The Photographer

Getting Started

My love of photography came to me at a young age. I was very fortunate to have experienced the colour and energy of a world of differing and vivid cultures growing up. We lived in places such as Africa, Mauritius and Hong Kong. My parents had travelled the world with their work and, of course, never went anywhere without their cameras. I grew up surrounded by Kodak Retinettes, Pentax ME Supers and boxes of slides and prints. My father was a keen photographer, my grandfather, who turned his hand to almost anything, also had a very good eye for a photo. While in Hong Kong, I was bought my first camera when I was just 11. The seeds were sown. 

Inspiration

My work is largely inspired by my love for the outdoors, by the landscapes I was privileged to see as a child. I love the ocean, the coast, and this has always been a great source of inspiration. I am happiest outdoors, escaping from the stresses of modern life, exploring and immersing myself within the landscape. Through sport and travel, I’ve been able to increase the time I spend in the outdoors. My camera has allowed me to forge a more personal, meditative relationship with the landscape.

Early Influences

It was hard not to be influenced by the dramatic hills and coast of Hong Kong growing up. The energy, bustle and colour enveloped you. I draw inspiration by all I see around me, by film, by music and by other photographers and artists whose work crosses my path. Initially, it was the work of landscape photographer Ansel Adams that piqued my curiosity, the seascapes of Hiroshi Sugimoto and monochrome images of music photographer Anton Corbijn.  The more abstract painters such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman also sparked my desire to create and learn.

Over the years since, landscape photographers such as Joe Cornish, Charlie Waite and David Ward to name but a few, continue to inspire me. The list grows every day and is far too numerous to account for here. 

My Work

I work to present what I hope are lasting images, that occasionally offer a view the naked eye may not see, or perhaps to focus on. I enjoy playing with time, playing with light and working with the detail, colour and texture around me. Although I’m always searching for a magical moment, when the light and the weather combine to present a scene at its very best, I also seek to isolate detail in the mundane and everyday items I chance upon within the landscape. 

Most of my images are very personal, they are very much an expression of my feelings and emotions outside of the landscape. 

The Smaller Details

My images often have a more minimalist approach and I love to focus, not just on the wider landscape but also on micro landscapes. It is very much the details and textures surrounding us that excite me. I also make more abstract images by manipulating light and movement. The majority of these images are created organically in-camera, using ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) in its varying forms, blending multiple exposures and exploring how light interacts with varying materials and textures. This style of photography allows the camera to become the artist’s brush, allowing a more impressionistic or abstract approach.

So Far

My landscape images have been published on book covers, in magazines and online. There have been a few awards, the odd shortlisting, a number of local exhibitions. My work is bought throughout the UK and abroad.  I continue to work in a variety of genres and maintain a genuine appetite for most things photographic.

When I’m not holding a camera

When I’m not behind the camera I’m quite partial to a game of tennis. I enjoy surfing (okay..bobbing about in the sea), camping, the kitchen, exploring restaurants and bars. I love music listening and creating music. I’m rarely happier than when I get to sit in front of a good film. 

 

 ,Most of 

The Printer

Dissatisfied

When I first began exhibiting I suddenly found myself facing a considerable outlay to print and present my work. I wanted quality but at a price. I wasn’t happy with what I received. Skewed prints, printing anomalies, lacklustre papers and some dire colour reproduction. All of this from a leading printer. I was largely fobbed off and now out of pocket. I decided to start researching what my options were to print for myself. 

Starting Out

As a ‘Canon man’ I opted for a Canon Prograf printer. I threw myself into printing, testing as I went. It became apparent quite quickly that I needed to keep the printer running daily to avoid blockages. I advertised hoping to find the odd client to serve this purpose. It wasn’t long before artists and photographers were getting in touch. 

My Clients

They have ranged from 8 to over 80. It is always wonderful to see the work of such a talented group of artists. I work with artists of all calibre and such varying styles. It keeps my work interesting.  Some are just starting out and others have enjoyed considerable commercial success already. I especially like being able to add value through a consultative approach, advising on presentation, marketing, sales and other aspects of fine art.  

The one thing all my clients have in common is they want a high quality, personal service, to produce faithful reproductions of their work. 

Growth

Over time my artist portfolio has grown considerably and my offering has broadened. I continue to expand, increasing my printing capacity and the services I am able to offer. I’m passioante about what I do and I love to support new artists. I pride myself in creating excellent prints and offering a fairly priced service.