About me

I’m Ian, a professional photographer and aviation photojournalist of over 20 years, based in Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

And by the way, if you’re expecting the clichéd picture of a photographer holding a camera, that’s not going to happen!

I’ve had an interest in photography since I was a youngster – the occasional family slide shows we endured when I was growing up probably had something to do with that! Through school, I always had an interest in something ‘creative’, whether that was writing or drawing – so I went and studied Environmental Science at university. . . . . .makes sense! And then in 2005 I began a loooong career in education and IT management . . . . . makes even more sense! Stay with me, it gets better!

I’d found that I usually had a camera with me wherever I went and began to take my work more seriously. I soon realised that I was able to turn what was a hobby in to something more. With my interest in aviation and the creative writing flair (yes, remember that?!), I turned my hand to aviation photojournalism where I could take pictures and write articles at the same time – and sometimes get paid for it!

I also had aspirations of being a cameraman growing up and during this time I was able to work freelance as a camera operator on a range of events – you know those big camera cranes/jibs? They take some getting used to!

After 17 years, I’d had enough of schools, enough of IT and enough of fixing everyone else’s problems so I decided to completely change careers. I joined National Highways and now I can write, take photos AND get paid for it at the same time! (Yes, I am the person who writes to tell you roads are closed. Yes, I am the person who takes photos of cones.)

I’ve been lucky to make what started off as a hobby in to a job, whether it forms elements of my day job or alongside normal work. I’ve been able to combine it with my other interests too – the outdoors, motorsport and of course, dogs and agility. Weddings are a particular favourite and it’s a real pleasure to share in such a special day. No matter what each wedding brings, every couple is unique, making every event unlike any other.

As the saying goes “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” – that’s what I tell myself when it’s 2am and I’m still going through photos…….

And I still don’t think you can beat a slide show!