Although I am a full time college lecturer I do not currently teach within my academic areas. My academic interests are therefore catered for largely through my photography.

I left school without any formal qualifications and did not start my academic study until I was 27. After completing an Access course I went on to study Geography, gaining a 2.1 BSc (Hons).

As I have said on my homepage, my academic area is in Earth Science and Physical Geography.

With my main interests being in Geomorphological processes and weather I have an interest in the relationship between the two and how they impact and influence the physical and human environment.

My other hobbies and interests include astronomy, mountain walking and Psychology.

Equipment

For my main photography I use digital SLR.

I currently use Canon EOS 40D and 5D bodies. The lenses I use are Canon EF-S 17-85mm, EF-S 18-200 and EF-300mm f4, all of which are image stablilised.

I always carry a camera so when not carrying SLRs or when travelling very light I use a Canon G10 and Canon IXUS 970 IS.

To maintain the highest levels of quality and sharpness possible I always use a sturdy Manfrotto Tripod. If I am travelling very light or the situation demands it I may also use a monopod. Both are fitted with Manfrotto ball and socket heads which give the maximum flexibility.

Philosophy

In my view the most important part of photography is the person behind the camera and the ability to use it to its full advantage. As I say on my welcome page, photography for me is the meeting of art and science. This also applies to the technical paraphernalia which enables the creative side of this equation to be expressed. You need the combination of both elements to successfully produce the desired outcome.


Attitude and Approach

Patricia Caulfield in her book Capturing the Landscape With Your Camera sums up the need for positive attitude and approach to photography. “Looking, plain, hard looking will carry you far along your way to making better nature pictures, but there will be times when no amount of looking results in pictures that please you”.

In her view the answer is perseverance and flexibility. Perseverance is needed when the weather is just not working to your advantage or when you are unable to gain access to the desired location for the best shot. In these cases flexibility is needed. If I can’t get the photograph I was after then I adapt to the situation and look for alternative pictures until the situation changes.

It is surprising how being flexible can throw up unexpected photographic opportunities and by persevering I can also come away with the original shot I was after in the first place. Going into the field or an assignment with an idea of what I want is important, but so too is having an open mind to the opportunities available at the time.

Web-Site Photographs

The photographs displayed on my web-site are suitable for a range of purposes and prints could be displayed in a number of different types of environment such as at home as part of the interior décor. Some images would also be suitable for display in the workplace or office as well as in more public places such as reception areas. If you run a small businesses providing a service such as a teashop or café you may wish to have interesting, dramatic or relaxing images displayed on the walls.

You may also consider buying a print as a gift for a birthday or other special occasion.

The photographs can be used in a range of publications such as magazines or for use on postcards and greetings cards. They may also be used for illustrating books or news items.