What time do you wake up in the morning?
I usually wake up around 8am these days. I do miss the days of studying at university when I would go to bed at 3am and wake up at 1 pm. Oh how times have changed.
What is your favourite meal to cook?
Probably homecooked pizza. My favourite recipe involves vegetables and adding pine nuts with balsamic glaze on top.
What do you like best about your job?
I love having the freedom to be my own boss. I think I reached a point where I wanted to create my own future. I don’t understand how people can settle in jobs they don’t like or hate, that scares me. I have wanted a business ever since I was young. It was always my goal when I was a student at Dartmouth Academy to have a company, and eventually after finishing my degree at The University of Plymouth, I was awarded a Santander bursary to start it, and here we are today. But in relation to your question, I love being a photographer, that’s the best part of course.
Advice for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps for their career?
Be realistic. Working as a photographer in the modern world is damn near impossible sometimes. Learn how to use photography in other forms such as marketing, never leave yourself with only one path.
Life’s proudest moment?
Probably when I started The South West Collective of Photography Ltd.
Which celebrity would play you in a film about your life?
I have never thought of that. Let’s just go with Leonardo DiCaprio because he can be anyone he wants.
If you weren’t a photographer – what would you be?
A Chef! For many years I have loved cooking. Gordon Ramsey has been one of my biggest influences growing up. His desire, strength and business mind are something that I admire a lot. Cooking is a lot like photography. Instead of a colour palette, you have flavour, instead of a good photo, you have good food. Instead of a high-quality print, you have fine foods. Cooking and the variety that it brings is exceptional and I really admire those who learn to cook. If not a chef, likely my own restaurant.
What are you looking forward to the most about coming on board with the Dartmouth Food Festival this year?
Working with an organisation who do good things for the community. I was a student at Dartmouth Academy several years ago and seeing the influence you have had there is fantastic. Not only that, DFF is a great partner for my company, one I’m proud to work with. The team are amazing.
