I keep neglecting deviantART, then coming back and being really active, then neglecting it again. Usually it's because I'm busy at school or something, but this time it's slightly different!

So at the beginning of September I started an Art Foundation course which is a year long and covers all aspects of art. It's meant to help you pick the area of art you want to go into and study at degree level. However over the summer and during the beginning of the course, my heart really wasn't in it. I was doing the tasks because I had to, not because I wanted to or enjoyed doing so. Surely at this age I should start to enjoy and want to do the work somewhat, if it's going to be my career for the rest of my life? I knew where my heart truly lied, and that was with photography.

So I made the boldest move I have ever made, and dropped out of the course to pursue my dream of being a freelance photographer and one day running my own business. I didn't want to continue the course, hating life, and then doing a degree afterward - I decided that I didn't want to do a degree. With the increased fees, it just wasn't worth it. Experience seemed much more valuable. So I started doing my research. I sent out over a dozen emails to various websites, magazines, photographers in hope of getting experience. In the three weeks since leaving university, I've made more progress than I thought possible! I work for two websites (one paid, one for free) and an online magazine (for free) where I photograph bands live (I got to shoot Wheatus the other day!) which is all valuable experience. I work for a couple local promotion companies (also for free) shooting local gigs, getting my name out there which is leading to promo shoots for various bands and artists (some paid work). I've also shot a couple childrens birthday parties and a christening (paid work) which has been all very new but also very exciting!

Although scary at first (and still scary now!) I'm trying it my way for once in my life, and taking control. I think (and hope!) I have the determination to make it far in this extremely competitive field of work!

So I thought some of you might like to know what I was up to, why I had disappeared yet again, so there you have it!

I hope you're all doing well!

P.S. I've had several people tear me down over my choices, saying I'm stupid for dropping out of university and how pursuing photography will get me no where. These sorts of comments just make me want to prove everyone wrong and show people that I can do it, I will do it and I will be successful. Just watch me