About the photographer

Starting out

Although I have always enjoyed painting and drawing, it wasn’t until 16 that I picked up a camera. Initially, like many beginners, I just took snapshots (I was more interested in playing rugby anyway!) This changed when I saw the work of Australian Photographer Peter Jarver and in. In 2006 I bought my first digital SLR and photography quickly took over, consuming almost all of my spare time.

Artistic style

It's always difficult to review your own style but I would say that most of my work is structured and simplified. Compositionally I aim for clarity to communicate my ideas and look for balance and structure wherever possible. I seek out spectacular and vivid light to create a sense of wonder. Colour is a tonic to me and something I actively seek out despite the regularly disappointing weather in the UK.

Dedication!

The photographs on this site show all the success I have had with my images but none of the failures. For every sucessful trip where there has been good light there a 5 times as many that produce very little in the way of images. Landscape photography is hard work and requires a significant amount of time and dedication.

Most of all I am motivated to move off the beaten path (literally) and capture new viewpoints in new conditions. This leads me on long walks, mountain climbs and to overnight camping on mountain summits in the winter! Hauling 20kg of gear around National Parks hoping that there is going to be some good light is physically and pschologically challenging!

“Inspiration”

I don't struggle to motivate myself to take photos so I dont really look to others for inspiration or ideas, but I do greatly admire the work of many photographers. Currently these include Floris Van Breugal and his wonderful photos of California and the Sierra. Hougaard Malan’s images of South Africa and Namibia never cease to surprise me and it strikes me that in many ways our styles are similar. Nate Zeman is another brilliant photographer and trailblazer of American landscape photography. Closer to home I enjoy the Dartmoor landscapes of Steven Sellman, Guy Richardson and David Clapp.

Awards and Publications

• Landscape Photographer of the Year 2009,2010 & 2011: 2 Highly Commended, 5 Commended
• National and regional newspapers
• Covers of various national and local photography and outdoors magazines
• Book covers
• Various websites, brochures, leaflets, displays etc

Gear

People have it in their heads that good photos are the result of good cameras and that just isn’t the case. Nevertheless, since people seem interested here is a list of my gear:

• Canon 5DmkII
• Lenses: 17-40 F4L, 50mm F1.4, 70-200 F4L, 400 5.6L
• Tripod setup: Gitzo GT2541EX Tripod, RRS BH-40 ballhead, Kirk L plate
• Polariser, 3-stop filter, shutter release, intervalometer