Right then, settle in, because this is going to be a bit of a ramble... about me, about photography, about the sheer joy of capturing a moment in time. I'm Dave, and I'm a photographer. But not just any photographer. I'm a landscape photographer, a sports photographer, a portrait photographer in training... basically, if it stands still (or even if it doesn't!), I'll try to take a picture of it.
My real love is landscapes. There's something magical about being out in nature, watching the light change, feeling the wind on your face... it's almost spiritual, you know? And then, to be able to capture a tiny sliver of that feeling, that moment, and share it with others... well, that's what it's all about for me. I'm incredibly lucky to live in the Vale of Glamorgan. It's a stunning place, a real photographer's paradise. From the rolling hills to the dramatic coastline, there's always something new to discover, a different perspective to explore. I spend a lot of time wandering around, just soaking it all in, waiting for that perfect moment. I do like to venture further afield when I get the chance, though. There's a whole world out there just waiting to be photographed.
Sports photography is a different beast altogether. It's all about energy, movement, split-second decisions. Trying to capture the peak of the action, the emotion on someone's face... it's a real adrenaline rush. And it's a great challenge technically, too. You've got to be quick, you've got to be precise, you've got to anticipate what's going to happen next. It's a real buzz.
And then there's portraits. That's something I'm still learning, but I'm really enjoying it. It's a completely different skill set. It's not just about taking a picture, it's about capturing someone's personality, their essence, in a single frame. It's about making a connection with the person you're photographing and telling their story.
Before I picked up a camera full-time, I was a graphic designer for over 40 years. That gave me a solid foundation in composition, colour theory, and all that good stuff. I've always had a good eye for detail, and I think that definitely translates into my photography. These days, I work at the local airport. It's a steady job, and it allows me to indulge my passion for photography in my free time. It's a good balance, really.
So, if you're ever in the Vale of Glamorgan and you see me wandering around with my Canon 5D Mark III, come and say hello. I'm always up for a chat about photography, the Vale, or anything else that takes our fancy. And if you're interested in going for a photo walk, or just fancy a coffee, a cuppa, or even a pint, give me a shout. I'm always happy to meet new people and share my passion for photography.