About Me
I am a professional landscape, nature & wildlife photographer based in Central Scotland.
With a dedicated passion for travelling & photography, I have accessed & captured images from across the UK & internationally.
I thrive on finding hidden photographic gems, playing with angles & light to capture popular images from a different perspective.
Many of my photographic images have received awards - some of which have been published.
As well as providing my own workshops & tours,I am a Landscape Locations Photography Workshop Leader and an ambassador for Vanguard Photo UK - links provided below.
Previously, I have to supported small local charities & start-up businesses which have led to some interesting & challenging commissions from charity calendars to Gin Distillery marketing materials.
Here I have provided some insight into my journey as a photographer along with the equipment that I currently use for my photography.
What inspired you to be a photographer?
From around the age of 10 I have had an interest in photography. My inspiration came from my late Uncle, who would regularly carry a camera with him so as not to miss a photographic opportunity. There were many occasions where I had the pleasure of accompanying him whilst out and about. I recall the first time I looked at some of his photographs and my initial thoughts were of amazement, and I felt a desire to try and replicate them.
Things were very different in those days, there was no way of knowing how good your photo may be, and the number of shots you could take were dependent on the roll of film you had. There was a feeling of anticipation when taking the film to be processed and eagerly awaiting the prints. Often, there was a sense of disappointment when the prints were collected - but sometimes, there was a photo that made it worthwhile.
Whilst the technology and processing of photos has moved on somewhat, the experience is not dissimilar, in that now I can take limitless photos but there may only be half a dozen worthwhile shots from a days shoot.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
I want to create the WOW factor whilst motivating a desire to visit places that the observer may not have otherwise considered or visited.
Visually communicating how diverse and amazing nature and the landscape can be around the world.
What has photography done for you?
Given me a greater understanding and appreciation of nature, stress relief & increased fitness.
Challenges to improve/aspire to develop artistic flair.
Photography has also enabled me to spend more time with my wife - she loves coming along for the ride when I am out and about with my camera - she even offers to carry my kit - my own camera caddy as I call her.
Another funny story relates to my ‘Statue Of Liberty’ pose - one which I find common amongst photographers. Whilst clambering over slippy surfaces, I have been known to slip and my immediate reaction is to protect my equipment rather than myself resulting in my camera/tripod being held aloft much like the torch which the iconic landmark holds in the air.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was a good old disc camera - I was bought this by my parents in preparation for my residential week away with high school.
The film for these cameras was in the form of a flat disc which was housed inside a plastic cartridge. Each disc held fifteen 10 x 8mm exposures arranged around the outside of the disc, after each shot the disc would rotate to the next sequential exposure ready for the next shot.
Over the years, I have used many cameras ranging from 35mm film based models to the modern day DSLR cameras.
Currently, I primarily shoot with a Nikon Z8 & Z7II mirrorless full frame cameras.
What is it that you love about photography?
Being outdoors - keeping fit.
Exploring new and unknown places and locations which create intrigue.
Rewarding - catching an unexpected but amazing photo.
Unpredictability and challenge to adapt to suit the environment that I am photographing.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
I prefer to capture atmosphere and emotion with my photographs to show how intricate and dramatic landscapes can be, along with the uncontrollable forces of nature.
I like the lack of control over the conditions I’m faced with (usually created by the weather or terrain).
How do you describe your style?
Dramatic, moody - searching for a unique angle/perspective.
Raw and unpredictable - like nature.
Where did you learn to take photos?
Whilst I profess to being a self taught photographer, I must give some credit to my late Uncle who inspired my interest and a high school residential in Anglesey when my chosen activity for the week was creative photography. I spent almost 30 years taking snapshots in auto mode with various cameras, and then in 2013 a move to North Wales stimulated my visual senses to the point that I began developing my knowledge and expertise for landscape and nature photography.
I have spent a lot of time building up a network of fellow photographers, who I have been able to learn from and share my own knowledge and experiences with, Over the last 10 years I have produced a number of images that have sparked international interest, and am now in a position where people are actually purchasing my work.
However, for me, photography is a never ending improvement / development process and I am always seeking to improve and capture that next great shot.
RAW vs JPG - and why?
Definitely RAW over JPEG - RAW files hold so much more information relating to the scene as it contains all of the image data captured by the sensor when taking a shot. This leads to higher quality files, greater detail, non-destructive editing, greater levels of brightness and great quality prints.
JPEG is great for point and shoot scenarios but I always shoot RAW during my landscape and nature photography.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Over processed HDR images.
Perhaps my biggest gripe, is when people photograph horizons that are not perpendicular to the frame.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
I often find the best opportunities arise with the least amount of planning. However, due to photographing landscapes and nature I keep a close eye on the weather, tide times, sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Find a subject you feel passionate about.
2. Self development - improve skills in different techniques
3. Self Belief - photographs are no less subjective than any other form of art. If you enjoy it - keep at it.
What is your dream location to shoot?
Too many to mention, the possibilities are endless ……. but to name a few - Antartica, Patagonia, Himalayas.
Affiliations
My Photography Gear
Cameras
Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera
Nikon Z7ii Mirrorless Camera
Lenses
Nikon 100 - 400mm f4.5-5.6 VR S Lens
Nikon 14 - 30mm f4/S Lens
Nikon 24 - 120mm f4/S Lens
Tripods
Vanguard Veo 3+ 263CB Tripod
Vanguard Veo 3T+ 264CB Travel Tripod
Camera Bags
Vanguard Veo Select 59T Roller Case / Backpack
Manfrotto PRO-Light Backloaded Backpack
L- Brackets
SmallRig L-Bracket for Nikon Z8
SmallRig L-Bracket for Nikon Z7ii
Software
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
DXO Nik Effects
Aerial Photography
DJI Air 3 Drone
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
Software
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
DXO Nik Effects
