Is there a certain spot in Sheffield that you always come back to/would never get bored of photographing?

‘Park Hill fascinates me so much I don't think I'll ever get bored of it. It helps that it's such a huge complex, but I just love the brutalism architecture, and the different colour schemes each section has so there's the individualism which I like. It's also good at the moment to see the difference between the refurbished blocks and the two blocks still waiting for refurb and sporting their very rundown facade. Going there is like a tonic for me because if I'm struggling for motivation or inspiration with photography, I always go there, and everything is a lot better afterwards. It’s so huge there’s so many different things you can take pictures of.’

What would be On your bucket list to take a picture of?

‘After seeing the Northern Lights twice this year from the comfort of home, I've got the idea in my head that I love to take a photo of the Northern Lights over Sheffield taken from Meersbrook Park. Depending on how strong they are, I don't know if they'll be able to cut through the light pollution. Both times they happened this year, I wasn't ready to venture out and try because it’s been quite late. The sun's cycle is at its peak until the middle of 2025, so here's hoping I'll be third time lucky and able to get that shot!’

Is this your full-time career, if not are you aiming for it to be and how do you balance that?

‘It's not my full-time career yet, but it is the dream for it to be one day. I am planning to turn semi-professional in 2025, so that will give me a very good idea of how it could be. Freelancing anything is very notorious not a consistent income at all so we’d have to see. For balancing, it'll have to be something I figure out as I go along. I'm quite an organised person so I know I'll be able to allocate time to set activities and not overburden myself with everything and burn myself out.’

Were you self-taught, how did you get into photography?

‘I'm mainly self-taught. I did a photography course at Norton College for two years. With how I got into photography, my Grandad's and great Grandad were all interested in photography, so I was surrounded by cameras for as long as I can remember. I'm an only child, so taking photos was my way of keeping occupied. My first camera was a red Fisher Price 35mm Perfect Shot and I took photos of everything! Bear in mind it was film back in the late 90s so I have no idea how much film I went through! It was 2007 when photography turned into a serious hobby after I got a Panasonic TZ1 as a birthday present. I've still got that camera and I'll never part with it.’

What picture are you most proud of?

‘I would say the Summer sunset taken from Meersbrook Park in June this year. Before I got to Meersbrook Park, I was in a part of town and the photos I took weren't doing it for me. Instead of driving home, I'd thought I go to Meersbrook Park for the sunset. When I got to the top of the park where you can see the centre of Sheffield, there was this couple sat on the grass looking at the view. I moved over so I could get them in a shot, and just as I got into position, they rested their heads on each other. The mixture of the golden sunset, the view and the couple really makes the photo for me.’

‘I am hoping the Northern Lights idea can surpass this!’

What’s next for you in your career?

‘I'm planning to launch a print store in the New Year. Depending on how successful that is, I would like to have a little stall at some Sheffield markets.’

‘I would like to take on projects for Sheffield businesses and artists. I love being from Sheffield and I want to help people "shout out" what they do here. There are also a few opportunities on the go at the moment that, fingers crossed, will come to fruition.’

‘I was intending to start a little YouTube channel this year, but soon realised I wanted to continue keeping my eye on the ball with photography. I like helping people with their photography, so thinking of tutorials and point of view (POV) videos. I do have other ideas, but best I do one thing at a time!’