I purchased my first 'real' camera when I was sixteen with money earned from a part time job while still at school, a Nikon EM eventually I acquired accessories: x2 converter extension tubes and a range of filters. For a few years I made some progress even to the point of photographing two weddings.

I'm not really sure what happened but I drifted away when I began Uni. to study electronic and electrical engineering. Over the years I got my camera out but didn't do much with it. Looking back what a time wasted: photographically speaking as my job included travel throughout Europe and the Middle East. I'd take a few shots on these trips... As life moves on I never considered a career in photography, it all seemed to revolve around my job and music: both listening and playing.

Five years ago my home was broken into while I was working away in London my home was almost emptied: it took the insurance company almost nine months to settle and then a percentage, so you replace the essentials. My sax wasn't on the list and by this time was over £5k so had to wait. I never did replace it. But I noticed I was missing something in my life I guess I have a creative need. My 'best-man' suggested photography as he said I have an eye. So - arrived a Nikon D7100 with a kit lens 18-105mm zoom eighteen months ago. I now have a 50mm prime and a 55-300mm zoom a SB910 flash, extension tubes and a couple of LEE filters, one light stand/umbrella and reflector: my kit is growing. I have been working with a pro photographer for the last 12 months: have meetings twice a month on average, I have learned much from him (www.photographycourses.eu/) Adrian has been very helpful and through organising weekend and evening shoots it gets me out and making photographs.

I have too local camera clubs which restarted after the summer break and I intend to join one of them. most of my spare time in spent reading (Peter Hurley - Head shot, is the current book), watching training videos etc. I seem to be like a dry cloth just can't get enough. I find myself thinking/wondering why I did not feel this way thirty years ago. I have just completed a Foundation Diploma course in photography earning a distinction and currently four weeks into an Advanced diploma course. My Best-man suggested I should go for a Degree, but that is five years part-time: Considering...

I am still not sure what to do with my photography: my current job is in training and Assessing Domestic Gas and Electrical Engineers: I spend most of my time inside (some rooms even with no windows) I miss being outside and often think I could be somewhere making photo's... I have shot a wedding last year and enjoyed it - I know I could do better, so where to go from here!