I have worked as a commercial photographer for over 25 years. Throughout this time I have worked for companies across number of industries. I have gained considerable experience photographing a range of subjects from industrial locations through to studio portraits, from editorial and PR photography to food, architectual and creative photography, from scientific, macro photography through to photographing commercial products.
My career began as Photographer for Redifusion where I worked in the publicity department. My photographs helped build a diverse image library for the company which were used in their corporate brochures and literature. During my time working there I was sponsored to study for a BA Degree in Photography in London.
I next went to work for GEC as part of a team of photographers. At GEC the photography unit’s tasks included colour and black and white printing as well video production. After three years at GEC I went to work at the Leatherhead Food Research Association as senior photographer running a team of creative staff. From here I went to work for the University of London and spent two and half years photographing students, lecturers, visitors, buildings, events, people and places. It was during this time, in 1991 when the academic world began using the Internet that I realised the potential for what would soon become a digital imaging revolution.
In 1995 I joined the Visual Communications department of Glaxo as photographer. Throughout my career at the company I developed a distinct style of commercial photography involving the use of mixed light sources and as many studio flash units as I could carry. My passion for getting the best possible image evolved into a love and mastery of lighting. At Glaxo, I was instrumental in introducing digital cameras and the “digital darkroom” making the department one of the first in the country to use end to end digital processes back in 1997/8. Such was my commitment to the new world of digital photography that I wrote the article “A Digital Statement” which was published in the British Journal of Photography in 1999. This predicted and outlined many of the changes which subsequently took place in the photographic profession. During this period I spoke at National and International conferences giving demonstrations of what was, at the time, cutting edge technology to photographers who were still shooting film and using wet processes to produce prints. Glaxo sponsored me to study for an MA in Photographic Studies at the University of Westminster.
There was a natural evolution from photography to what was originally termed new media and eventually the web and I used my visual and computer skills to produce the first ever CD ROM based e-learning programme for Glaxo. As the “dot com boom” began, I worked as Creative director for an internet design agency, working with clients such as Polaroid and Business Link. In 2001 I set up my own Digital Design Agency, Reservoir UK Ltd offering web, interactive design and photography to a range of clients.
In addition to running Reservoir UK Ltd and providing commercial photography, I also teach Photography on a part-time basis for Cornwall Adult Education as well as for other clients including BBC Blast. My passion for teaching has lead to offering courses and workshops for those who wish to take their photography to another level. The courses, generally based in Cornwall, cater for beginners who wish to learn more about their new cameras and to experienced photographers who wish to develop additional skills. The courses are also useful for those people who just don’t get on with manuals and would like someone to go through their camera and help them understand it’s controls and functions. I have a full/enhanced CRB check and am a member of IFL.
To find out more about the courses and workshops please go to our courses and workshops section.