Career Journey and Achievements in Photography

Early Life and Beginnings

My journey began without qualifications, prospects, or hope. After being expelled from school at fifteen, I worked in factories through the winter and on building sites in the summer—ostensibly to work on my tan. This unsettled my father, whose generation rarely changed jobs, certainly not as frequently as I did.

Entry into Construction

I started at the bottom in the construction industry, initially working as a labourer and cleaning toilets. Over time, I acquired a variety of building skills, including bricklaying, concreting, and scaffolding, eventually becoming a roofing sub-contractor. At this stage, I split my time between two days a week on-site and four days at Barnfield College, marking my return to education at thirty-one.

Education

  • Barnfield College, Luton, Beds: OND in Photography Art & Design (2 years) – Pass
  • University of Wales (formerly Gwent College of Higher Education): HND in Documentary Photography (2 years) – Merit

Professional Career in Photography

  • Senior Design Photographer in Mid Glamorgan, Wales
  • Freelance photographer for magazines, including cover shots, as well as producing leaflets, brochures, posters, and website images
  • Extensive work at charity fundraising events, specializing in “fly on the wall” documentary photography, often covering entire days
  • Creation of 360° virtual tours for websites, including hotels, golf clubs, and properties in the housing market
  • Editorial photography for newspapers
  • Organising and conducting photography workshops for young people with learning difficulties and mental health challenges

Exhibitions

My work, especially from the “Slate” project, has been showcased in several renowned venues:

  • National Museum of Wales (twice)
  • National Library of Wales
  • St David’s Hall, Cardiff
  • Mall Galleries, London
  • A touring exhibition through North Wales
  • Welsh Millennium Centre (Opera House, Cardiff)

Clients

  • National Library of Wales
  • Cardiff County Council
  • Vale of Glamorgan Council
  • Decorum Council
  • Mencap
  • Sainsbury’s
  • Media Wales
  • British Dyslexia Association

International Commissions

  • Documented the installation of a pipeline across Malaysia
  • Travelled to Spain for a photographic project with a British travel company specialising in activity holidays