I’m a studio photographer in the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland, UK. Shooting product advertising images
I've been fascinated with photography for as long as I can remember; the idea of being able to capture forever what the eye sees in a picture has always intrigued me, and continues to do so every single time I pick up my camera. I’m married, to Louise. We live in our home town of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands here with our Shih Tzu pup.
I work from my photography studio, mainly focusing on shooting product, still life and food. I also love the outdoors and enjoy photographing landscape, seascape, travel and nature but I see this as my chance to get out of the studio into the fresh air and appreciate the world around me.
On this site I show some personal favourites and chosen examples of my work to give you a feel of my style and what I do. My photography is frequently licensed, please contact me should you wish to enquire about this.
I'm fully insured; this is essential for every photographer working with clients and providing a service. I have public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Gear generally is not the most important thing in photography, but for those other photographers among you who are curious, I’m a Canon user. I use the Canon 5D Mark IV, which I cannot recommend highly enough. I also use various Canon L lenses to ensure the highest quality, but my go to lens for what I specialise in is the superb Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM.
I also use many other bits of gear and equipment, some of these include Elinchrom studio lighting, modifiers and accessories, Manfrotto tripods and LEE filters. I use the latest versions of Capture One Pro and Photoshop to process and retouch my raw images.
Andrew - Photographer
Favourite colour:
Grey, love a bit of grey!
Happiest moment:
I would have to say finalising the purchase of our house, which I knew had so much potential for development. This is now our beautiful home with stunning views overlooking our home town. Also, completing the build of my photography studio and doing that first shoot.
Favourite thing:
Well, technically he’s not a thing, but I’d have to say our wee pedigree Shih Tzu Shelby. Full name Tommy Shelby, a blinder of the peaky kind!
Least favourite thing:
Aura migraines. A long journey but, after putting in the effort and making some incredible discoveries, I now live almost completely migraine free. This prompted me to write and publish a short book to hopefully help others - Migraine: Contributory Factor and the 7 Step Plan. What I have learned has truly changed my life.
Favourite movies:
Blade Runner (The final cut, of course!), Coming to America, The Out of Towners, Cast Away, Irma La Douce, Back to the Future, Rear Window, Dead Man.
Favourite TV shows:
Jonathan Creek, Columbo, Peaky Blinders, also being a big sitcom fan - Steptoe & Son, Only Fools, Red Dwarf, One Foot in the Grave, Fawlty Towers, Good Life, Likely Lads, Dad's Army, I could go on.
Favourite music:
Ryan Adams, Oasis, NGHFB, LG, Led Zeppelin, DMA's, John Mayer, B.R.M.C., Lene Marlin, Gorillaz, Belle & Sebastian, Jackson Browne, Kula Shaker, PJ Harvey, The Strokes, Richard Ashcroft, Stone Roses, Wolf Alice, The Smiths, to name a few.
Favourite place I've been:
Without a doubt Norway, particularly Bergen and when we sailed through the stunning fjords. The most idyllic surroundings I have ever been in.
Favourite food:
Shetland lamb
Favourite drink:
Would have to be a NutriBullet smoothie. I'm also rarely without my 2ltr Super Sparrow water bottle.
Something others may not know about me:
I’ve lived with tinnitus for a number of years - not fun, but life must go on.
Favourite quote:
“We are all self-made... but only the successful will admit it” - Earl Nightingale
Shelby - Quality control and chief feet warmer
Where is Shetland?
Shetland is the most northerly point of Scotland, UK. The Lonely Planet listed the Shetland Islands as one of the top 10 best regions in the world to visit by an authoritative survey, which described Shetland as the "last untamed corner of Britain".
This statement couldn't be more true. Shetland is fascinating and like no other place in the world. The group of over 100 islands (only 15 inhabited) are modern in their outlook, yet retain and are proud of their unique cultural and natural heritage, and rightly so. The people here are very welcoming, making it an extremely friendly place to live and visit. Tucked away in the far north of Scotland, Shetland is a real find for discovering unspoilt landscapes, home to puffins, seals, otters, whales, Shetland ponies and a variety of other wildlife.
The Islands' location, where the North Atlantic Ocean meets with the North Sea, means that, unsurprisingly, the weather can - and does - change at a moment’s notice. Don't be surprised to sometimes experience four seasons of weather in the same day!
You may have seen our islands in the gripping BBC crime drama TV series ‘Shetland’, which stars Douglas Henshall, and more recently Ashley Jensen, as detective inspectors working for the Shetland police.
There are many other attractions which draw people to Shetland. History enthusiasts visit to see our castles, brochs, caves, stacks and the impressive Shetland Museum for an all-round history lesson. Young people and families can enjoy our leisure centres, swimming pools, sandy beaches and a walk down the cobble-stoned main street through our local shops. You can also enjoy the state-of-the-art cinema and live music venue, Mareel.
For further information see shetland.org or, better still, pay us a visit!
DISCLAIMER
Some of the images seen in the portfolio were shot with the purpose of demonstrating my photography skills. Therefor there is not necessarily any link, or endorsement, with some of these manufacturers or brands.