I was born into an artistic family.
My Mother would design and make her own clothes and was photographed by Snowdon during the 1960's.
My Father was an extremely gifted Artist and Photographer who’s artwork adorns many books and has even been recreated in tiles on the side of a building in London.
Growing up I was always surrounded by one art project or another and encouraged to think creatively or give my input.
I developed my passions for Painting and Photography from a young age but it wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I really started trying different mediums.
My Father who, by this time, had fallen in love with using an airbrush teamed up with me and, fuelled at that time by my love of what are now known as ‘extreme sports’ we set about custom painting everything from Harley Davidson tanks, Car bonnets, Motocross Bikes, Scooters, Crash helmets, Jet Ski’s, to Drum kits (my other passion) … the list goes on.
During this time I studied Photography in Cambridge but as my Father and I were developing our own prints at home I spent a lot of time sitting around whilst the other students were in the darkroom and eventually quit the course.
I continued to paint, shoot and home process for a number of years until the digital age changed things. Initially I was keen on it but discovered that everybody expected me to Photoshop everything. This was an entirely new concept and something I didn’t, and still don’t, feel completely comfortable with.
I started to treat my digital camera like my film camera and try to shoot right first time instead of relying on Photoshop to correct any errors but it just didn’t feel like proper photography. The result was that I became despondent and gave up shooting.
After a while I began shooting again and launched 'Anytime Design' where I held the position of Creative Director. I shot for various magazines and publications throughout this time and created a plethora of logo's, graphics and artwork for many start-up and established businesses within Cambridge.
Then I was knocked for six by the sudden death of my Father. He had been cycling home with a new studio tripod for me when he simply passed away.
Then I was knocked for six by the sudden death of my Father. He had been cycling home with a new studio tripod for me when he simply passed away.
Through the daze of grief I disbanded Anytime Design and couldn't pick up a camera for years.
I can only now bring myself to use that tripod, after all, I don’t want to let him down.
I can only now bring myself to use that tripod, after all, I don’t want to let him down.
So really it’s like starting from new. I shoot both digitally (most clients) and on film but still try not to rely too heavily on the post processing applications that are so readily available and use my instincts to obtain results just like I was taught. I have recently gone back to using Photoshop where applicable but have set myself limits as to how far I will edit a shot which seems to work for me.
I normally work within Cambridge and the surrounding areas but have recently expanded to London.
It’s probably here that I should thank my Wife, Family and Friends for all their encouragement.
Also, I’m always on the lookout for models so if you have some time to spare or ideas of your own then do get in touch with me using the contact link on the right of the screen.
Christopher