I am a happy go-lucky professional who loves to travel, particularly to Europe. I adore Italy and all things Italian. Venice is my favourite place in the world to visit. I'm also lucky enough to go to Germany every year for work. I love Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Regensburg. Heidelberg. Anything medieval or renaissance usually takes my fancy.

Apart from travelling and exploring this amazing world, I also love to read (I work in the book industry), listen to music (everything from classical to rock), play piano (mainly popular pieces), watch movies (a broad selection) and sketch/paint (landscapes and nudes). I am passionate about music, movies, history and art - definitely a love of humanities! And what's a Profile without mentioning my love of good food, fine wine, and strong coffee!

I enjoy taking photos but it's purely as a hobby, and more often than not, part of my travels. I love being part of the Flickr community and seeing the creative, interesting and thought-provoking works of many talented photographers who use this site. I am learning a lot about photography through this process and am very humbled by all the comments I receive on my photos, not to mention all those additional bits of encouragement that are handed out along the way! Thank you one and all :)

On the 27th September 2008 bought my first digital SLR - a Sony A350. My first digital camera was a Sony and I'm brand loyal. A lot of people said to buy a Nikon but I am a hobbyist and the new Sony has everything for someone with my interest and abilities.

At the end of September 2009 I bought my first macro lens. No doubt it will take me a while to get used to it! Flickr is great place for inspiration -- and education! -- and as such I'm looking forward to sharing the results with my Flickr friends.

April 2010 - I've been steadily reducing my Flickr time in recent months and have been tidying up my contact list as a result. With less time I need it to be more manageable and supportive for those photographers who have become Flickr friends over the past few years. You are welcome to add me as a Contact however please note I don't automatically approve the requests that come through every day. If I notice you leaving comments and faving my photos with increasing regularity, I will add you to my contact list and will try to spend time on your photostream when I upload new photos. Please keep in mind that I won't comment on photos for the sake of it. I will, however, always comment on photos that appeal to me, particularly florals, animal shots and photos of favourite places (Venice in particular!).

Also please note I don't like attitude or arrogance. If you openly display disrespect for the community here and think you are better/more talented than everyone else, I will not add you as a friend nor will I comment on your photos. I find that sort of behaviour appalling and will not encourage it. And if I notice you favouriting all my photos without having a photostream of your own, I will block you.