My Journey of 50 Years
From the moment Tim received his first 'proper' camera at the age of seven, his passion for photography has been unwavering. Within a month, he began learning the art of film development, often retreating to his bedroom wardrobe at night to avoid any light exposure. This early fascination has led him on a lifelong journey of exploration within the medium.
Since then he has built a formidable reputation in commercial photography, working with agencies and brands around the world on both campaigns and editorial projects, whether in the studio or on location. His photography often carries a dramatic flair, as he continually seeks innovative ways to utilize light to accentuate the inherent beauty of his subjects. His expertise is well recognized in the industry, as is his talent for brewing a 'really decent' cup of tea during those lengthy studio sessions. Tim approaches his craft with a straightforward mindset, consistently challenging himself while maintaining a down-to-earth demeanor and a quirky sense of humor. With over a decade of experience in the commercial and advertising sectors, particularly with transport-related clients and agencies, he remains at the forefront of his field. He views photography as a deeply creative pursuit, allowing him to harness light and form to capture fleeting moments through the lens of his imagination.
Where Tim started, and what he does now.
Tim - “2025 marks 50 years that I have been looking through the lens of a camera and thinking 'I wonder what this will look like if I do this, or that, with the light'.
Photography has always fascinated me, the ability to share what your imagination sees with others in a single image. My passion, well for 50 years I have simply loved light, its complexity, simplicity and how differences in light can totally change how we see something.”
“I fell in love with photography as a young boy, spending my summer breaks from school learning how to process film on my own. At just 11 years old, I met a photographer who loaded cameras for planes patrolling the skies. We quickly became friends, and he struck a deal with me: if I taught him to print black and white photos better, he would supply me with unlimited bulk film. This was a game-changer for me. Before this, I had been saving every penny and doing odd jobs just to buy rolls of film. Now, all I needed to do was collect empty canisters from labs before they tossed them out.
I set up my own little operation to load 25 feet of Ilford HP5 film. Of course, I had to do this in secret, often hiding in my sister's wardrobe for hours with a sign on the door that read, "loading in progress, GO AWAY!" Armed with scissors, tape, and canisters, I would emerge looking like a startled mole, but it was worth it because I could shoot more. During those teenage years, while I was busy locking myself away, I developed a newfound interest in lighting and shooting, not just developing and printing. It seems most people start with a passion for taking photos and then learn to develop them, but for me, it was the opposite. I dove into the world of processing first, which shaped my unique journey in photography.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my early experiences have shaped my approach to photography even today. When I set up a scene and consider the lighting, I instinctively think about contrast and tone. I mentally calculate how much contrast each area requires and adjust the lighting accordingly. This way of thinking was ingrained in me during my formative years, and I feel fortunate that it has guided me throughout my photography career.
Those early lessons have profoundly influenced my creative process, and yes, there’s definitely a brain in there, working hard! During my childhood, I dedicated countless hours to both capturing images and nurturing my passion for printing and developing film. This hobby became a significant part of my upbringing, allowing me to witness the world unfold through my camera lens as I matured. Each click of the shutter was a new adventure, and I cherished the moments I could freeze in time. I still vividly recall the very first photograph I took. It was a view from a rooftop, capturing a dockyard framed by the rooftops and antennas of nearby houses. Unsure about the exposure, I decided to slightly overheat the development process. The resulting negative was quite thin and grainy, but I spent hours in the darkroom experimenting with different prints. That experience ignited a passion in me; I fell in love with the idea of capturing fleeting moments and preserving them forever.
Growing up, I often shot with Nikon cameras, and even now, they play a significant role in my commercial work alongside my Hasselblad medium format digital. Back in the day, my reliable Nikon F didn’t have a functioning light meter, which meant I had to estimate exposure quite a bit. This experience deepened my appreciation for how light changes affect not just exposure but also the overall contrast and tonality of an image. I quickly began experimenting with how to blend the natural light around me with the techniques I was learning during the film development process. It felt like there were endless possibilities, and that’s when I really started to grasp the power of light in creating the images I envisioned.
A well-known photo editor once shared two valuable pieces of advice: you’re only as good as your last shot, and if you think you’ve captured the perfect moment through the lens, you’ve likely missed it because the mirror is down. This wisdom stuck with me, emphasizing the importance of being aware of my surroundings and adapting to the unfolding scene. Knowing my camera inside and out became crucial, allowing me to adjust settings instinctively without losing focus on the moment at hand. Ultimately, mastering the relationship between light and photography has been a journey of discovery. Each experience has taught me to be more attuned to the nuances of light and how it shapes the images I create. By blending technical skills with an intuitive understanding of my environment, I’ve been able to capture moments that resonate with the vision I have in my mind.”
“Over the years, I've not only held onto every camera I've used but also sought out new ones that spark my creativity and intrigue me. Some of these cameras are ones I dreamed of using when I was younger, each with its own story and character. Take, for instance, an old, weathered Nikon F2 that once belonged to a war correspondent. The thought that this camera captured pivotal moments in history adds a layer of fascination for me. Restoring these pieces of equipment and bringing them back to life by shooting film through them feels like a privilege. For me, photography is more about the journey than reaching a final destination.
My love for film photography will last a lifetime, along with my admiration for iconic cameras that connect our reality with the images we create. I've always believed that the magic happens when you're out there shooting, and this perspective shapes how I see my life, my future, and the world around me. This ongoing relationship with photography allows me to express my unique viewpoint through the lens. Each click of the shutter is a chance to capture a moment, a story, or an emotion, and I cherish the opportunity to share that with others. Whether it's a well-worn camera or a new find, every piece has the potential to tell a story, and I'm excited to continue this adventure.”
My work today as a Commercial Photographer
Some of the professional work that Tim produces for his commercial clients today.
AmbientLife has experienced impressive growth in acquiring new clients, which we attribute to the high quality of our work. Most of our projects come from referrals and our strong reputation, both of which we value greatly. We are fortunate to collaborate with incredible individuals in the advertising sector and have participated in remarkable projects over the past few years. It’s always exciting to challenge creative limits, explore fresh perspectives, and approach each project with a new mindset. This openness allows us to step away from the conventional and craft memorable experiences for our clients and their customers. Being actively engaged in the creative process is where the magic truly happens.
