His novels have been published by Penguin, Gollancz and other major publishers and one of his novels has been touted as a possible movie by the makers of the Bridget Jones films.

Why did you take up photography?

I've been interested in photography since childhood, when I saved up my pocket money until I could afford a Kodak camera offer on the back of a Weetabix packet. I've dabbled on and off since then, before taking it up more seriously again a couple of years ago. Since then, I've had work published in national magazines and was runner-up in one of the categories in last year's Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition.

A storm moving in over the windfarm, at Holland-on-Sea

Why do you love taking pictures?

I take photographs because I love the great outdoors and want to capture the sense of wonder of the things I see. It's all about capturing the magic of a moment that takes me back to something I've experienced or seen.

Where is your favourite place locally to take pictures? How about further afield?

Cockayne's Wood nature reserve, between Wivenhoe and Alresford, is my favourite local location, combining ancient woodland with heathland and open water. It's fabulous for natural history, of course, but also great for landscapes and starscapes when the conditions are right. Further afield, my favourite place is the Forêt d'Andaine in Normandy, where - when global pandemics allow - we regularly stay with friends who live there.

The Milky Way over the North Sea

What equipment do you use?

I have a Nikon D5600 with lenses ranging from ultra-wide angle to telephoto. My favourite lens to use is the 105mm macro I bought during the first lockdown last year. Seeing tiny things so close opens up an entirely new world, which was perfect when we couldn't travel.

Posts in the North Sea

What is your favourite picture you've ever taken?

The photo that comes to mind is long-lost, taken when I was 17. Sitting on the top of a Yorkshire cliff, I captured the moment in pin-sharp detail when a fulmar flew up on a thermal and just hung in the air in front of me. Its wings and tail spread in perfect symmetry as it looked back over its shoulder towards me. I wish I still had those old slides.

A starling murmuration, in Wivenhoe

Why did you join our Camera Club?

I joined the Camera Club to connect with like-minded people working in my local area - for inspiration, but also for reassurance that I'm not alone in getting up at some antisocial hour just because the forecast suggests the sunrise might be good today!

If you could photograph anyone or any place in the world, who/what would it be?

I don't have any particular bucket list of subjects or locations for my photography, although I have a definite preference for wilderness and wild places over urban locations. As long as I can get out and explore, I'm happy wherever I am and I'm looking forward to being able to travel a bit more in the not-too-distant future.

A common blue butterfly, in Cockayne's Wood, Alresford

Anything else you think we should know about you?

One of my most recently published short stories featured Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson on a trip to Frinton. My next published story will be about Amy Winehouse's last-ever concert in Belgrade.

What advice would you give anyone who wants to get into photography?

Don't feel you need the fanciest equipment. The best camera is the one you have with you, even if it's only your phone. Just take pictures and see what works, then see if you can take better pictures next time.

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