Hi, I’m Andy

A Photographer based in Berkshire

THE BEGINNING

It was my desire for adventure that kickstarted my interest in photography. As a small child exploring my godfather’s under stairs cupboard, I came across a vintage camera that needed a separate light meter. Trial, error and and a lot of film later I started to get the understanding of how I could record my memories.

At an early age I also developed my love of nature and an apparent natural ability to spot wildlife.

I am thankful that I have retained this ability, although my wife politely points out that whilst we are out in the car she doesn’t need to know about the buzzard on the post or the Roe in the field.

If only getting close to them was as easy as spotting them!

On safari in Africa our guide joked that I was after his job, having spotted things that he hadn’t. I question to this day – “would that have been my perfect job?”

WHY DID I RETURN TO PHOTOGRAPHY?

I chose law enforcement as a career. As a result, I have had some formal photography training.

As with so many people, life and career take over and hobbies and interests often take a back seat. A blue light career brings with it long hours and stress. Over the years the sights, the stories, the sadness of such a vocation started to take its toll and I was drawn back to the wonders of nature and being at one with it became my escape.

Sadly my wife was diagnosed with PTSD and was medically retired, ending her Police career abruptly and prematurely. Such an experience has huge ripple effects for close family. During these dark times, nature was my respite and this time I was armed with my camera.

As a result of the trauma witnessed in my career, supporting colleagues and my wife, mental health has become forefront in my life and I believe that nature’s ability to provide a place to heal is vitally important.

The challenges of photographing nature’s beauty has provided a direction and even if you don’t get that fantastic photo to share, no-one can take away the experience of being there.

MOVING FORWARD

I have delivered photography workshops for a local company and have recently started to share my experiences and images to a wider audience.

I have been published in BBC Wildlife magazine and was highly commended in the 2021 Mammal Society photographer of the year awards.

I am not a professional full time photographer, but a normal everyday guy trying to regain my sense of calm in the world and help others seek the beauty and therapy found in nature.