I have always had an interest in photography since owning my first camera, a Russian Zenith E, way back in the 70s. I also have a passion for the outdoors and am never happier than when I am in the mountains and hills with a camera. I always took my camera with me but never really took photography seriously until I bought a digital camera over two years ago. In Dec 2005 I lost my wonderful wife after a long illness and I turned to photography for solace. Now a single father with 5 children and a full time job, I had little time to get away to the mountains that I love. Fortunately, I live a few minutes drive from Cannock Chase, the smallest AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in the British Isles, 24 square miles of woodland and hills. An oasis in the industrial midlands, it is an escape that I frequent often, spending many hours walking, thinking and of course taking photographs.It is a never ending source of inspiration to me and no two days are ever the same on the Chase with the rapidly changing British weather, lighting and forestry operations. I am fascinated by the interplay of light, angle, and ever changing weather conditions on the landscape. That's what I am tring to capture on camera. Being a keen walker, I am a part of the landscape I'm walking in. I don't see myself as an outsider looking in as if on a postcard or through a car window. I want viewers to experience the landscape and feel a part of it as I do walking in it. That's why I often include a path leading into the scene to try and convey that sense of being there walking along that path. I hope I succeed on occasions. I appreciate the constructive criticism I receive here on Renderosity. It's the best way to improve and I'd much rather be given suggestions to improve a photograph than just compliments. I also get a lot of inspiration from some of the amazing pictures posted here by so many talented artists.