Photography has always played a big part in my leisure pursuits. I was involved with various camera clubs and entered competitions (won a few). My work in electronics took me all over the world, where my camera played a big part in documenting my stays.

During my time back in the UK I did some free-lance photography for local rags. This led on to doing wedding photography in my spare time.

In the late ‘70’s I was asked if I would video a wedding. The video equipment was hired from Granada TV. Professional camcorders were too expensive buy, and home camcorders were not as yet available. The total weight of the outfit was over 25Kg, comprising of video camera, VHS recorder, and 2 large battery packs all of which had to be carried slung over your shoulder while filming. After three more commissions I hung up my hat as it was clashing with my day job. Also I was beginning to look like the hunchback of Notre Dam with all that weight to carry around.

During the ‘80’s due to a hectic working life, the photography was put on the back burner, also having all my photographic gear stolen didn’t help.

In 1990 I bought my first camcorder, which over the next few years I bored everyone with videos of my holidays and family events.

In the mid ‘90’s I caught the bug for digital still photography. The first camera was a Fuji 1.2 mega pixel costing over £500, state of the art at that time. I still have the bug and several cameras and computers on, I’m still learning.

I could have saved all this waffle and just told you that in March 2009 Bill Gourlay who has been a friend over the past years, asked me if I would like to join Talisman Films, knowing my interest in photography and my working knowledge in computing.

Well, here I am, the new apprentice on the block. Talisman Films is long established, with a very dedicated team that have a very good background in film and video techniques, I hope that my joining the team will help in their continued success.