Biography/About

Welcome to my website.

Born in 1978, I am an exhibited/published documentary photographer, independent filmmaker, film historian and freelance film critic, and lecturer from South Humberside.

PhD (Ongoing), University of Hull;

MA Contemporary Literature and Film (Distinction), University of Hull, 2001;

BA(Hons) English & Social Science (2:1), University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, 1999;

PGCE (PCET), University of Lancaster, 2002

Writing: I am a published film historian and critic, having published articles about Italian filmmaker Fernando di Leo and British screenwriter Trevor Preston, and I have also written film and DVD/Blu-ray reviews for various publications, both in print and online. I regularly write DVD/Blu-ray reviews for Rewind/DVDCompare and have worked in this capacity since 2006. In addition, I have worked with independent DVD/Blu-ray releasing companies in an advisory/research capacity. (Some recent samples of my writing for online publications can be found at my Contently portfolio.)

I am the founder and co-host of the film-related podcast Kill it with Fire: Cult Movies and Cult-ure, which is available on Podbean, Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and iHeart Radio.

Since 2017, I have been the film correspondent for regional arts-themed television programme Billboard (on Estuary TV: website) and have curated the film review section of the programme, presenting more detailed reviews for broadcast on the programme’s online platforms (for example, its Youtube channel).

Photography: As a photographer, my interests are in documenting local issues and matters DSCF5144arelating to community and identity. I am a strong believer in ‘outsider art’, folk art and collective endeavours, and I believe that where possible, art should be pursued to the benefit of a community.

In 2018-19, I acted as Photographer in Residence for Nunny’s Farm in Grimsby and have worked with a number of other community groups in the area. I am currently involved in photographing events for Oasis Community Hub, South Grimsby.

In my photography work, I utilise both analogue and digital technology. My aim is to use the medium of photography to document and explore the world around me. Hailing from the North of England, I’m particularly interested in depictions of life in that part of the world, although I have several other projects to which I am committed.

Although primarily a documentary photographer, I have experience as a unit stills photographer/onset stills photographer on independent films, and find this aspect of photography thrilling as it combines my passion for photography with my longstanding love of cinema. I have compiled some of my unit stills photography into the ongoing project #IndieFilmPhoto, published on my website and in book form.

I am happy to accept commissions and client-based work. I have experience shooting weddings and working with local businesses. Clients have included Louth Museum.

Filmmaking: I have experience working as an on-set stills photographer on short films with independent production companies, and I am also an independent film director myself. My most recent short films, ‘Silent Hero’ (which I directed) and ‘The Imposter’ (which I directed and also co-wrote), were made for independent film production company Grimnir Pictures.

Education: I have worked as a lecturer in Higher Education since 2001 and have written and co-written numerous degree-level programmes at both undergraduate and graduate level. I have been a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy since 2013.

Since 2003, I have been a lecturer on a BA(Hons) in Professional Writing and a BA(Hons) in Commercial Photography, taking responsibilty for writing and delivering modules on both programmes. In 2007, I wrote an MA in Critical Approaches to International Media. I have been a course convenor/programme leader for a BA(Hons) in English Studies and a BA(Hons) in Commercial Photography. In 2017, I wrote a new FdA in Photography (and an ensuant ‘top-up’ programme offering a BA(Hons) in Photography), and I am currently the course convenor/programme leader for that course. I am exceptionally proud of the fact that for four years running, I have received the Research Award, nominated by our students, at the annual Student-Led Teaching Awards at the institution where I teach.

I was born in 1978 and have a BA(Hons) in English/Social Science and a Masters degree (with distinction) in Contemporary Literature and Film, writing my thesis on Sam Peckinpah’s 1972 film Straw Dogs. I also began my PhD in American Studies and Film Studies in 2003, focusing on the American films of Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven, though have had to suspend completion of my thesis owing to work and family commitments. (Nevertheless, I hope to complete my PhD within the next year or two.)

Please get in touch via email if you have a photography or film-related project you would like to pursue with me, or if you have a query about my work.