About/Archives

I began this photoblog in an attempt to improve my photographic skills. To a large extent this has been successful.

By accessing high quality photographs from all parts of the world, and reading the reasons why images were realised, I have begun to formulate my individual philosophy.

Exactly why a particular image is regarded as 'good' seems open to debate. Occasionally I have been pleased with a photo only to be disappointed in other people's lack of appreciation and understanding of the same picture.

It seems that responses to images are highly individual and coloured by the circumstances of both the taking and the viewing of the picture.

Nevertheless, I'm determined to take pictures I like. Perhaps I'll try harder to explore my feelings at the time of capture and attempt to convey these to the viewer.

My photographic style is straightforward. I try to produce simple, bold images with as little computer manipulation as possible.

My camera is set to manual for everything - except autofocus. However, it must be said that my best lens, an old Canon EF 100ml 2.8 macro lens, is damaged - so it will only work on manual!

I live in Wigan, a town in the north of England. It was once famous for its textile factories and coal mines. These have long gone and little remains of the devastation and pollution once associated with these spoiling industries. There are many photographic opportunities in and around the town.