For me it will alwys be the master Henri Cartier-Bresson...
...my love of photography goes beyond just taking photos.



For me it will alwys be the master Henri Cartier-Bresson, others include Ansel Adams, James Natchwey, Joe McNally, Bill Brandt, Diane Arbus, Annie Leibovitz, Robert Capa and Garry Winogrand, these are just of the top of my head I am sure i could think of more, I think we can learn from all the great photographers and I have quite a few books from most, my love of photography goes beyond just taking photos.
I'm just starting out and I don't know anything about famous photographers, but the person who has inspired me to have a go is Kris Dutson who I met through a completely different interest (motorcycles).
He wasn't famous then but he's getting there, he keeps getting published and has just won the South West region of the National Countryside Photography Competition
Southern Scenic Photography
I dont think it was just meant to be about famous togs, just whoever inspires you to be better, at least that was my thoughts on it.
<awards speach>
Sob ...I'd just like to (wipes tear) thanks all of you on here for inspiring me to be better. If it wasn't for you all....
</awards speach>
The late Victor Blackman of daily express fame was my reason for becoming a press photographer.
My dad.
One day when he went to work I done him a favour. Went to his camera draw with a nice soft cloth to clean his kit. He was going to be so happy.
On one of his Rolli's I just couldnt get rid of a bit of dust from the lens. Its was on the inside. So i done what any 11 year old boy would do. Found some tools and took it apart.
When he got home he looked at the mess on the bedroom floor, picked it all up and brought it to the table in the spare room. He then went and got a chair, lamp and a book an how cameras work.
"sit down son. you are not going out and no pocket money until its back together and working"
Thats was 2 months of school, dinner, camera until 8.30pm. Weekends it was 10am until 6pm, bath and bed.
It never did work but boy did it teach me lots of things
He got a new one for Xmas via my pocket money and my mums compassion.
I still have it, in a draw in my bedroom. One day .....