In the past I spent a lot of time working in Asia and the Middle East, then later in Northern Europe. I am mainly UK based now but still work away from home often. Photography is my absolute passion and I would love to meet someone who is interested in the same. Also, someone who is not camera shy would be great as I have a home studio and would love to take more portraits. Everyone is beautiful. I recently bought an old enlarger and have set up a darkroom. I mainly shoot digital, but I also like using old film cameras. The process of producing a photograph by shining light through a negative feels somehow more real than using a memory card and a laptop.

Outside of photography I am slowly trying to re-learn the piano. When I was young my mum was a piano teacher, which was both a blessing and a curse. I stopped when I left home and since then dabbled a bit on the guitar and drums, unsuccessfully. 24-years later I’m trying again. Without the pressure of a pushy mum standing over my shoulder it is actually a lot more enjoyable this time around (sorry mum). My other main interest is movies and all things movie related. I love going to the cinema and will watch pretty-much any kind of film. I’m not a movie snob by any means. People who only watch high-brow films tend to bore the crap out of me. If you want to heighten your intellectual status then read a book, but don’t try to devalue a popcorn flick just to make yourself look clever [/end rant].

I am not a big sports fan, though I do like F1 and other motor sports. I go karting whenever I get the chance and have taken part in a few endurance races. I have never been an outdoor type but that has changed recently as I have started walking to get fit. I must be slowing down in my old age as I now find walks in the countryside to be relaxing, rather than boring.

I have a lot of other interests but rarely get time to explore them. The following list does not imply much knowledge of these topics, but rather that they appeal to my sense of curiosity. Things such as: Japanese art both modern and ancient (Japan in general actually, though I never managed to visit there in all my time in Asia), Psychology and Philosophy, Watches (old wind up ones), Architecture and Fashion (mainly from a photography point of view, I am not in any way fashionable), Vintage Cars, Contemporary Dance (watching not doing), Tropical Fish, Sacred Harp Singing.

As a person I’d say that I’m easy going and supportive. I like to see people enjoying their lives through their passions and interests. I’m not a big fan of television, though I will watch drama series if they’re very good. If you’re the kind of person who sits down in front of the TV after work and stays there until bedtime, then we probably won’t get on. This is an important point as I find that the behaviour of my partners in the past does rub off on me. I would rather date someone who inspires me to get on with life, rather than someone who tempts me to veg-out. My internet life consists mainly of flickr and IMDB. If these two sites closed then I’d probably have no need for the worldwide web, except for okcupid of course.

I am quite a kind person and I try not to judge people. I know that I don’t always achieve this but as a goal I think it has helped me to live a happier life. One contradiction to this is that I chose my close friends carefully. In social situations I can get along with just about anyone and will make an effort to help people feel included. In my personal life though I need people who are open minded, supportive and who know who they are (or at least recognise the journey).

I have been working in the renewable energy industry for almost 10-years now. I would not say that I am saving the world, but it is less damaging than selling diesel engine power stations which is want I used to do. I moved to Manchester in ’89 for University and it has been my home ever since.

People and situations. I am a good mediator and I like to understand and get to know people. I am also good at conversation. I like to be open (with the right people) and I like it when people respond in kind.

I am not good at snowboarding.

I wish I knew. If I asked my friends I can't imagine getting an honest answer.

I love movies of all shapes and sizes. I started to make a list of my favourites but it went on and on and on and... well, the list was so varied that it wouldn’t have told you anything about me. My absolute all time favourite film is Synecdoche New York. If you understand this movie then you understand me (kind of).

Music, music, music... I like pretty much everything except modern pop/rock/indie, which makes me cry with its banal narcissism and consumerist message (the kids are not alright). I guess I’m a Metal fan at heart, but I also like tonnes of stuff which falls outside of that bracket. My favourite albums are mostly from back-in-the-day, when hormone fuelled emotions burned the tracks into my brain.

Books. I don’t read nearly as much as I used to. Favourite authors include: JG Ballard, Hunter S. Thompson; Kurt Vonnegut, Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury, Martin Amis, Stephen King, William Burroughs, Anais Nin, Octave Mirbeau, HP Lovecraft. Just typing those names makes me want to read more.

Shows. I mistakenly thought that shows meant theatre. Now that I realise it means TV shows I don’t have much to say. PS: if shows had meant theatre I still would not have much to say.

Food. Eating out is one of my favourite pastimes with friends. I enjoy pretty much anything that is well made, but Asian cuisine is probably my favourite. I never really cook for myself but would welcome the motivation to cook for two.

Although I have a lot of stuff I could live without most of it. I don't really covert things, but I also don't want to write a soppy list about family and friends, etc. I guess I have a couple of cameras that I would be sad to see go and maybe a couple of old watches, but ultimately Life isn’t about stuff.

Is now the right time to chuck in the day-job and try to make it as a photographer?

Less seriously...

How does Jo Whiley get away with it?

What is the fine balance of coffee and decaf tea which will keep me awake during the day and allow me to sleep at night.

Why do so many sports stars and celebrities start their answers by saying “Yeah, no…”?

Is it just me that is too cynical to be affected by advertising? I really hope not.

Doing something with friends.

I am a very open person, but not publicly.

If you know who you are and want to know who I am.