I am a practising photographer based in East Anglia. My interest in photography started in 1988 when I received a one-week taster course whilst studying on a fashion course. Within hours I was hooked and photography took over my life. I quickly left fashion college and started studying photography. In 1994 I graduated from the University of Derby with a BA (Hons) in Photographic Studies; this was followed by a MA in Critical History and Theory of Photography. The Masters course gave me an appreciation of photographic theory and I still enjoy discussing, debating and writing about photography. Of particular interest is the social consumption of photography and our personal use of images in the private sphere.After graduating I worked as a freelance landscape photographer and colour printer for several years. During this time I started teaching and for fifteen years I taught on a range of A Level, City & Guilds and BTEC courses to a variety age groups. Since leaving full-time teaching I have worked for family businesses combined with teaching workshops and undertaking private commission work.Since starting photography I have gained a wide range of experience. I am still using film, (and still work from time to time in a darkroom to produce my black and white prints). In my photography work I have used most cameras formats and like to experiment all the time with new ways of working.
My own view is that photography is a wonderful way for people to engage with the world around them. I joined OCA in 2008 and currently tutor on Photography 1, Photography 2 and Photography 3 level courses. The students I have encountered constantly impress me with their dedication and enthusiasm for the subject. In addition, I enjoy learning from my students as much as I hope they enjoy the OCA courses.
