STARTING OUT, NOW, THE FUTURE

I first picked up an old camera at school after passing my
art O-level early in what was then the fourth year - the fifth
year being the year you took your final exams and left for
the big bad world.

Because I had passed my exam a year early and wasn't
going on to do my A-levels, I generally just messed around
in art lessons - much to the annoyance of art teacher
Graham Strutt. So he lent me the school camera and I
photographed things around the school, including the
school sports days.

From that moment on I was hooked, and knew what I
wanted to do with my life. My father, an engineer, was
pushing me towards a career in engineering. Thankfully,
he could also see my interest in photography and bought
me my first camera - a Practica MTL5.

Even though engineering didn't interest me I applied for
apprenticeships - but fortunately I didn't get offered any.

I also wrote to a photographic shop in Stroud who
fortunately took me on helping in the shop and assisting
the grumpy old wedding and portrait photographer.
I learnt a lot there, so when the local newspaper ran an
advertisement for a vacancy for a black and white
photographic printer, I applied.

I got the job and spent a month printing the paper's
photographic re-orders, until one day a photographer
went off sick and I was sent out to help. My first
published picture was a football pitch that couldn't
be played on because it was water logged. I was so
nervous and photographed that pitch from every
conceivable angle. The picture was published, and at 18
years of age I had started my press photography career.

Twenty years later and looking back, I cannot believe how
much of life I have seen. I have photographed world leaders
and royalty, movie stars and normal people, life and death,
the good and the evil. I have encountered and photographed
every emotion - from sadness to sheer pleasure.
I have been threatened and chased - the list goes on and on.

When I first picked up that camera at school I did not realise
what a rollercoaster of a ride I was about to get on.

I even met my wife with my camera in my hand. I am still
happily married to both my wife Rebecca and my camera,
and they both treat me well. I just hope that both marriages
continue and the next 20 years are as good to me
as the last.

The future... who knows? But if you're reading this and would
like to fund me to sit in the Masai Mara photographing wildlife
(my dream job), or to travel the world as a travel photographer,
feel free to get in touch.

I would also love to be a set photographer on a big movie
production starring the likes of Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood
or Harrison Ford. Again, if there is anybody out there who
can oblige, give me a call.
.
Rebecca, by the way, has her own successfull PR company.
Check it out at www.eventageous.co.uk

E-mail me at paul@paulnichollsphotography.co.uk

Hope you enjoyed looking at my photographs.

Paul Nicholls