This year has been an interesting and thought-provoking one for me professionally—a year of growth, reflection, and continued evolution in my photography practice.

As a creative working in the ever-challenging gig economy, I often find myself navigating the delicate balance between artistic fulfilment and the realities of sustaining a professional practice. It’s no secret that finding the right clients is becoming more complex as the industry shifts and evolves around us.

We’re surrounded by stories of success—positive tales of thriving professionals seemingly conquering it all. But I sometimes wonder: how many of these narratives are genuine, and how many are carefully curated for the audience we hope to impress? It’s natural to lean into optimism, but what if there’s also value in sharing the struggles, the doubts, and the moments of uncertainty? After all, it’s in these moments that we often find clarity and resilience.

That said, I remain incredibly grateful to be still doing the work. I love the privilege of telling stories through my many different cameras, and despite the challenges, the joy of creating and connecting with others through my work keeps me moving forward.

As 2024 nears its end, I’m filled with cautious optimism for the year ahead. I plan to keep pushing my boundaries, chasing inspiration, and doing what I love for as long as possible.

Here are some of my favourite images I’ve produced this year—a reminder that beauty and intrigue will always exist, even in the most challenging times. These are just a few from many, an eclectic mix of shots both personal and commercial shoots from ther last 12 months.

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John Ferguson is a creative portrait, commercial Branding and editorial photographer based in London and Suffolk. You can