A New Chapter: Looking Closer, Thinking Differently
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a problem, unable to see the solution no matter how hard you try? We’ve all been there. For me, the answer has never been to push harder at the same wall. Instead, it’s always been to step away and look closer at something else entirely—specifically, the hidden worlds found in nature.
This site is a new chapter for me, a place to share the work that has defined my creative and personal journey over the last 20 years. But it’s about more than just images; it’s about the philosophy behind them. My photography has never been a separate hobby; it’s a practice that has taught me to see and think differently, lessons that have profoundly influenced my professional and personal life.
The Power of the Small
When I head out into the woodlands of Hertfordshire, I’m not just looking for a beautiful scene. I’m looking for the intricate details that are often overlooked: the delicate structure of a spider’s web, the vibrant colours of lichen on a branch, or the complex patterns on a beetle’s wing.
My camera becomes a tool for active meditation. To capture these subjects, I have to slow down. I have to be patient. I have to analyse the light, the texture, and the relationship between the subject and its environment. This isn’t about instant gratification; it’s about immersion and deep reflection. In that focus, the noise of daily life fades away, and I find a clarity that is hard to achieve anywhere else.
From the Woods to the World
The philosophy I’ve built in the field translates directly to how I approach challenges in my other work. When faced with a complex problem, I now instinctively apply the same process:
Step Back and Slow Down: Instead of rushing to a solution, I take a moment to breathe and observe. Just as I would wait for the right light in the forest, I give myself time to see the problem from a new perspective.
Look for the Hidden Details: Often, the answer isn’t in the obvious, broad strokes but in the small, overlooked details. I’ve learned to break down challenges into smaller, more manageable parts, analysing the intricate textures of the problem just as I would a piece of bark.
Embrace Patience: Creativity and innovation don't always happen on demand. The patience required to capture a perfect macro shot—waiting for a hoverfly to land or for the wind to drop—has taught me the value of waiting for the right moment and not forcing a solution.
A New Beginning
Starting this website is about sharing this journey with you. It’s an invitation to look closer, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to use the creative process as a tool for personal growth. Whether you are a photographer, a creative, or simply someone looking for a new way to think, I hope these images and the stories behind them inspire you to find your own hidden worlds.