Since leaving school, Cameron Adcock struggled to get a job due to his severe dyslexia. Now, the 18-year-old is hoping to kick-start his own company, Lions Photography, and turn his dream into a reality.

At age 14, Cameron had his first taste of photography when he played around with his granddad’s brand new camera.

The enthusiastic teen quickly realised he had a passion for the hobby, and began taking photographs in his spare time. During his time at de Ferrers Academy, in Burton, Cameron began taking photos at school shows, and earning money part-time by doing photo shoots of his friends.

Cameron wants to change perceptions of Burton through his photography
Cameron wants to change perceptions of Burton through his photography

Through his on-the-side photography business, Cameron, from Stretton, was able to save up enough money to buy three Canon cameras. The youngster says every penny he earns goes on photography equipment.

However, before he knew photography, Cameron struggled through school. Suffering from severe dyslexia, Cameron found himself placed in the lowest set of classes as he progressed through his time at de Ferrers.

Cameron recalls most of his fellow students achieving C or above, but no matter how hard he tried, the highest grade the youngster could manage was a D.

Cameron says his favourite place to photograph is the Washlands
Cameron says his favourite place to photograph is the Washlands

He said: “I’ve had it all my life. I’ve always had it hard with numbers and words; they always get muddled up in my head. Photography was a way out of that.”

At 18, Cameron attended a music college, but decided to leave after realising it was really photography he wanted to pursue.

The teen took an online course in digital photography, and when he passed, chose to kick-start his own photography business, Lion Photography, with his uncle.

After being asked to photograph several weddings in the area, Cameron, who currently works at Acumen in Burton, is hoping he can turn his business into a full-time career.

Cameron's photography company, Lion Photography, is quickly gaining popularity
Cameron's photography company, Lion Photography, is quickly gaining popularity

Said Cameron: “I don’t want to be stuck in a warehouse for the rest of my life. Photography is that kind of a thing where you don’t need grades, but you can get your own qualifications.”

The aspiring photographer said his favourite thing about the hobby was how he can make people see how beautiful Burton can really be.

Cameron describes himself as "photography mad"
Cameron describes himself as "photography mad"

He said: “It just opens up the world and makes people see things in a different light. Burton isn’t exactly the best town in the world, but photos say different. It can be quite beautiful, although people think Burton is dark and dingy.”

More about Cameron’s photography company, Lion Photography, can be found here.

What is dyslexia?

  • Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty which can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling, according to the NHS
  • Up to one in every 10 to 20 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia
  • Dyslexia is a lifelong problem which can present challenges on a daily basis, but support is available to improve reading and writing skills and help those with the problem be successful at school and work