Embrace the Dream

Hello,

Firstly, I want to warmly and sincerely welcome you to my website! This special place is not just any ordinary corner of the internet, it is where dreams transcend mere wishes and become living, breathing ideas that are ready to grow, evolve, and truly flourish. Here, you’ll discover a vibrant world filled to the brim with endless opportunities, boundless creativity, and uplifting inspiration; a unique space where your deepest passions can ignite fresh beginnings and illuminate the path toward a meaningful, fulfilling, and richly rewarding future.

I warmly invite you to embrace this beautiful journey with an open and trusting heart, allowing your true, authentic self to shine radiantly through every step you take along the way. Your unique perspective, your personal story, and your individual voice are incredibly precious—they hold the incredible power to connect deeply with others, offering comfort, encouragement, and a shared sense of understanding. Always remember, it’s your authenticity—your genuine voice, your heartfelt experiences—that makes you truly stand out in this vast, ever-connected world we live in today. So, please take your time here, feel free to share your thoughts openly and honestly, and know with confidence that every single word you contribute enriches and strengthens this welcoming community.

As time passes, we come to see that change is one of the few true constants in life. The seasons of life shift endlessly, people come and go, and the world around us is always evolving in ways both small and profound. I have walked through many of these changes myself, experiencing periods of growth, transformation, and deep self-discovery in numerous areas of my life. Along this journey, I have also faced the profound sadness of losing cherished individuals—those irreplaceable souls who helped shape my earliest years and who continue to hold a permanent and special place in my heart. Though their physical presence is no longer with me, their loving memories and the timeless lessons they imparted continue to guide and inspire me each day

Now, as I find myself well into my mid-50s, I often take quiet moments to pause and reflect deeply on the winding, intricate, and sometimes unexpected path my life has taken, especially since settling in the beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming United Kingdom back in 1993. My journey actually began several years earlier, way back in 1988, when I first stepped confidently into the vast, demanding, and challenging world of the Merchant Marine as a young, enthusiastic apprentice—full of hopes, dreams, and a wealth of untapped potential waiting to be discovered. Through relentless determination, unwavering resilience, and an unyielding commitment to hard work and continuous learning, I steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately earning the proud and hard-earned title of Chief Officer by 1994. My move to the UK was fueled by a heartfelt, long-held dream—to one day captain a ship—a dream that I realized with great dedication, perseverance, and immense pride after passing my rigorous exams in 1994, which firmly established my role as a Chief Officer and set me on the path toward achieving my ultimate goal.

Despite my high ambitions and readiness to embrace new and exciting challenges, the years that followed proved to be far more difficult than I had ever anticipated. I eagerly looked forward to returning to the sea, the place that felt most like home to me, a sanctuary where my spirit found peace and purpose. However, I found myself trapped in a frustrating and extended two-year wait, stretching from 1994 to 1996, during which I tirelessly searched for meaningful opportunities that consistently seemed to slip just beyond my grasp. Then, in 2005, life threw an unexpected and deeply difficult challenge in my path. After many years of unwavering dedication and hard work, nearly 200 of us, myself included, were laid off from the company that I had poured my heart, soul, and countless hours into, leaving me standing at a challenging and uncertain crossroads. Undeterred by this setback, I made countless efforts to regain my place at sea, fueled by determination and an unshakable love for the ocean. With the steadfast support and encouragement of one of the most respected Captains I had the great honor to work alongside, I faced these hardships with honesty, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. Yet, despite all these persistent efforts and my unwavering passion, external forces beyond my control stood firmly in the way, preventing me from returning to the life I cherished so deeply and truly called my own. Through all these trials, hardships, and moments of doubt, my commitment never faltered, and my passion for the endless, open sea continues to remain a guiding beacon, shining brightly and steadfastly in my heart.

