I first became interested in photography when I was about 11, although looking back, I think it was already written in the stars. My father was a professional photographer, and mum helped him run his photography business over the years, so I was exposed to the beautiful art of seeing the world through a lens from day one.

They never forced it on me, and when I showed an interest, they gently encouraged me - well, becoming an archaeologist like Indian Jones was probably not very realistic.

And from the very first moment I started taking photographs, I wanted just one thing, to tell stories with my images. It was and still is all about the story! And my dad's advice on how to get better, always carry a camera with you and don't stop taking photographs as you have to train your eye to see. How right he was, and as I write this on the day of my 47th Birthday, I think of all the adventures I've been on, people I've met and photographs I've taken. When will it all end? Who knows, all I can say is until that day comes, I'll be taking photos every day, learning my craft and training my eye to see the world as I have many more stories to share.