The Lifelong Pursuit: Why Photography Still Captures Me
There are certain passions that stick with you—the ones that endure through new technology, different jobs, and the changing landscape of life. For me, that passion has always been photography. It's been a constant companion since I was a teenager, offering a unique way to see and interpret the world.
Starting on Film and the First SLR
My journey behind the lens began when I was 13 or 14, thanks to my parents' wonderfully simple camera: an Ilford 127. Handling that camera, winding the film, and waiting for the developed prints provided an initial spark. It wasn't just about taking pictures; it was about understanding light, framing a moment, and the magic (or profound disappointment) of seeing what had been captured when I picked up the prints from Boots The Chemist after several days of anticipation.
The true addiction began shortly after. After saving up money from my weekend job working in a local Indian restaurant, I bought my first 35mm SLR camera at the age of 15: a Miranda MS-1 Super from Dixons. This was my first true interchangeable lens system, opening up a world of creative control.
The Camera Shop Days and the Nikon FE2
This early fascination led directly to my first professional role. I was fortunate enough to land a job at a highly respected local retailer: Taunton Camera Centre. I spent three years there, surrounded by the smell of chemicals, rolls of film, and the latest gear.
During my time at the shop, I cycled through different systems, moving between Canon and Olympus bodies before finally settling on a camera that felt truly special: a near-mint Nikon FE2 that came in as a part-exchange. That camera was perfect—a beautiful balance of manual control and aperture-priority automation. It stayed with me for over 10 years, becoming my trusted companion.
The end of the FE2 era came when I made the shift to digital, part-exchanging it for my very first digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix 4500 which sported a ground-breaking (at the time) 4MP sensor. To this day, I deeply regret letting that Nikon FE2 go.
The Digital Scepticism
Working in the camera shop during that transitional period provided some memorable moments. The owner was vehemently against digital cameras and flat-out refused to stock them, despite my protestations that they were the future. The phrase, "They will never be capable of matching film," stuck in my head from those days. Looking back, the speed and scale of the digital revolution shows just how short-sighted that stance was. Sadly, the shop closed many years ago, a victim, perhaps, of its own loyalty to analog technology.
🏎️ Motorsport Highs and the Unwanted Shift
For a long time, one of my favourite photographic subjects was motorsport. There is nothing quite like capturing the raw speed, controlled chaos, and intense focus of a racing event. I spent time trackside at the British Touring Car Championships (BTCC) and various support races, striving to freeze those fleeting moments of action. I was incredibly proud to have had several of my motorsport photographs published, seeing my work in print was hugely rewarding.
However, over time, I became increasingly disenchanted with the genre. The frustrating and unfortunately common issue of having my images used without permission or credit began to outweigh the excitement of the shoot. It sapped the joy from the work and prompted me to seek out subjects where the intellectual property battles were less fierce.
🌲 A New Focus: Landscapes and Abstract Detail
My main 'focus' now is centred around landscapes and capturing abstract details. Instead of seeking high-speed action, I now look for stillness, texture, and pattern. I love finding the unexpected beauty in decay and the overlooked elements of the environment.
My long-suffering wife often questions why I'm on my hands and knees photographing rusty bits of metal or the peeling paint on an old boat! But these moments of finding beauty in the mundane are where I find the most creative satisfaction today.
🎞️ The Digital Feel of Film: Settling on Fujifilm
Today, I still crave that tactile experience and aesthetic of film, even while shooting digital. That's why I've chosen to use the Fujifilm X Mirrorless system.
I currently own an X-M1 and an X-T5, representing one of the earliest and latest cameras in the X-System lineup:
The X-M1: I simply cannot part with this early model. The initial X-Trans sensors have a special, unique rendering that makes them very 'filmic'. The camera's simplicity is a joy to use.
The X-T5: This will 'probably' be my last camera purchase. It offers everything I could ever need in terms of resolution, control, and performance, completing my journey for the perfect digital tool.
These cameras, with their dedicated dials, genuinely 'feel' like film cameras. They allow me to slow down and consider my shots, which perfectly complements my current focus on slow, deliberate landscape and abstract work.
Where to Find My Work
While this blog is where I write about my interests, I maintain my favourite photographic work my dedicated Adobe Portfolio site.
If you’d like to see my current gallery of work, from abstract details to landscapes, you can find it here:
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