The Power of Asking: How I’ve Learned to Seek Help and Unlock My Potential

For the longest time, I, like so many others, struggled with simply asking for help. Whether it was about asking for pay rise, taking a much-needed day off, or even just asking a colleague for a favour, I'd freeze up, overthinking every little detail. Was I afraid of wasting their time, or I just didn’t not want to look like I couldn’t handle things on my own? Maybe it was all these. Either way, it kept me stuck, full of hesitations.

But here’s the thing I’ve finally learned: Asking for help isn’t a burden on others. In fact, it can be the exact opposite—it might just be the highlight of their day. People actually enjoy helping out more than we think, and it gives them a break from their usual routine. And, honestly, who doesn’t love the feeling of being needed?

For years, I let the fear of rejection and failure hold me back. Sure, I managed to get some things done on my own, but I was left feeling drained, unsure, isolated, and far from the collaborative spirit I now thrive on. Yes, I finished a few projects, and while they weren’t perfect, they were done. And you know what? Done is better than perfect. But working alone can only take you so far.

As a photographer, I’m constantly flooded with new ideas—so many, in fact, that I jot down five or six new photo projects a month. But I’ve come to accept that I’ll never get around to 90% of them, and that’s okay. Bringing even a fraction of those ideas to life is still progress for me. And the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way? It’s okay to ask for help.

It took me years to really embrace this, but now that I have, I see how generous people can be—if only we give them the chance. What’s the worst that could happen? Someone might say no. But more often than not, they’re happy to lend a hand. And that’s where the magic happens: when you stop dreaming and start doing.

Steve Jobs once said, "Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don't see it yourself.” This mindset has changed everything for me. It’s about being open to learning, embracing failure, and not shying away from criticism.

Nowadays, I juggle multiple projects at once—that’s just how I work. It also means I can’t do everything on my own, so I’ve learned to lean on others. Right now, I’m working with two fantastic women, Claire Jones and Clare Lucas on one of my upcoming projects, and their help has been a game-changer. It all started with just asking.

At the end of the day, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a step towards something bigger. It’s the difference between dreaming and actually making those dreams come true. So if you’re like I used to be—hesitant to ask for help—just remember: a simple question can change everything. 

So next time you're feeling stuck, just go for it—ask for help. Whether it's for a project, an opportunity, or even just some advice, reach out. You might be surprised by how many people are willing to lend a hand.

Remember, you don't have to do everything on your own. Sometimes, the best way forward is to let others in and see where it takes you. Asking for help isn't about weakness; it's about opening yourself up to possibilities you might not have considered. So don't be shy—ask, and you might just find the support you didn't know you needed.

Maybe give me call if you ever in need of a collaborative Photographer for you project, campaign to something else, I’d be happy to help.