Chris Abbott

Chris Abbott has enjoyed photography for some 25 years now. Over the last ten of those it has developed into a passion that fills time between the demands of a career, and a family life.

He thanks his father for getting him started. A keen photographer himself he supplied a steady stream of cameras and inspirational photographic books, magazines and lots of encouragement.

A little later on there was more encouragement from Chris's wife whose gift of a night school course proved to be the perfect birthday present. Studying at Bridgwater College Chris picked up the darkroom skills that he now describes as invaluable. His portfolio for the first City & Guilds unit won a distinction and he hasn't looked back since.

With a balanced understanding of the arguments for silver halide chemistry over sensors and computers, it has been the practicalities of the digital world that have won the day. Chris believes that the end result is much more important than the technique or equipment used. Believing it is important not to get distracted by the unnecessary bells and whistles, his post camera work does not stray far from duplicating the effects practiced in the dark room.

Chris's career and the passion for photography are closely intertwined. His first degree is in Biology from Durham University where his final dissertation involved a great deal of photo microscopy. His second degree in water management from London University launched a career in environmental work. His love for water and the environment is apparent in much of his work.

In the early years he could be opportunistic with his landscape photography whilst working outdoors, and at all hours. More recently the shoots are more carefully planned. This has forced greater care in selecting subjects and how best to approach them. With a philosophy that the more effort and practice you put in the better you're going to get, Chris is very keen to keep on learning. He puts his success down to paying careful attention to learning from his own mistakes and from the experiences of others.

His work also extends into portraiture and commissions that include outdoor interpretation boards and even a photo shoot of a very athletic tortoise. But Chris is clearly drawn to black and white landscape photography. Chris invites his audience to recognise familiar scenes reframed to make a second look irresistible.