Unable to afford simply staying home and doing nothing, I made the courageous decision to start fresh by joining the IT team of a mobile phone repair company in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. This exciting new chapter in my life was filled with hope, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose, yet it was quickly overshadowed by the severe decline in my health. The root cause was a long-standing spinal injury that had haunted me since my days as a Marine Officer back in 1989. By 2008, my condition had worsened significantly, reaching a point where I had no choice but to step away entirely from work to focus solely on my health and recovery. This abrupt and overwhelming shift in my life's trajectory was something I never saw coming. It deeply affected my confidence and spirit, leaving me feeling lost, vulnerable, and disconnected from the simple pleasures and routines of daily life that I once took for granted. Coming to terms with the need to use a wheelchair by the middle of 2009 was one of the most difficult and life-altering realities I had to face. However, through every dark and challenging moment, the unwavering love, patience, and support of my two wonderful daughters and their devoted mother remained my rock and anchor. Without their kindness, strength, and constant encouragement, I honestly don’t know where I would have been emotionally or physically during those incredibly difficult times.

Photography has always been a powerful and deeply heartfelt passion for me—one that has been lovingly nurtured and cherished since my early childhood, all thanks to the unwavering encouragement and support of my loving mother back in 1982. This strong and intimate connection to photography has profoundly shaped the course of my life, offering a constant source of comfort, inspiration, and joy. In January 2013, the unforgettable day I finally held my very first DSLR camera marked a truly transformative milestone in my journey—a wonderful gateway to countless creative adventures and meaningful self-expression. From that pivotal moment onward, I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to developing, honing, and refining my skills with unwavering commitment. Photography not only fills my heart with immense joy but also serves as a vital and energizing focus that keeps my mind sharp, active, and deeply engaged. It has evolved far beyond a simple hobby; it is now a passionate pursuit that breathes renewed purpose and profound meaning into my life, motivating me every day to capture those fleeting moments that brighten my world and, in turn, inspire the hearts of others.

Over time, I gradually felt a deep and sincere desire emerging within me to create my very own personal website—a unique and special space where I could openly and freely share my creative work, ideas, and heartfelt expressions with the world. This heartfelt aspiration truly came from a genuine and passionate place deep in my heart, as I longed to connect meaningfully with others through my art and creativity. However, the reality of building such a platform proved to be far more demanding, challenging, and complex than I had initially imagined or anticipated. I found myself caught in a tangled maze of uncertainty and hesitation, repeatedly questioning the best path, approach, and direction to pursue in order for my vision to come alive and flourish. It wasn’t until the year 2014 that a wonderful and inspiring opportunity came my way, reigniting my passion and giving me a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, encouraging me to move forward with fresh confidence and unwavering determination.

My original vision was simple yet profoundly meaningful: to publish and lovingly showcase the diverse and carefully curated collection of photographs I had captured over many special and unforgettable years. These treasured images hold countless stories, deep emotions, and precious memories woven into each frame, and I genuinely wished to share them not only with my family and close friends but also with anyone out there who could truly appreciate the beauty, artistry, and special moments elegantly frozen in time. Since then, the unwavering support, heartfelt encouragement, and kindness from a few incredible and genuinely generous people in my life have made all the difference. Their genuine belief in me and my work has helped everything shift in remarkably unexpected and wonderful ways, opening new doors and endless possibilities for my creative journey ahead, filling me with renewed hope and inspiration every day.

That said, my journey has not been without its fair share of obstacles and hurdles, each presenting its own set of trials and lessons. I have faced many difficulties and challenges along the way, and I fully understand that everyone encounters their own unique struggles, often shaped by different life experiences, backgrounds, and personal circumstances. Living with disabilities and the limitations they bring has added extra layers of complexity, depth, and difficulty to my pursuit, but I choose to recognize these barriers with honesty, courage, and resilience. I remain committed to continually striving to overcome them step by step, no matter how tough or demanding the path may be, always embracing growth and perseverance as my guiding principles.

