Profile

Landscape & Wildlife Photographer | Author | Tutor | Conservationist

I guess you could argue I’ve never had a real job! I inherited my parents' passion and fascination for wildlife and, when I began playing around with a camera aged just 9 or 10, I instinctively photographed nature. A year later, I won the junior flora and fauna category in BBC Countryfile’s inaugural photo competition - the winning shot was a dragonfly close-up. Winning the competition gave me confidence and encouragement and, by the time I won Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year aged 17, I had already decided to pursue a career in outdoor photography. I’m self taught, opted against going to University, and effectively turned professional at 18. A risky strategy, I know…

Now (scarily!) in my mid forties, I consider myself hugely fortunate to make my living from photography, writing and providing tuition. I’m a regular in the photo press, contributing images and features (both technical and creative) to a number of leading titles, including Outdoor Photography, Amateur Photographer, NPhoto, Digital Camera, and Nature TTL. I’m represented by leading photo agencies Nature Picture Library and BOSE, Kew Gardens, PETRONAS and The National Trust are among the clients I have worked for.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be a multiple award winner in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, British Wildlife Photography Awards – including overall winner in 2009 – International Garden Photographer of the Year and Take A View - Landscape Photographer of the Year. I’ve also written a number of best selling photography books including The Landscape Photography Workshop, 52 Assignments: Landscape Photography, The Art of Landscape Photography and From Dawn to Dusk - Mastering the Light in Landscape Photography (all co-authored with Mark Bauer), The Digital Exposure Handbook, Digital Macro & Close-up Photography, and The Wildlife Photography Workshop (co-authored with Ben Hall). I was also consultent editor on Masters of Landscape Photography and I’ve recently released my first audiobook - Landscape Photography: For Mirrorless and Digital SLR Users. I’m also a Nikon Alumni, LEE Filters Ambassador, a Benro Pro Partner, and a Global Icon for F-stop Gear.

I’m lucky – I love what I do. That is not to say it is not hard work, though. The hours are often unsociable and tiring. I’m dedicated, addicted – obsessed even. I always want to improve and am striving for something I know I can’t ever achieve – perfection. I’m passionate about conservation and keen to inspire others to appreciate, respect and enjoy wildlife. I’ve been fortunate to lead tours to places like the Galapagos, Iceland, and the Tatra Mountains, but I’m actually not a big traveller. I’m happiest at home – in North Cornwall - where we have rewilded several acres of land to encourage wildlife. My gorgeous wife Fliss and I have three wonderful children and I cherish being a dad – I hope to inspire them as much as my parents did me. Photography is both my profession and hobby – but I’m also a fanatical Spurs fan (please don’t judge me!) and am rather fond of American Bourbon! I hate tea, love Marmite, and was a junior British archery champion. What else do you want to know?