My Journey

This website presents a small collection of my photography, taken in the UK and during my travels abroad.

Photography has been a constant companion in my life for as long as I can remember. What began as a simple curiosity developed into a lifelong passion - one that continues to challenge, reward and inspire me. I describe myself as an amateur photographer not through lack of ambition, but by choice, driven by curiosity, creative freedom and a love of the craft rather than commercial constraint.

My work spans a wide range of photographic genres, shaped by decades of exploration learning and a desire to push creative boundaries. Over this journey my photography has received recognition both nationally and internationally. I have been a finalist in major competitions, including BBC Wildlife Photographer Of The Year and the Dubai based HIPA awards and I have held my own public exhibitions.

On Assignment

Over the years, curiosity has occasionally led me into unexpected situations. I’ve been mistaken for paparazzi on a camera club trip to Eluthera in the Bahamas, when Prince Charles and Lady Diana were holidaying there - resulting in our small aircraft being surrounded by police on landing. I’ve been detained in the Saudi desert for photographing what turned out to be a rusty government pipeline, closely monitored by hotel security in Abu Dhabi after photographing a beach with a power station on the horizon and buzzed by a Belgian police helicopter while photographing an international car rally. In quieter moments I’ve been startled by an alligator in an American swamp, charged by a rogue elephant in Namibia and roared at by two male lions at night just outside my tent in Kenya - reminders that patience, awareness and respect matters as much as the camera itself.

One of the more interesting projects I was involved in was being appointed photographer for the epic charity marathon walks led by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling. On these challenges Jeff walked marathon distance stages each day between football stadiums across the UK to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer charity UK. I documented part of the journey alongside a wide range of political figures, football personalities and fellow supporters, capturing the spirit of endurance, community and charity that underpinned the event.

Behind The Lens

My work has appeared in a number of photographic magazines, including publications associated with the Royal Photographic Society (RPS). Along the way I have also been fortunate to receive limited sponsorship from Epson, Panasonic Lumix, Nisi filters and Saal digital.

Alongside creating images, I have been actively involved in the UK photographic community as a presenter and judge. My judging experience also extends to include some experience at an International and Commercial level. I was invited by Lumix Panasonic to jointly judge a National competition with the editor of Amateur Photographer magazine and staged by Jessops.

I hold an Associate distinction with the RPS and accreditation with the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain - organisations that have championed excellence and learning within photography. I was also appointed to the Advisory Board of the RPS.

Supporting and encouraging others, particularly within camera clubs, is central to my approach. Sharing experience, offering constructive critique and helping fellow photographers develop their own vision is as rewarding to me as making photographs myself.

Cameras and lenses have evolved dramatically over the years, but they remain simple tools. It is the person behind the lens who creates the photograph, and that belief continues to shape my work.

Mike Cullis ARPS, DPAGB