My adventure into the captivating and enchanting world of photography began many, many years ago, long before digital cameras became mainstream, with my Mum’s cherished and beloved film camera, back in the early 1980s. If memory serves me right, it was the ‘Yashica FX-7’ or a very similar model—truly a treasured and reliable tool that first ignited my lifelong fascination with capturing life’s fleeting and precious moments in a tangible form. During those early days, I didn’t yet have the chance or resources to deeply nurture this budding passion or to carefully develop and refine my skills into what I would now consider to be decent and meaningful photography. At the time, I was also completely unaware of the essential and intricate interplay between ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture—the fundamental and dynamic triangle that helps breathe life and soul into photographs, turning mere snapshots into expressive stories. Looking back with fondness and gratitude, I see this as an important and invaluable part of my ongoing learning journey, and I continue to grow and evolve every day, inspired and driven by a heartfelt commitment to creativity, genuine self-expression, and the endless magic found through the lens.

After spending a considerable amount of time researching extensively and reaching out for guidance from many different experienced sources across various platforms, I was truly fortunate and grateful to come across Jared Polin. He is not just a remarkably talented photographer but also an exceptional individual whose passion, authenticity, and unwavering dedication genuinely inspire me on so many different levels. His exceptional work speaks volumes about his expertise, creativity, and commitment, and the valuable insights he generously shares have become a shining beacon of knowledge that I continue to rely on with deep trust and immense respect. Following his incredible journey and absorbing his thoughtful teachings through both his website and vibrant YouTube channel have been nothing short of transformative for me personally and creatively. These resources are far more than just educational, they have evolved into a powerful source of motivation, encouragement, and daily inspiration that continuously pushes me forward every single day.

To deepen my understanding even further and to build a stronger foundation, I decided to invest in two of his highly recommended and carefully crafted DVD Guides: the "Go Above and Beyond Auto" and the "Beginner Flash Guide." These comprehensive, well-structured guides have been absolutely instrumental in shaping my skills and significantly boosting my confidence behind the camera. Each lesson within these guides is clear, practical, and thoughtfully designed, effectively helping me navigate the often complex and challenging world of photography with greater ease, passion, and genuine enthusiasm. I am genuinely grateful for the profound and lasting impact these valuable tools have had on my creative journey, and I continue to apply what I’ve learned consistently to create work that I am truly proud of and excited to share. This enriching experience has taught me far more than just photography techniques; it has highlighted the immense value of persistence, honesty, patience, and the relentless pursuit of passion in every endeavour I undertake.

During this truly transformative and deeply meaningful period in my life, I was incredibly fortunate and eternally grateful to discover the amazing duo Tony & Chelsea Northrup, whose inspiring, thoughtful, and expertly crafted work opened up an entirely new, fascinating, and richly rewarding world of knowledge and creativity for me. Their insightful, detailed, and beautifully well-crafted books, including such phenomenal titles as "How to Create Stunning Photography," "Photography Buying Guide," and "Lightroom 6/CC," quickly became invaluable, trusted, and cherished resources that profoundly expanded my understanding and deeply enhanced my practical skills in ways I had never imagined possible. Honestly, their clear, patient, and compassionate guidance felt like having a wise, encouraging, and ever-supportive friend faithfully by my side, gently showing me the way and warmly encouraging me to explore, experiment, and push far beyond my original comfort zones. As I dove deeper and deeper into the intricate craft, my initial curiosity about photography blossomed into a powerful, heartfelt, and enduring passion that grew stronger, brighter, and more vibrant with each passing day, continually inspiring me to reach new creative heights and embrace the artistry of every moment.

