A bit about me…

Photography has been a lifelong love of mine. Now at 44, my fascination and passion for it remain as strong as ever. My dad, a naturally gifted photographer, was a constant source of inspiration. Growing up, he always had his camera gear, capturing moments on film—mainly 35mm slides.

My sister and I eagerly looked forward to his slide shows, which felt like having our private cinema in the living room. With the big pull-down projector screen, loading up the carousel of slides, and sitting back to watch, it was always a magical experience. Sure, some slides ended up upside down or back to front, but those evenings were special. They brought us together as a family, sharing photography's joy.

MY FIRST CAMERA

I was so eager to have a camera of my own that, at around six years old, I built my first one out of Lego. Not long after, at the age of seven, I finally got my first 'real' camera.

REALISING YOUR POTENTIAL - LEARNING

Fast forward a couple of decades, through several cameras and countless generations of camera phones, I came to truly understand how much photography means to me and the significant role it has played in my life. It became both a creative and emotional outlet—a way to express how I feel and interpret the world around us. This realisation inspired me to deepen my skills and learn the art of photography, allowing me to convey my vision more powerfully.

THE MUSIC OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The camera is my instrument, the paper is my score sheet, and the image is my song.

At 30, I bought my first DSLR and dove headfirst into learning how to use it. I became captivated by the science of light and the theory of composition, spending countless hours reading, watching, practising, and absorbing every bit of knowledge I could find. That passion has never waned.

I am my own harshest critic, always striving to improve, and every outing with my camera teaches me something new. I continue to draw inspiration from great photographers—both past and present—from renowned names to the talented members of my local photography club.

From the rugged coastlines of the east coast to the ancient temperate rainforests of Scotland, my photography journey has been one of passion, exploration, and storytelling. Over the past few years, I have immersed myself in Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, capturing their beauty and preserving their essence through my lens.

As the President of the Kirriemuir Photography Club for two years running, I have demonstrated a commitment to fostering creativity and inspiring others within the photography community.

Beyond capturing landscapes, I am passionate about sharing my journey. My work has been featured in two major publications this year: Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year and the Natural Landscape Photographer.

In 2024, I was fortunate to collect two accolades in the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year. My portfolio entry was highly commended, and I also won the Autaum Catogory for one of my photographs, and I had two images published in the SLPOTY 2024 hardback book.

I also had another image published in the Natural Landscape Photographer 2024 hardback following success in their global competition.

My commitment to in-depth exploration and my “slow photography” approach has shaped my recent projects. Inspired by a self-set challenge to spend extended periods in single locations, I spent a week in Glen Affric in 2023, where I camped, explored, and connected deeply with the landscape. This philosophy of slowing down, embracing the moment, and seeking fresh perspectives has become integral to my process. I continued this approach in 2024, dedicating two years to exploring Scotland’s temperate rainforests, uncovering their mystique and ecological significance.

I am also planning to create a workshop in 2025, where I hope to share the skills and techniques that have helped me grow as a photographer, inspiring others to see the world through a lens of wonder and creativity. Whether through my exhibitions, awards, or publications, I continue to strive to inspire others and connect people with the beauty of Scotland’s wild landscapes.