PaulAnthonyWilson

Born in 1956, in the North East.

After several adventures across Europe with Lynne (my better half), we realised we had many great memories, but a lack of decent pictures to remind us. In 1986 after receiving back from the printers yet another set of shocking pictures, taken with a 127 cartridge camera, I had a 'lightbulb' moment. I would buy a camera, a couple of lenses and a ‘How To...’ book.

I was hooked, and after learning the basics, I decided to explore ways I could improve. City & Guilds courses seemed more of a challenge, I enrolled and completed five. One of the courses was ‘Social Documentary,’  where I studied great photographers such as Elliott Erwitt, Don McCullin and Robert Capa, all of whom inspired me greatly.

It wasn’t long before I was considered a ‘local snapper’ freelancing for the newspaper in our area, and for two or three years worked hard to build a reputation as a reliable professional.  Work also came in from other sources such as conferences, brochures, magazines and the odd portrait. From 1993 one of my freelance jobs was in an ‘Old Time’ photo studio in Whitby, a very popular tourist attraction. In 1999 Lynne and I bought the business which we ran until 2017.

Today, almost three decades after that 'lightbulb moment', with several very much appreciated awards under my belt, my enthusiasm hasn't waned in the slightest, in fact quite the opposite, each new challenge makes the finishing line seem even further away.

Now semi retired, some of the work commitment has been removed, leaving more time for Landscapes in B&W, Landscapes in colour, Animal, Still life and Documentary Photography.