I carefully considered my employment options prior to resigning from the Metropolitan Police. I evaluated my skills and assessed the possible avenues for making a livelihood. Fortunately, I was quite fortunate in that regard.
During my service in Covent Garden and Theatreland, I had the opportunity to engage with numerous talented individuals from the performing arts, including actors, musicians, fashion models, and other creative professionals. I readily imbibed on this cornucopia by utilising my passion for photgraphy.
I became a member of the esteemed Photographer’s Gallery in Covent Garden, as well as the distinguished Association of Fashion and Advertising Photographers (AFAP). Subsequently, the organisation expanded its scope to include editorial photographers and rebranded as the Association of Fashion & Advertising Photographers of Editorial Photographers (AFAEP). In 1993, the organisation officially changed its name to The Association of Photographers. (AOP). There are exceptional previews, exclusive members’ events, and special discounts. Additionally, I was proud to support their educational initiatives and initiatives aimed at nurturing emerging photographers.
This opportunity introduced me to highly skilled and inspiring professionals who fostered my enthusiasm for photography, ultimately supporting my development into a qualified practitioner. I invested in professional camera equipment, and several generous photographers kindly permitted me to assist them by contributing to studio and location shoots during my days off.
As a skilled photographer and distinguished member of the renowned Photographers’ Gallery, I benefit from highly regarded preview receptions held in conjunction with new exhibitions at the gallery, during which members have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of wines whilst engaging in insightful discussion about the photographs on display. It is customary to offer commendations recognising the photographer’s artistic talent.
It was during one of these functions that my life took a significant turn. I had been assisting an internationally renowned fashion photographer, and I had expressed to him that fashion photography was my chosen professional pursuit. He was impressed with my work featuring new, fresh-faced models and encouraged me to develop a comprehensive portfolio. He kindly introduced me to a prominent modelling agent who manages one of the leading Covent based Garden fashion modelling agencies globally.
I was grateful to my photgapher friend for this introduction that provided me with an excellent initial challenge. On my next day day off, I went to the offices of the modelling agent
The gallery previously hosted exclusive preview events for new exhibitions, during which members had the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or two while discussing the photographs on display. Attendees often expressed their admiration for the photographer’s artistic talent in a professional and appreciative manner.