Originally from Manchester and now settled in Sheffield, I'm passionate about the natural world and environmental affairs. I've been taking photographs with a DSLR for about seven years. At first I only attempted wildlife photography but I'm increasingly drawn to landscapes. Living in Sheffield, only a stone's throw from the Peak District, I'm lucky to have a very photogenic part of the country on my doorstep, which features in many of my images. I still take a long lens with me for wildlife shot opportunities when I go for a walk in the countryside but I'm too impatient to sit in a hide and wait for wildlife to come to me. I increasingly enjoy macro photography; it's a format in which it's possible to achieve high quality images with a reasonably affordable lens. I spend a lot of time looking at the images of other Flickr users, much to the dismay of my family, and take lots of ideas and inspiration from the work of others. I'm particularly grateful to users generous enough to show their technical information, from which it's possible to learn and develop technique. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to look at my images and leave comments, positive or constructively critical; whilst I'm as sensitive to criticism as most people, I do find constructive advice really helpful. I'm happy for my images to be used but please ask first and give an acknowledgement.