About Me

I have always had a love of wildlife, and took my first photograph when I was about 7 years old with my Mum's old Coronet F20 box camera, which I still have now. However it's a very long time since it has seen a film.

 

I bought my first slr in 1992 before going to the Barcelona Olympics. This inspired me to improve my skills, and in 1993 to 1994 I passed City & Guilds photography courses in Portraiture and Wildlife, passing both with distinction. I continued to refine my skills and have covered weddings and sporting events as well as portraiture. However my true love has always been wildlife and nature.

 

I had several visits to Africa in the late 1990's although the last visit was in 2002. I visited Mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda, it was such a privilege to get to see these magnificent creatures close up. I loved these visits, there is nothing like lying in your tent at night listening to the roaring of lions. I have visited Ngorogoro crater, The Serengeti, The Okovango Delta, Etosha and the Chobe river. All fantastic places to visit, however for me the most enjoyable experience has been in South Luangwa.

 

Shortly after my last visit I moved from film to digital. However my enthusiasm waned as I concentrated on other areas of my life, and photography took a back seat. Like many people during lockdown I started walking in my local area, primarily the cemetery just over the road. and began to appreciate the birds. I dusted off my camera and took this with me on my walks. This made me realise how much I had missed taking photos, and also made me realise that wildlife didn't have to be lions and elephants, and that British wildlife could be just as interesting. I bought the Sigma 150-600mm lens to go with my Canon 80D and suddenly it was possible to get frame filling shots of birds.

 

In 2022 I bought my first mirrorless camera, the Canon R6. The focus and better iso capabilities have helped improve my bird photography, the higher dynamic range and full frame sensor has also helped with landscapes. I am gradually acquiring some RF lenses, but also use my old EF lenses with an adaptor.

 

The Peak District is very close to me, and The Roaches is a particular favourite. I have spent time there at sunrise, sunset and even at night to photograph the stars. There are so many beautiful and photogenic locations within the Peak District that I am still exploring the area. It can look so different depending on the season and even on a daily basis with quickly changing weather conditions. I look forward to continuing my journey into documenting the ever changing faces of the area.