I have been involved with photography at the taking end and selling photographic equipment for a large part of my working life, yet I never owned a decent camera or had any interest in taking photos outside of paid commissions.

After a complete break of some 20 years I discovered Digital Photography and Photoshop which was a necessity of the job I did as a general Secretary of a Chamber of Commerce and editor of the Chamber magazine.

I am now completely hooked and trying to remember the tricks of the trade that have become a tad blurred with the passing of time.

My current camera is a Canon EOS 450d with the 18-55 lens. I also have a Canon75mm-300mm lens and a Vivitar 90mm f2.8 macro lens in FD fitting converted with a lens Doctor focus confirmed adaptor.

On the lighting front I have a Canon 430 EX speed light, a budget ring flash and a 3 head Multiblitz studio set up.

I also feel inspired by the work on show from members of this forum. The only way to improve is to try and reach the standard set which is were the comments posted are a great help. `