about me

The interest in photography I’d held for many years developed seriously in the 90’s when I bought a Minolta X300 which although not autofocus had an inbuilt meter and accepted interchangeable lenses  This opened up a new world and as I became more and more involved I needed the skills to use it effectively and so I joined a City & Guilds photography course 9231  which offered a variety of modules.  I became  a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society {by exemption}  having gained enough points through my work at night school. 

I continued with this course  attending weekend workshops and lectures.  I am indebted to Harry Fearn with  whose help I learned the darkroom skills that enabled me to develop and print the fine art images  which  expressed what I saw in my mind’s eye.

This Photographic journey of discovery  led me to become more and more interested in small details, patterns and textures and the way in  which they were transformed by the light.  I found mastering this quality elusive but eventually produced  a panel of Black and White landscape cameos  with  which I gained  my Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society, and experienced the joy of seeing them  exhibited at The Octagon in Bath,  the RPS headquarters.

Photography became a lifeline away from the stresses and demands of my job, as I was oblivious to the rest of the world when out with my camera. I continued to extend my darkroom  printing skills experimenting with toners , papers, and other darkroom effects.  As an extension to the ‘A’ panel I worked solely on the patterns textures and lighting effects on beaches. This culminated in a successful Fellowship panel of  black and white hand coloured prints.

Whilst at night school I had enjoyed printing colour images using their equipment and although I tried colour work at home I was not satisfied with the results. The advent of the digital age has made it possible for me to print my work in colour .  I use the skills and techniques learned in the darkroom  to produce fine art colour work and enjoy trying to produce more creative and imaginative work

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I have been a member of Gamma Photoforum  and enjoy the visiting speakers along with the opportunity to show and talk about my work to a very discerning group of photographers.

 I have been a member of Leyland Photographic Society,  of which I am currently President, for many years, and  enjoy working with other photographers to help them develop their skills .

I have recently retired and  have  had some success in international salons  .  My work is displayed  in the local Civic Centre and library.

I enjoy taking pictures of a wide variety of subjects. Although I do not like street photography I really enjoy studio portrait work where I have the opportunity to get to know the subject.