My Introduction

Well, its starts here, 'The Art of Photography' year one, day one of my intended Degree. So, about myself.

I am 39 years old, I currently reside in a small town in South Somerset, Crewkerne which is a very rural area with close proximity to the south Dorset Coast, Exmoor and Im not far from the Quantocks. At present the 'day job' is a business development manager for a Global manufacturer of pumps. I am in a relationship and have one teenage son.

My passion, of course is Photography, Ive been at it on and off for years but began to take things more seriously in the last three. I began getting back into it by taking an Internet based Diploma in photography via the Photography Institute. My hunger was by no means satisfied and I quickly decided that I wanted at some point to have a go at studying the art at degree level, so here I am. I was an 'arty' child but running off to join the Royal Navy at 17 stopped any progress with the arts, I traveled the world, fought a few little wars and returned a more rounded chap, I hope. Now I am ready.

I do some photography on a paid basis, mostly by request rather then marketing myself and if I let things go the way others want would lose most of my free time to Weddings, Portraits and business head shots. I wont let it however, not yet anyway, I turn it down mostly for now. I'm lucky enough to be employed and hence paid so I have put together what I would call a pro/semi pro set of kit (Nikon FX) together along with some lights and studio stands and also an Olympus film camera kit set so I am pretty much kitted out for the way ahead.

What do I think of my work? Hmm, I'm immensely self critical so I will say it isn't bad but I have MUCH to learn, I truly want to be a very good photographer and my work recognized thus, yes I'm ambitious and not ashamed of it. Finally what do I like to photograph? my passion is the portrait, I love trying to capture people as 'they are' portraits that tell stories are those I hope to make and make well. My partner however thinks my landscapes are my strong point, but I tend to take those as practice or for my own amusement. I'm sure you will make your own minds up.

I am involved in a few photographic networking groups of togs, models etc in the Somerset area and meet regularly to shoot and wax lyrical.