About
I am a professional photogrpaher and fine art artist. I have been making photographs since I was about 11 years old and have always found it to be the most rewarding creative practice.
I studied photography at St. Martins School of Art in London and have been taking photographs professionally for over 20 years.
I have had several solo shows and participate regularly in group shows. I have had work published in Rolling Stone, Uncut Magazine, Vogue, C magazine, tons of online publications and I also have a thriving print business.
I shoot commercial portraits, editorial, fashion, fine art and events. My clients come to me for a specific look and feel and if I had to define my specialty it is that I capture the moment between the moment. The true essence of an event or person, or whatever happens to be in front of my camera.
For me photography is a dialogue between subject and photographer. I always encourage my students to breathe, take a moment and wait for the shot they want. Not to be intimidated by a situation and always ask for what you need.
My style is pretty candid and I believe wholeheartedly that it isn't the camera or the lens or the equipment that makes a good image, but the emotional intent behind it.
I like to impose practical limitations to my shooting so that I am forced to give my creativity the freedom it wants. Working within certain limitations stretches the creative mind and I have found that it leads to better images. I like to give my creative muscle the opportunity to solve problems and I encourage my eyes to do the work.
I want to encourage all my students to really explore their own voice and to develop skills that will bring confidence into their picture taking.
I LOVE taking pictures. When I go back over my archives each image takes me right back to the very moment when I shut the shutter. The place I was standing, who was with me, what I was feeling and what inspired me to stop and take the picture.
It is a way of preserving and a way of seeing.
When I am shooting portraits I am always amazed that my camera has brought me face to face with whoever I happen to be shooting. It has definitely taken me to some incredible places and introduced me to some amazing people.
Photography has broadened my horizons in more ways than I can mention.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
James S.
Nicole
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Initially, I want to find out excatly how much they know about the photographic process and if they are familair with using a camera.
If they don't know anything at all then I will spend some time teaching them the basics: f-stops, shutter speeds, film speed and how all these things work together to create a perfect exposure.
Once I think the student has a firm grasp on these things then I like to break down each compnent and see how the student can use this knowledge to create their own style.
Field work and home work should be fun so I encourage students to come with visual inspiration.
I also like to spend time looking at other photographers so that students can get a feel for who and what they like and how they might want to use photography in their own lives.
If there are images that students particularly like then I work with them to break down the image so they can understand how the image was created.
I want my students to have fun, to enjoy learning and to grow in confidence. I think it is very important to give as much practical hands on experience as possible, so taking photographs is a big part of my teaching.
Getting over any fears by providing real time experience.
Once I feel the student has a more complete knowledge and if they are interested in studio work then I can teach them studio lighting and how to work with models and subjects.
If students are keen to work professionally then I am always open to offering work as an assistant.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied photography at St. Martins School of Art and have been working as a professional photographer for over 20 years.
I have extensive experience as a studio and location photographer and there is very little that I haven't been exposed to throughout my career.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge 60/hour for beginners.
If the student wants to continue beyond the beginning stages and move into a deeper exploration then lessons start at $100/ hour
How did you get started teaching?
Freinds and friends of friends asked me to teach them.
What types of students have you worked with?
Beginners and intermediate and people who need help with specific things/
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I encourage students to come with some idea of what they want to use phtogography for. Is it an initial exploration?
What is it they want to shoot or express.
Are they cultivating a new hobby or is this in order to start a professional career?
WHat other photographers do they like?
Do they want to shoot street photography or studio or both?
I encourage students to narrow it down initially so we can focus on one aspect at a time.