This blossoming enthusiasm awakened something truly profound and transformative within me, a sincere, heartfelt, and genuine desire to do something meaningful, impactful, and truly extraordinary that could touch the lives of others in a positive way. Over time, I gradually began to realise that by openly sharing my own personal journey, experiences, and creative discoveries, I could inspire, motivate, and uplift others who were facing similar challenges, dreams, and deep aspirations, helping them feel less alone on their own paths. This beautiful revelation led me to make the heartfelt, exciting, and courageous decision to step fully into the vibrant, dynamic, and ever-evolving world of YouTube, a platform brimming with endless creative possibilities. Becoming a Vlogger felt like the perfect, natural path to connect with like-minded individuals, to share not only the technical techniques and practical tips I had carefully learned through experience but also the heartfelt stories, emotions, and unique creative spirit behind every single image I strive passionately to create with love and dedication. It has been an exciting, rewarding, and deeply fulfilling adventure so far, one filled with growth and meaningful connections, and I eagerly look forward to continuing this creative voyage with open arms, ready to grow, evolve, and learn alongside a wonderful, supportive, and inspiring community of photography lovers and passionate storytellers who share in this incredible journey together.

I was actively searching for fresh ideas and new inspiration when, quite unexpectedly, I came across the incredibly talented and inspiring Peter McKinnon. His amazing and breathtaking work immediately captivated my attention and sparked a small but powerful flicker of motivation deep within me. The creativity and passion he poured into every project resonated deeply with my own desires and dreams, reminding me of the endless possibilities that come with truly pursuing something you love wholeheartedly. It felt like a genuine wake-up call, a heartfelt nudge gently encouraging me to take that crucial first step toward something meaningful, rewarding, and fulfilling in my own life, something that could transform my perspective and open new doors I hadn’t even imagined before.

However, as often happens on journeys truly worth taking, I find myself feeling stuck and hesitant more than I ever expected, grappling with a complex mix of emotions that are both challenging and surprisingly intense. There’s this familiar yet somewhat unsettling feeling of uncertainty and creeping self-doubt that quietly takes hold every time I deeply consider fully committing myself to becoming a dedicated YouTuber and immersing myself wholeheartedly in the vibrant, dynamic, and constantly evolving world of Vlogging. It’s not because I lack desire, passion, or enthusiasm; rather, it’s the heavy weight of the unknown, the persistent shadow of fear of failure, and the daunting challenge of stepping far beyond my usual comfort zone, where everything feels safe, predictable, and controlled. Yet, despite all these complicated emotions and swirling concerns within me, I know deep down that pushing past this hesitation and discomfort is an essential and unavoidable part of the growth process. Embracing this moment honestly, courageously, and with an open heart is absolutely vital if I truly want to develop, learn, and wholeheartedly follow my passion with genuine dedication and resilience. This journey, filled with its many ups and downs, countless uncertainties, and unexpected breakthroughs, is precisely where true transformation begins and where my dreams gradually start to take shape and come alive in ways I had only imagined before.

This website has been carefully and lovingly brought to life with the incredible and ongoing support of Squarespace, whose platform offers such an intuitive, flexible, and reliable foundation for my creative journey and personal growth. Though learning to navigate all the various technical aspects has been a real and rewarding challenge, I approach it with honest determination, plenty of patience, and a heart full of hope, excitement, and curiosity. I firmly believe that with every new step I take, my confidence and abilities will steadily grow stronger, enabling me to skilfully master website design and dive even deeper into the captivating and ever-evolving realms of photography and cinematography. Above all, this special space was created not just to develop my technical skills but to warmly share my creative vision, my personal photographs, heartfelt stories, and artistic expressions, with the wonderful family, friends, and community members who constantly inspire, uplift, and motivate me. Their steadfast encouragement and kind support truly fuel my passion, giving me the strength and courage to keep pushing forward, evolving, and turning my dreams into beautiful reality, one inspiring moment at a time.

I genuinely and warmly invite you to share your valuable thoughts, suggestions, and comments anytime you wish in the “Contact Me” section. Your honest, heartfelt, and sincere feedback means the absolute world to me and plays an incredibly crucial role in helping me continuously enhance, refine, and improve this website in meaningful and impactful ways. Beyond that, your input not only supports my personal growth as a passionate photographer but also greatly assists me in crafting beautiful, meaningful, and deeply impactful cinematography that truly resonates with others. Moreover, it effectively guides me on the exciting and ever-evolving path toward becoming a successful, inspiring, and dedicated vlogger who can genuinely connect with people through authentic and relatable storytelling. I deeply appreciate your ongoing support, trust, and encouragement in my creative journey, it genuinely motivates and inspires me every single day to keep working hard, evolving, and striving for excellence in all that I do. Thank you sincerely and wholeheartedly from the very bottom of my heart for being such an important, cherished, and treasured part of this wonderful adventure we share together.

