I was given my first 35 mm film SLR camera (a Petri GX-1 with 50 mm and 28 mm lenses) at the age of 15, and soon discovered greater possibilities than with the Kodak disposable cameras I had previously used.  My family and I migrated to Australia about a year later, and I used the camera to document the trip.  In pre-digital days I was very discerning about clicking the shutter and the film processing costs associated with each frame.  It was during this time that I realised photography was a way for me to express myself and my view of the world.  Over the next 20 years or so I spent little time using the camera, other than to take snapshots of family events and the like.  Other aspects of life became prioritised somehow. 

In 2005 I bought my first digital camera - a compact Kodak C360 5 mega pixel model.  I was immediately impressed with the quality of the images, even though it was a low-end camera.  I started posting images on the Internet in various interest groups, and received some positive feedback with regard to composition, etc.   Comments such as “that shot is great – you must have a really good camera!”  I'm sure many of you have heard that before.

In late 2007 I was given a Nikon D80 camera with kit lenses (28-55 mm and 70-300 mm) by a close friend who enjoyed my photography.  This was the impetus for me to explore the current phase of my journey.  I was advised by my aunt in the UK to find a camera club, which is how I stumbled upon the St George Leagues Club Photographic Society, where I have been a member since 2008 and served on the Committee for several years.  I have met some wonderful photographers and great friends through the club - many of whom continue to inspire my own photographic work.

I have recently developed an interest in an "impressionistic" style of photography using a combination of slow shutter speed and intentional camera movement techniques.