I always had a camera, and a big sister with a nattier one to emulate. Photos were valued currency in our family.

I fluked a £25 Premium Bond at 13; I bought a Russian Zenith E and the adventure really began. 

My film days were spent with Canon and later Bronica. I did some photojournalism, Weddings & Portraits alongside work, but then family life intervened. 

When digital improved sufficiently to tempt me I faced a terrible conversion. The Nikon D70 clearly surpassed the Canon model. With no lenses I could use anyway, I had to own up to the truth and buy the Nikon.

I haven't regretted it. The D70 quickly paled as I grasped the need for a larger sensor. I saved for a D700. As my circumstances changed, I felt the call to go professional, and the name Shot With Spirit dropped into my lap from on high.

I have had a great ten years with the requisite small town diet of Weddings, Portraits, Sport, Local Press and Commercial, alongside some interesting commissions: Health Charities and Artists in the Brecon Beacons National Park are particular favourites. I have also become regular photographer for the Celebrate Conferences which now happen all over the country. My Photography dovetails well with my Christian faith, and I am pleased to be able to help charities out, as well as serving as Picture Editor for a national Church magazine.

I have reached the point where I don't need to turn out for the daily grind, and can pick and choose. So Weddings are strictly limited to the ones I feel a real affinity for, and my photography is more linked with my Publishing (www.threepeakspress.com) and Retreat-leading activity. I have combined the two, with some bespoke Photography & Spirituality Retreats. I also offer tailored one to one or small group Photography & Processing Experiences.

I had my D3S stolen last year. I resisted the impulse to jump to the D5 (it wasn't quite released, fortunately). My homework led me instead to the D810, and it is an absolute beauty, as well as being that bit lighter and more portable. I no longer need extra quickfire facility for Sport, and I love its lowlight capabilities. it has given me new inspiration.