My Artistic Journey
When I reflect on how I became the photographer that I am today, the starting point seems clear: a junior school trip in 1977 to the Martin Mere Wildlife and Wetlands Trust near Southport. It was there, as our coach pulled into the car park, that I vividly remember seeing the grass-covered roof of the main building—a structure that seemed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. That moment sparked a fascination with nature that has shaped my entire journey.
In secondary school, my interest deepened. I became an active member of the Young Ornithologist Club, dedicating much of my time to learning about wildlife and the natural world. After leaving school, I was eager to document the beauty I saw, so I used my wages to purchase a camcorder. Unfortunately, the camcorder didn’t work out as planned, but this setback led to a significant turning point: I was given my first camera, a Praktica MTL3, by my girlfriend’s stepdad when I was 17. His Canon T70 was an inspiration, and I quickly developed a passion for photography.
From there, I began upgrading my equipment as my skills and interests grew. I progressed to a Praktica MTL5, then a Praktica BC1, before finally saving enough for my first Canon, the EOS 600. This marked a major step in my development. Later, I moved on to the Canon EOS 5, which I used during a pivotal period of my life when I met Colin Smith FRPS, a renowned nature photographer. Colin became my mentor, offering invaluable guidance and inspiration. Under his tutelage, my photography improved dramatically, and by 1998, I achieved my ARPS distinction—a milestone that affirmed my growth as an artist.
My equipment evolved alongside my skills. I upgraded to the EOS 3 and experimented with medium-format photography using the Mamiya RB67. While medium format offered a new perspective, I eventually returned to Canon with a second EOS 3. By 2002, the digital era had arrived, and I embraced it with the Canon EOS 1Ds, later upgrading to the 1Ds Mk2 in 2007 and then the EOS 1Dx. Each camera brought new opportunities to refine my craft, and my focus increasingly shifted toward landscapes and intimate scenes.
About five years ago, I returned to medium format with the Pentax 645z, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the art of landscape and nature photography. This transition marked a period of creative fulfillment, as I concentrated on capturing the details and emotions of the natural world.
In early 2025, I took another transformative step by acquiring the Hasselblad X2D, a 100MP system that I consider the pinnacle of my artistic journey. I’ve admired Hasselblad cameras for years, and finally getting my hands on one of my own camera feels like a culmination of everything I’ve worked toward. Although I’m still adjusting to this new system, the experience has been nothing short of exhilarating and a new chapter in my artistic evolution.
Throughout this journey, my passion for photography has grown stronger with each step. From that first spark at Martin Mere to the milestones and mentors along the way, every experience has shaped me into the photographer that I am today. Below, you’ll find some of the accolades and achievements that highlight the path I’ve taken.
