've been burnt, nevertheless I show up as my best and move on when someone 'mugs me off'. I don't 'fall out' with people, I just progress my life to be surrounded by likeminded individuals.

GIVE MORE

You'd wonder how I have anything left in the bank to give sometimes - there is nothing I won't do for more of my solid support network people. I've been called at all hours, for all needs and always woke up, got up and stepped up. Even when you think you are 'busy' or 'struggling', trust me if someone likeminded to you is asking for help, they bloody need it. Non of them ask for help lightly.

I am very much a home bird, but knowing I have multiple homes from home is vital to my productivity.

My camper van plays a huge roll in this, equipped with a sofa, double bed, toilet, kettle, and my reliable George Forman, I can literally settle on the go most places. It's been an investment that once again saves me hours on the roads and provides me with home comforts when I need them.

On top of my home of wheels, I am blessed with many friends and contacts the length and width of the UK, meaning I have access to overnight stays is hotels don't suit me on some trips. Often I will tie in work to visit friends and family - I am lucky these people appreciate how I manage to fit them into my chaotic schedules.

Safe spaces to work and freshen up, are also a blessing as I move around. Often rugby clubs that I've built connections with, offer me free working spaces, warm drinks and even showers when on the go. I'm lucky to have a number of these 'family' members across England and Scotland now. This allows me to sneak in that extra bit of work from comfort between appointments and travels.

After many years of research, understanding my body and my wild mind I do take a multitude of supplements of a multitude of reasons. Now, please remember I am no doctor here. Disclaimer, don't believe all you read - appreciate this works for me. Whilst the below comes at a 'cost' it is definitely an investment, allowing my to work hard, work productively, and be kind on my body.

Magnesium Complex (2000mg)

Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral for brain function, relaxation, and muscle recovery. This particular blend includes Glycinate, Citrate, Malate, and Threonate—each contributing to:
- Reducing stress and anxiety, which is crucial for staying focused and avoiding burnout.
- Supporting deep sleep, ensuring I wake up refreshed and ready for long days of graft.
- Boosting cognitive function, helping me stay sharp and productive throughout the day.
- Easing muscle tension, especially important when carrying heavy camera gear and after those rugby games.

D3 + K2 Vitamin Complex

Vitamin D3 is essential for mood regulation and energy, especially during the winter months when sunlight is scarce.
Did you know it is important D3 is paired with K2 for absorption reasons (?).
This supplement helps with:
- Enhancing mood stability, reducing ADHD-related emotional fluctuations.
- Supporting bone and cardiovascular health, essential for long-term physical endurance, supporting my long active days.
- Improving immune function, keeping me healthy despite busy schedules and travel.

Omega 3 (EPA 700mg + DHA 500mg)
Omega-3 fatty acids are widely recognised for their benefits in brain function and reducing inflammation. This supplement plays a crucial role in:
- Enhancing cognitive function and focus, which is invaluable for managing ADHD symptoms.
- Boosting memory and mental clarity, helping me stay on top of work and creative projects.
- Reducing inflammation and joint pain, essential for maintaining stamina during long shoots.

Pure Moringa (2400mg)
Moringa is often called a “superfood” for good reason. It’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering benefits such as:

- Increased energy levels, providing sustained vitality without the highs and lows of caffeine.
- Enhanced mental clarity and focus, crucial for balancing the fast-paced demands of photography.
- Support for digestion and immune function, keeping my body in optimal health.

Balancing work, creativity, and well-being requires intentional choices, and these supplements have become an essential part of my daily routine. They help me manage my ADHD more effectively, sustain energy without crashes, and keep my mind and body in top shape. While supplements aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, they provide the extra support I need to keep performing at my best.

Knowing how to fill your own cup takes some time to figure out.

Filling my cup...
Fortunately, I know what fills me up with joy, energy, motivation.
I invest throughout my busy periods in these things, surround myself with people who motivate, support and energise me.
My wild swims/dips, farm life, fresh air and rugby really is my 'fill my cup up' time. Installing these into my daily routine where possible proves to make for a much more productive workflow.

Environment...
From a very young age, I became aware I am very receptive to the environment I am in. Surrounding myself with driven, like-minded people who don't drain me is one of the simplest forms of growth. I see so many trying to progress in life, yet aren't changing their environment in order to progress themselves.

Monthly, I meet with The Business Edit, Founders Club. A wonderful collection of like-minded driven individuals with great aspirations.
Weekly I invest time into a 1-to-1 connection with someone who is also on the same page as me in life.
Finally, once a fortnight, I push myself to step out of my comfort-zone, as this is where I believe you often grow the most.