I have always had a wide ranging interest in all things associated with art.

In my late teens I studied photography as part of a larger media course in London. In those days digital cameras did not exist, so to view your work one needed to spend hours in a dark room experimenting with technique. Not to mention the cost. As the years passed by I continued to evolve my photographic and design skills.

The introduction of digital cameras and digital editing revolutionised mine, and probably your attitude, to photography.  I now get as much enjoyment out of ‘processing’ my images in Photoshop as I do taking them. Some of my favourite images are ones that have been heavily edited in Photoshop and bare no relation to the original. Now with platforms like Flickr we can share our work and at the same time get inspiration from others.

Most of the time my photography is the result of doing another activity such as exploring the countryside, National Trust properties or a city. my interests are very varied and I will photograph anything!  Although I do plan to begin to  ‘do projects’ covering a selected subject matter.

More recently I have evolved an more serious interest in Birds and have even joined the RSPB. Any images of birds and wildlife posted here are more of a record of seeing that bird or animal rather than suggesting there is a special quality to the image.

As you may see from these few images spanning my life (so far) I have always liked an active life I have played Rugby to a good level (East Midlands), Played! Judo for many years, been involved in white water canoeing and competition, and now walking and mountain walking.  Whilst in London did some DJ ing on a regular basis.

When I was in my early teens a young artist lived next door. Valerie Archer inspired me to be interested in art and develop my skills. Valerie is now very well known and creates (in  my opinion) incredible works.

Pears and Pansies

Val Archer

Val’s website is  – here.

One of my drawings – Gustav Mahler

In the late nineties I gained a BSc in Educational psychology and economics with the Open University. 

As professions go I am a qualified engineer ( but never actually worked as one. I would have been rubbish and hated it.) I was a Media Resources Officer in London’s ILEA and became head of a team called the ESNS Consortium, We were a team of 7 who supported the ESNs schools in London. primarily we designed and produced specific teaching materials which we sold to ILEA and other UK schools. We provided In service Training to teaching staff.

For 27 years I co-managed my own business  with my wife. The business eventually evolved into an aromatherapy company, we designed and manufactured our own products and sold these locally nationally and globally.  After that I did some teaching in Northampton College and Weston Favell Academy.

Across nearly all of these years I have worked with and for my good friends business Buddies, a chain of American Style diners. I would help with design, layout, music, video, computing and logistics. In fact I designed the original logo in my lunch hour whilst working in London.

I now build websites and do a little product photography.

I am now a member of the National Trust, The RSPB and BCN Wildlife Trust. Spend most of my time out with my camera, editing the images and reading/thinking about philosophy amongst other interests

Any images on this site can be bought. Contact me to discuss. paulcrotty52@gmail.com.

Please do not use my images without my permission under any circumstances.

2013 Holkam Beach Norfolk.

Half way through a walk from Wells Next to Sea to Burnham Overy Staithe. 

There is not enough time in a day.

These are the things I actively do throughout the days , weeks and years.

Retirement!

Walking
Hill Walking
Photography
Collecting
Foraging
Flight Simulation
Mixing Music
Gaming
Drawing
Model Building
Aircraft
Reading/ Studying

Oh! and a little bit of work building websites and product photography.

Here is a bit of fun!

Some of the music I have listened to and enjoyed.  More lately I am enjoying Jazz and Classical but, still love the old stuff.

1950’s

The Deadwood Stage – Doris Day
1st bought record – 78″

1960’s

Dragonfly – Fleetwood Mac

White Rabbit – Jefferson Airplane

The Ghost Song – The Doors

Tin Man – America

All Along The Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix

Sweet Jane – Velvet Underground

1970’s

Rainmaker – Michael Chapman

Get it on – T. Rex

Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie

Since I’ve Been Loving You – Led Zepplin

Us and Them – Pink Floyd

Summer Wind – Frank Sinatra

1980’s

Purple Rain – Prince

Violaine – Cocteau Twins

Loose Fit – Happy Mondays

Born Slippy – Underworld

Dark and Long – Underworld

1990’s

Insomnia – Faithless

Edith And The Kingpin –
Herbie Hancock Feat. Tina Turner

2000’s

Wish You Were Here – Incubus

Fauré: Requiem, Op. 48 – In Paradisum

A Time to Dance: XIX. The Evening Star –
Matthew Venner, Ex Cathedra & Jeffrey Skidmore

Regular Listening