About Me
I'm a photographer, an options trader, and a very proud dog parent! After stepping into semi-retirement, I've found myself with even more freedom to pursue my passions, explore new places, and immerse myself in the vibrant arts scene, both globally and right here at home.
My philosophy is simple: be content and be kind. I truly believe that kindness is its own wonderful reward.
When it comes to my photography, I'm particularly drawn to portraiture, travel, and street photography. I love to work with natural lighting and often find myself capturing moments in timeless black & white.
If you like a picture on my site that speaks to you, whether for your home or office, please know that I sell metal wall art and license images to an international stock library, so feel free to reach out!
I'm incredibly excited about my next adventure to Italy, where I'll be exploring the magic of Venice, the history of Rome, and the ancient wonders of Pompeii.
Let's Create Together!
I'm always open to interesting commissions or projects, so if you have something in mind, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
I'm also passionate about supporting the arts and charities, and I'm happy to photograph cash-strapped theatre, music, and dance groups for free, provided travel, copyright use agreed and expenses are covered.
My Perspective on Photography
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, I believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can't truly replicate a photographer's unique eye and personal perception of a fleeting moment. If it could, it would simply be an imagination or a fabrication, not a genuine capture.
Photography has certainly evolved dramatically over the last two decades. I remember when film was king – costly and limiting the number of shots you could take, with light exposure being critical and the constant risk of film development issues. I used 8x10 plate camera to 35mm. Equipment was expensive!
Today, with everyone carrying a camera in their pocket and AI capable of generating or manipulating images, making a good living solely from photography has become increasingly challenging for self-employed professionals. The ease of instant technology means there's a flood of images, and AI's capabilities introduce new competition, making it harder for individual photographers to stand out and earn a sustainable income.
However, what has remained constant, and what I believe is the true essence of photography, is the human eye's ability to capture the decisive moment and the joy of sharing that image with others.
I just take pictures now for myself.
Past History
Some of my greatest achievements were photographing various personalities in the 80s and 90s.
This includes exhibiting a portrait of one-time leader of the far-left wing in British politics, Tony Benn MP, in the National Portrait Gallery, as well as a commissioned portrait exhibition of people who worked at the Royal Festival Hall in South Bank, London.
I attended Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, where I achieved s MA in Communication Design (Photography).
During my career, I have worked mostly in Higher & Further Education in many roles. Before that I worked for Marwell Zoo as a photographer and Picture Researcher for Press Association in London.
I have also taught photography and Photoshop in Photography, Graphic Design, Fashion, Art & Design courses in and outside of college. Many students became successful photographers and designers themselves.
I also ran my studios in Fisherton Mill, Salisbury, and move later to an art community in Greenwich, London. However, these ventures were short-lived as I became a part-time carer when my parents' health declined.
Being born profoundly deaf likely heightened my visual awareness, which in turn sparked my interest in photography when I was 16.
My Gear
When it comes to capturing moments, I rely on two fantastic cameras: my Nikon Z8 and my Leica Q2.
The Nikon Z8 is my powerhouse. It boasts incredibly high resolution and remarkably low noise, allowing me to comfortably shoot in challenging low-light conditions. I've also got a versatile collection of Z lenses that help me adapt to different photographic needs.
For portraits and headshots, I particularly love my Nikon Z 85mm lens because of its excellent sharpness and beautiful bokeh.
For street photography or when I want to travel light, my Leica Q2 is my go-to. It's perfect for spontaneous moments and super easy to carry anywhere.
However, I've found the Nikon Z8 to be more suited for my travels. The flexibility of its 24-70mm zoom lens is a huge advantage, and I really appreciate being able to walk around as light as possible. My trusty Peak Design bag keeps all my gear perfectly organised for whatever adventure comes next.
My Dog
