Personal Background

I am severely dyslexic and have always had a fear of writing.

I was born in Bristol to Welsh parents. In 1962, our family moved to Hemel Hempstead, where my parents became teachers. Outwardly, life seemed wonderful. Our neighbourhood bordered the open countryside, running alongside the “Nicky Line” railway. Here, we had the freedom to roam and play, often staging war games as English versus Germans—a favourite pastime.

My journey with photography began at age 11, when I attended Boys Bridge Camp in North Wales, equipped with a Brownie box camera. The photos I took on that trip are memories I still cherish. Although homesickness marked that trip, I felt differently when I returned to Wales, 22 years later, for studies at Newport Art College. The Documentary Photography course I attended there was renowned as the best in the world, and I was immensely proud to be a part of it. These were the best years of my life. Prior to this, I completed a two-year photography programme at Barnfield College in Luton to qualify for university admission.

Born in the 1950s, like Sting, I found school life challenging—nearly impossible, in fact. I am very dyslexic and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. When a creative child falls behind in school, misbehaviour can follow; for me, this lasted about ten years. Eventually, I was expelled at age 15. I was told I was a failure and would never amount to anything, not even fit for manual labour. I believed it.

By 16, I worked on building sites, cleaning toilets, and driving a large tractor—a job I thoroughly enjoyed. Ten years later, I became a self-employed roof tiler. The income from roofing funded my mountaineering excursions and a six-month backpacking journey around much of the world. Meeting people and experiencing the world’s beauty inspired me to pursue my passion for photography upon my return to the UK.

After my photography course interview at Luton College, I broke down in tears while driving home. For the first time, I was recognised for my abilities, not criticised for my shortcomings. It was the greatest day of my life.

Upon graduating, my plans for photography adventures were replaced by the adventure of parenthood, as my daughter Rosie arrived—our first of three children.