I was brought up amongst a family of fine artists and musicians in an unconventional studio environment in London with the ever-present smell of resin and paint and a constant backdrop of music and creative problem-solving.
After graduating as a scientist, alongside developing an obsession for black and white photography and the magic of the darkroom, I worked at Getty Images for 17 years from its earliest beginnings through to it becoming the global media content agency that it is today. For many years I honed my skills at editing and art direction before taking on senior creative positions, latterly as the European Director of Photography. Following that I was a director at two other leading image agencies (Image Source and Gallery Stock) before concentrating on my work as a mentor to photographers, which I have now been focusing on for over 10 years. This background, as well an on-going involvement in studio management, has undoubtedly helped me appreciate how creative individuals work, cope and adapt to the trials and tribulations that are an inevitable part of their lives. I get a huge amount of satisfaction building relationships with photographers who need help and support defining their vision and practice and so build a greater confidence to take their work and business to the next level. As well as one-to-one consultations, I thoroughly enjoy the buzz and interaction of running hands-on workshops and seminars for photographers at all different stages in their careers – from BA and MA students through to established pros - on wide-ranging topics to help tune up their business |
Why work with me?
• I have a deep-rooted understanding and empathy for creative individuals: the hurdles they face and the mind-set they need to have to develop their ideas around which to build a sustainable business. • I am passionate about untangling an individual’s story so they can express themselves and their vision with genuine confidence, verve and authenticity. • I have been working alongside nurturing photographers’ talent since 1992 so I too have journeyed and adapted through the many changes the industry has faced. • I am known for having a keen eye for image selection and am passionate about communicating effective feedback to enable growth. • Whether it is on a one-to-one or through a group workshop, I always strive to have imparted a whole host of pearls (of wisdom) with a wide range of actionable steps, options and ideas to take your business forwards to the next level. There will always be plenty to do after a session with me! • By understanding your journey to photography, I will guide you through your strengths and weaknesses in building, sustaining, growing or possibly even changing the direction of your business. • I can provide an independent, unbiased and objective viewpoint on your work, marketing and goals as a photographer. • I am closely allied to the industry, keeping my ear to the ground into which you can plug and so feel less isolated. • I can be your accountability partner and sounding board so you feel supported through developmental changes in your career or though the challenges of specific projects. • I have worked with photographers within the fine art, commercial and editorial arenas across all subject areas. I have judged numerous photographic awards including: • Association of Photographers Awards • Association of Photographers Open Competition • Wildlife Photographer of the Year • London Photo Festival • London+Acumen DIGNITY Photo Contest • STA Travel Photography Competition • Food Photography of the Year
How I work
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Clients:
Getty Images
Magnum Photos Gallery Stock Ikon Images Bridgeman Art Library CEPIC – (Coordination of European Picture Agencies) Photography Courses London World Photography Organisation Association of Photographers Photographers’ Gallery Royal Photographic Society Photographers’ Dining Club Four Corners Film |
Pixelrights
Universities around the UK (Brighton, Sheffield, Portsmouth, Westminster, LSBU, UEL, LCC) Cultura Image Source Ideas Tap WildPhotos Foto8 Westend61 Gallo Images Photofusion GLG Research |