Photography..
My career as a professional photographer has lasted for over 25 years. During that time I have seen and experienced massive changes in technology especially with the press side of my work. I was a pioneer in the field of digital photography and aim to stay up to date with advances in technology. I started by shooting black & white for my local papers and having my photographs delivered by a daily courier service. Following my move to the Midlands I used all types of 'new technology' from the drum wire machine, Nikon, Hassleblad and Leafax picture transmitters before using the computer technology of today. I now send pictures around the world in seconds.
 Despite the massive improvements in camera technology the basic principals still apply. A good photographer still needs to understand light and lighting. I have vast experience of all lighting conditions. I have worked on locations all over the world, in studios, on TV sets and in live theatre and concert venues.
In the early 1990's I made several trips to work in the USSR. This was initially to produce publicity pictures for the Russia State ballet but led to me being asked to photography the world famous Bolshoi ballet for their own publicity. During these visits I witnessed the attempted coup d'etat against President Gorbachev and was also introduced to British spy George Blake.
Over the years I have met and photographed numerous famous people including most of the Royal family, politicians; sports stars such as David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson, Kevin Keegan, Gary Lineker, Sir Bobby Charlton, Brian Clough, Martin O'Neill, Paul Gascoigne, Sir Bobby Robson, Ryan Giggs, Sir Ian Botham, Kevin Pietersen, Sir Richard Hadlee, Geoffrey Boycott, Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Clive Woodward, Martin Johnson, Sir Nick Faldo and Lee Westwood.
 I also photographed many celebrities including The Who, Bruce Springstein, Bon Jovi, The Monkees, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Ken Dodd, Thora Hird, William Roache, Christopher Lee and Sir Richard Attenborough.
But it has not all been enjoyable, I was at the M1 air crash within 30 minutes of the accident. I worked on the Hillsborough football disaster, Zeebrugge ferry accident and numerous horrific crime investigations including the Soham child murders.
I won a British Press award, known as 'Journalism's Oscars', when I was named as Sports Photographer of the Year and over the years I have also picked up numerous smaller awards.
Currently a member of the NCTJ photographic board and a judge for several photography competitions. In the past I have supported student photographers by teaching on the NCTJ courses at Norton College in Sheffield and a Media Studies degree course at the University of Derby. |
