My interest in photography began when I was a teenager. I started by experimenting in the school darkroom, then moved on to summer work experience with a local newspaper in Kent. I also took part-time work at a photographic studio and high-street lab, and became an active member of the Sheppey Camera Club. I began with a Russian Zenit 35mm analog camera, which was completely manual—a far cry from what’s available today. I quickly upgraded to a Canon EOS 1000FN, and many years later, a Canon EOS 500 with a Sigma 24mm lens, still using 35mm film.
My entry into digital photography began with the Olympus system, using an 11-22mm lens and a 50mm lens. This gave me the quality I was looking for from a digital system and helped expand my creativity. Even the Panasonic GF1 performed well as a small, portable camera that produced high-quality images while remaining compatible with Olympus lenses. As digital photography technology advanced, I found myself wanting more from my gear. Today, I work with a Nikon D7000 SLR, a Panasonic Lumix GF1 (an early mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera system), and often use my iPhone.
My photographic style has evolved over the years. Landscape photography has been my main focus, with a mix of urban landscapes, architectural photography, and, more recently, travel and street photography.
I take images for my enjoyment and share them for yours. My photography is truly amateur in style. I enjoy both the picture-taking and processing stages of photography, and I love the fact that I have control over my images from the moment the shutter is released to the final output on the web or wall. Without the pressures of professionally producing images or earning money for my family, I’m free to explore any area of photography that interests me.
I was born in October 1975 on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. With an armful of GCSEs and an A-level, I studied at Ravensbourne College—not in photography, but earning an HND in Television System Engineering. I then moved on to work in outside broadcasting. Now, as a Television Systems/Racks Engineer at NEP UK for just over 20 years, I have been involved in many outside broadcasting events and programmes, including Robot Wars, T in the Park, Glastonbury Festival, Reading Festival, various pop and rock concerts, and numerous sporting events, such as Sky Sports Premiership and League Football, and ITV Racing.
Technology in the television industry moves at a fast pace. High-definition television is now the norm, while 3D television came and mostly went. Ultra High Definition (4K) television systems are beginning to appear, along with HDR (High Dynamic Range).
My other passion is advanced motoring, and I’m a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists as well as the local Kent group, the Kent Group of Advanced Motorists. In this group, I serve as the Website and Social Media Coordinator, as well as an Observer (Driver Trainer). I’m proud to have helped drivers improve their safety on the road for over 10 years now. I also combine my passion for photography with my role in the group, taking images for the group’s website, for showcasing group successes, and celebrating members’ test passes.
I’m married to Susan, have a son, Carl, and a Beagle.