'ello!

Although I'm normally more of a writer and poet than a photographer, the fact that I seem to be out and about a lot more these days has inspired me to get back into the travel and photography bug, so what better place then here on Flickr!

By day I work in IT - although not with Art and Design students any more. Still, years of working in academia has always inspired me to do something different.

I started off many years ago with a Nikon Coolpix E2200, went to a Panasonic TZ3 a couple of years back (perfect for long zoom and wide angle, and has served me very well) and then took the plunge into DSLR territory with a Nikon D3000. It fits the hands comfortably for me and should allow me to improve on what I do as well as learn new skills with it.

And I also know the joy of film, so as well as the DSLR I've now got a Nikon F80 film SLR - and it's quite a different challenge shooting film.

My D3000/F80 kit list is like this:

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

Nikon Nikkor AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6G

Nikon ML-L3 remote release

Hama Traveller Compact tripod

I tend to focus on scenery (especially on holiday), urban landscapes, sculptures and all sorts of quirky things if I feel the need to.

www.zawtowers.org.uk is where I publish my poetry, writing, thoughts, music passions and an online diary which I kept for years on the old site before this one, so I refuse to call it a blog. I've had some of my poems published by BBC Manchester too.

I support Manchester City (the only football team to come from Manchester), and other sports I like include Rugby League, Motorsport (especially F1 and Aussie V8 Supercars), Cricket, and plenty more.