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Photography and
climbing have been hobbies of
mine for 20 years. But I always believed I was going to be a
geologist.
I went to university in England and got a degree in Geology. A
further 4 years studying gained me a Doctorate (PhD) in Geology
at the University of Leeds. Sadly,
jobs in England for geologists were difficult to find. So I
decided to accept a challenging
job developing gas sensors for use in environmental monitoring
and to help industries reduce their pollution.
I enjoyed this work for 4 years, soon realizing my gas sensors
could help geologists to predict
volcanic eruptions. The research promised to be exciting,
sometimes dangerous and new, but I had to find some money. With
the collaboration of colleagues
at university, my idea won funding for 1 year only. Despite good
results, the backing of experts, and lots of hard work climbing
volcanoes, I couldn't
persuade British industry to give me money to finish this
important work.
It was during this time that I decided to try to become a
professional photographer. However,
I needed temporary work to help me develop my photography, and
started to work as a Youth Hostel warden and a window cleaner!
I concentrated on nature photography because I have always loved
animals and travelling to different countries, especially Africa
and South East Asia. In 1997 I was a winner in the 'Wildlife
Photographer of the Year' competition,
and last year I won another major prize for my nature
photography. Maybe, one day someone will pay me to photograph
volcanoes? |
