More about me as a Q&A

What Camera and Lenses Do You Use?

I’m currently working with my all-time favorite camera, the Sony a7R III. Paired with a powerhouse lineup of lenses, I’m ready to tackle any scene that catches my eye. My go-to lenses include the versatile Sony 24-105mm f4, the ultra-wide Sony 16-35mm f2.8, the sweeping Sony 12-24mm f4 for those dramatic landscapes, the reach of the Sony 70-200mm f4 for distant details, and the crisp Sony 90mm f2.8 for when I want to get up close and personal with my subject.

What Editing Software Do You Use?

Editing is where the magic happens. I start with Adobe Lightroom, but the real artistry comes to life in Adobe Photoshop, where I use a variety of powerful plug-ins. The TK9 Plugin by Tony Kuyper lets me dive deep into luminosity adjustments, while Blake Rudis’ Zone System Express and Palette Effects bring out the creative depth in every shot. Together, these tools help me turn a good photo into something truly captivating.

Do You Have an Artistic Vision When You Go Shooting?

It’s a bit of both. Sometimes I head out with a clear idea in mind, like when I captured Bath Abbey illuminated in the colors of Ukraine. I knew exactly how I wanted those bold blues and yellows to come alive in the final image. Other times, like during a trip to Burnham on Sea, I’ll shoot hundreds of photos without a set vision. But once I sit down to process, the artistic direction emerges. A black-and-white afternoon shot and a sunset masterpiece from that session both evolved later in post-processing—reflecting how I truly felt in the moment.

Do You Plan Where You’re Going to Shoot?

Planning has its perks, but I also love the spontaneity of seeing where the day takes me. For example, during a stint in London, I meticulously planned a series of long-exposure shots along the Thames. I even invested in the Case filter set (highly recommended!). Yet, some of my favorite photos happen by chance when I’m out exploring with no plan. It’s a rule of thumb to always look behind you—often the most surprising, breathtaking shots are lurking just out of sight.

What’s Your Processing Workflow Like?

My approach to processing has shifted over the years. I used to dive in with a mechanical mindset—raise the shadows, drop the highlights—but now, I’m more thoughtful and nuanced. I envision the final image before I start and build it up slowly, with subtle adjustments that bring out the story in each scene. This has allowed me to grow as an artist and create more meaningful, impactful images.

Thoughts on Social Media?

It’s a tough landscape for photographers right now. If you’ve got thousands of followers from the "golden age" of Instagram, you’re probably still in the game. But for those of us with smaller followings, it feels like shouting into the void unless you pay for visibility. It’s disheartening when you know your work is better than ever, but your reach keeps shrinking. There’s a real need for a new platform that genuinely supports photographers again.

Do You Make a Living From Photography?

Not yet, but I’m working on it!

Other Likes?

Football is a lifelong passion—I've been a Chelsea fan since 1967 (yikes!), with Gianfranco Zola as my favorite all-time player. Best moment? Easy—Didier Drogba’s unforgettable penalty to win the 2012 Champions League.

I’m a fan of Stephen Fry’s voice, a national treasure if you ask me. At night, you’ll find me unwinding with anything by Bill Bryson. My favorite movie? Hitchcock’s classic "North by Northwest." And when it comes to music, Bruce Springsteen is my go-to. Lately, I’ve been hooked on the "Rest is Politics" podcast—great for anyone looking to dive into current affairs.