I am based in Cambridge. It is a beautiful city. I was born there and know the city and the surrounding area well.
I have been living in Bassingbourn since 1994. Bassingbourn is a village in the south of Cambridgeshire close to the border with Hertfordshire.
I have been taking photographs of people, places and things since my father gave me a basic camera in my early teens. He knew that I had an interest in photography and with his help and encouragement I was able to pursue and grow that interest.
The city of Cambridge is rich in architecture, historical buildings and river views and has provided me with many opportunities for inspirational scenes over many years.
My early interest in photography has grown into a passion. Camera technology has evolved : colour film improved however there are occasions where black and white photography has its place. Digital technology has virtually eliminated the use of film and film processing. This technology has progressed so that it is not only traditional cameras that are used to take pictures but many mobile telephones and tablet computers incorporate a camera function. Most of these cameras, mobile telephone and tablet computers can record moving as well as still images. As the technology becomes more affordable and available the possibilities for imaginative use of it have increased. The really effective results will be gained from marrying the recognition of a photographic opportunity – for which a keen eye for detail is needed – with the capabilities of the available technology. My passion has been undimmed as technology has advanced and been excited by the new opportunities.
Photography has been a keen passion for over fifty years. Photography gives us the opportunity to capture important personal and historical events : for example, family gatherings; buildings about to be demolished. The importance of capturing such memories and history is important to me. An appropriate photograph can provide that important record.
My main photographic interests have always been to capture landscapes, nature, buildings and transport. In the past, my photographs of people were confined to family portraits and gatherings. When a new phase of life started in 2010 I found myself mixing with a wide range of people and became much more aware of how interesting each individual’s characteristics are. When you observe a person you will notice that there are particular facial characteristics. It occurred to me that this is a very interesting subject area and I should concentrate now on capturing people. To capture an image in a natural setting – and where the subject is not aware of the photograph being taken – will reveal the true human character of the person. I find that is inspiring – especially so when a wonderful smile is included.
I have found that I have a real eye for detail. This is essential in most settings : for example, in groups of people when it is important to capture an image where nobody has their eyes closed; the detail of a building that is about to be demolished; to be able to recreate a scene in another place or at another time; to record an event that might need to be recalled in exact detail in an official capacity.
Capturing good detailed images is important but this has to be supported by being able to recognise which details are important. Recognising the important details is a skill developed from many years of experience in personal and business situations.
A turning point in my photographic career came when I had the good fortune to capture an image of a black fox locally. This image was published and seen by a wide audience. Friends and acquaintances suggested that I should expand my involvement in photography and look for similar photographic opportunities.
This reaction to an opportunistic image of an uncommon creature led to my being asked to photograph some weddings, to produce business profile portraits and to create images to support marketing material for websites and brochures. As further opportunities arose I decided to put things on a more formal basis and offer a number of photographic services.