Although my disability presents several challenges that limit my movements in many ways, I remain genuinely hopeful and deeply excited about the incredible opportunity to travel across the beautiful UK and beyond. I am truly eager and enthusiastic to explore a wide variety of fascinating places in different countries over the coming months, embracing every unique experience with both an open heart and an open mind. This journey means so much to me, not only as a personal adventure and a chance for growth and self-discovery but also as a wonderful opportunity to connect with all of you through stories, visuals, and shared moments that inspire, uplift, and bring us closer together in meaningful and lasting ways.

My ultimate dream has always been to create meaningful and deeply engaging videography for my YouTube channel, beautifully capturing the true and authentic spirit of each destination we visit in a way that feels both personal and deeply inspiring. I want to share these precious, unforgettable moments with you in a manner that genuinely resonates with people from all walks of life, thoughtfully highlighting the unique beauty, rich culture, and fascinating stories that make every place truly special and memorable. From the bustling, vibrant streets filled with colourful life, energy, and the heartbeat of local communities to the serene, peaceful landscapes that inspire calm, reflection, and a sense of wonder, my goal is to bring each location vividly and thoughtfully to life for you. Along this journey, I hope to foster a deeper connection between us, encouraging curiosity and appreciation for the diverse cultures and breathtaking scenes that our world offers. Together, we can explore, celebrate, and appreciate the diverse wonders of the world, connecting through these experiences no matter where you are or what your individual journey might be.

Starting this incredible and deeply inspiring journey has filled me with a profound sense of joy, excitement, and meaningful purpose that touches my very soul in ways I could never have imagined. It truly feels like a wonderful privilege and a great honour to share with you the numerous captivating, beautiful, and heartfelt photos and videos I capture along the way, both here on my Website and through my YouTube Channel. Each treasured and meaningful moment is carefully documented, not just for my personal memories but so that you can fully experience the magic, wonder, and enchantment right alongside me at every step of this adventure. Together, we’ll embark on this amazing and unforgettable journey, learning, growing, and celebrating the extraordinary beauty of our diverse world in a heartfelt, sincere, and honest way, creating memories that will resonate deeply within us all, inspiring us to dream bigger and appreciate every precious moment.

Alongside my heartfelt and enduring passion for photography, I remain deeply and unwaveringly committed to supporting charitable organisations dedicated to disability awareness and assistance throughout the entire UK. Being actively involved with these incredible, inspiring, and compassionate communities since 2008 has been nothing short of an honour, a true privilege, and an enriching life experience that has profoundly shaped my outlook and significantly enriched my understanding of resilience, empathy, and compassion on many levels. It fills me with profound gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to contribute, in whatever small way I can, towards meaningful and positive change that genuinely improves the lives of so many wonderful, courageous, and deserving individuals, whose strength and determination continually inspire and humble me every single day, fuelling my commitment even further. I warmly and sincerely invite you to explore my carefully captured photos, which reflect moments full of beauty, raw emotion, and genuine human connection, inviting you to feel the stories behind each frame.

Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, reflections, or suggestions with me at any time, as your honest and thoughtful feedback means the world to me. Your insights play a truly vital role in helping me grow as an artist, refine my craft with each passing day, and make every creative project even more impactful, authentic, and heartfelt. From the very bottom of my heart, thank you endlessly for your ongoing support, encouragement, and kindness, together, we keep this inspiring journey alive, brimming with purpose and drive, fuelled by passionate creativity and shared dreams that continue to light the way forward for us all.

Dawid Hassan Abdullah...