It all started for me a very long time ago with a box “Brownie” and a fascination which has never waned over many years. For those who were born after 1960 a box “Brownie” is a very old type of film camera which had two aspects. Portrait or Landscape, depending on which way the camera was held. There was one non-interchangeable lens which was buried in the camera body and one lever to expose the film. And a wing nut to wind the film on from one frame to the next between shots. Once the film was fully exposed, and ONLY when it had been fully exposed which could have been weeks later, if you didn’t have your own darkroom it meant a trip to the chemists and a 7 day wait for developing.
About Steve
I was born, and now live and work, in the Yorkshire Dales. My photographic work is chiefly within the North of England although I can, and do, travel throughout the United Kingdom. I am particularly passionate about what North Yorkshire has to offer, especially the Yorkshire Dales, Moors and Coast. I am primarily a landscape photographer but also enjoy working in any photographic genre be that indoors or outdoors. Above all I try to make images which create emotions in those who view them.
In 2010, I left behind the world of financial services and embarked on a venture which has taken me on a journey of discovery. The journey has been about utilising all the things we learn through our lives and bringing them together to produce something enjoyable and meaningful. From 2008 I acquired business skills through a number of avenues, in particular the now defunct Business Link organisation. A great debt of gratitude is owed to those who imparted their skills and knowledge especially Guy Foster to whom I will be eternally grateful. With his tuition and encouragement I took the first steps in setting up Steve Davison Photography.
Throughout this time I was busy photographing everything I could to improve my images, studying the work of practising photographers and picking up tips wherever I could. By 2011 I decided that I could benefit from “going back to school” and enrolled on a 3 year Foundation Degree course through Bradford University. This has without doubt been a tremendous help to me, bringing together the artistic side of photography with the technical and business skills required in today’s marketplace. Again I owe much to the tutorage of Paul Duxbury and Bill Lambert who encouraged me to experiment and drove me to learn whilst at Craven College in Skipton.
How things have changed and although I started with films, dark rooms and the smell of chemicals, I am now very firmly “all digital” with an ever growing collection of equipment. The techniques though are largely unchanged, particularly the art of shot composition.
The word “photography” comes from the Greek, meaning to draw or paint with light. Natural light is constantly changing which makes its effects so interesting. I am enthralled by how light affects everything around me which is why I try to “Follow the Light” in all seasons.
Nowadays I use landscape photography to practice my artistic abilities and as a means of getting into the countryside and trying to keep fit. To this I have added other photographic genre such as portraiture, product and advertising which allows me to work with people helping them promote their own individual businesses products or services. I also make my work available to Editors and Publishers to illustrate books, journals and websites. My main love though, still lies with the Yorkshire countryside and the views, nature and wildlife it contains. I believe strongly in conserving all plant and wildlife and preserving local traditions and customs. After all, I don’t just see it through a camera lens; I choose to live in it.
Somebody once sent me a card when I started, which I have kept to this day. It has a poem in it, the title of which is “Don’t ever give up”. Sound advice and advice I have stuck to. There have been times I wondered if I was on the right track but the enjoyment of photographing the environment in which I am privileged to live is what drives me forward. I hope my business continues to grow and that I am able to continue sharing my work with others.”
Living in the southern Yorkshire Dale of Airedale with my rescue Border collie “Meg” who has been my faithful companion for 12 years; I also have an obsession for baking cakes, ably assisted by my grandson Sam. Whilst out shooting images it is a must to find a tearoom to sample cakes to keep the sugar levels up whilst rambling the countryside.
My landscape and Coastal photos from Yorkshire and other areas of Northern England are available to license through Alamy and Shutterstock . Many of the images on this website and in other places are available as Prints, Canvasses and innovative merchandise, ideal as gifts, and can be bought through Pixels.com. If you don’t see what you want just ask, and I could maybe make it happen for you.
If you would like to contact me to discuss private or company photographic commissions please drop me an email to enquiries@stevedavisonphotography.co.uk.
