|
Ever since I can remember I have had an interest in cameras and taking photographs, so when at the age of fourteen I eagerly chose photography as one of my GCSE subjects at school. This course eventually moved on to A-Level standard and over the four year period I learnt much about using an SLR camera, developing black and white prints and film, and delved into the history and theory side as well. I found producing images from start to finish and experimenting in the darkroom to be of immense enjoyment.
After leaving school education I went straight into full-time employment and suddenly my time for photography was drastically reduced. For several years I only ventured out with a camera on holidays and day-trips, but then in late 2003, becoming increasingly bored of poor picture quality from high street developing and using print film, I purchased a Bronica ETR-Si medium format camera. My passion was immediately rekindled as I started to use the larger style camera and professional transparency film. I also found that using a sturdy tripod provides a huge improvement to the quality of pictures obtained.
Nowadays my camera kit includes a Bronica SQ-A, replacing the earlier model as my main camera, a Hasselblad X-Pan II, for the panoramic opportunities, and a lightweight Nikon FM3A 35mm SLR. I also own a Mamiya RB67 which I often use on local days out, and a Bronica RF645 which is ideal for travelling light when needing medium format slides. My images are mainly taken with Fuji colour slide film although I also enjoy using black and white on a regular basis. I develop the monochrome films at home and then numerous images are scanned for use on this website.
Over recent years I have become a member of the Royal Photographic Society and a contributor to the Alamy stock agency. Also in May 2006, I achieved my LRPS distinction. My current website projects on the go at the moment are the World Film Photography Day and of course the Independent Photography Forum, which was launched in August 2006. So for now and hopefully a long time to come, I am enjoying the great ride that is photography!
|
