Self-taught Photographer by passion; University and Industry taught Part II Architectural Assistant by profession (and passion). I have a love for all things architecture, craft, photography, birds, and ‘The Golden Age of Hollywood’.

My photographic journey began whilst studying for my Masters Degree in Architecture. I rented a Canon 700d dSLR camera from the university to use on a week-long study trip to Portugal and Spain in early 2017. I had been using a Panasonic FZ-38 bridge camera since my A-Levels, alongside my Dad’s old Olympus OM-20 SLR film camera. But I was pure point and shoot: this rented camera was my gateway drug.

I photographed the colourful tiles of Porto, the bold football stadium of SC Braga, the exquisite architecture of the University of Vigo, and the stoney streets of the pilgrim destination, Santiago de Compostela. The trip mirrored my own pilgrimage in photography, my getting to grips with using this proper camera. My birthday followed, I was gifted my very own Canon 700d and I was thrilled.

The camera was much-loved and used on-off for the next few years with the 18-55mm kit lens, until 2021, when curiosity led me to the purchase of a 50mm portrait lens and a 24mm wide-angle lens.

Next came a 70-300mm telephoto zoom, which - coupled hand-in-hand with my newfound love for birdwatching - grew my enthusiasm. Suddenly I was finding reason to take photos everyday, thinking about the detail of my shots, the depth of field, light. I evolved from ‘Auto’ mode to ‘Program’ and ‘Aperture Priority’. But the critique of my images was growing and I wanted more from my camera and lens. A 100-400mm ‘L’ lens and a full-frame Canon 5D Mk.III was the logical step and upgrade in 2022.

My photography took on a previously unforeseen quality with my new gear. As my camera levelled up, so did I. I switched to pure ‘Manual’ mode and the ability to control my shots has became second nature. I am extremely proud of my growth over the following 3 years; photography is a lifelong lesson, and my latest work is my favourite.

Now, I work with a super-fast (but heavy) Canon 1D X Mk.I, and 4 primes: 24mm tilt-shift, 50mm all-rounder, 85mm portraiture, and f/2.8 300mm telephoto. It has performed beyond expectations and has set a new standard for my photographic work. I still have a fondness for my Dad’s Olympus SLR, which I regularly use with a 50mm kit lens and a telephoto zoom.