Edinburgh Photographer's

Biography

John Gilchrist

My Memoirs - Life Story - Life History

A journal about me a short story of my life, as well as photography, find out more about my interests and activities. My Interest is Photography, all things photographic or anything to do with me being a photographer. I really enjoy learning about photography; it’s allowed me to blend my technical side with an interest in art. This challenge provides the ability to use creativity to break the rules, yet use the technical rules to attain the artistic effects I desire, even if the rules are not used to accomplish the effects they were set to achieve. ...There is a beautiful angle to everything...

I always try to look for the positive in a place, regardless of where it is. Photography is a sideline that I feel has developed my interest in a wider variety of topics, therefore creating a more complete individual of myself

My biography, about my humble photography beginnings:

When my wife gave birth to our third child I was busy photographing our newly born addition, my furious activity attracted the attention of our nurse. "Is this your first baby" - she asked compassionately. "No" was the answer, "my third, but it is my first camera..."

...and so it began.

I love photographing people and places, mostly people though.  I really just do this for fun. I can't imagine doing this for a living. I don't consider myself a professional photographer, but I try to conduct myself in a professional manner. I'm just looking to enjoy myself, doing what I love. I have plenty of determination, getting the job done is important to me so I will do what I can to meet demands. The most important return for me is the pleasure of creating a good image. Being a non professional photographer sits comfortably with me, ability is only one part; effort, dedication, commitment and single-mindedness are a far more important differentiator between an amateur and a pro. The traditional definitions and dividing lines between amateur, professional, expert, leader, etc. are being more blurred by the day and that’s a good thing, in my mind. Many amateurs take excellent photographs. Amateur does not always equate to inexperience.

Photographers this, photographers that, Going off on a tangent a bit! lets get away from photography and put all things photographic aside for a minute and change the subject, I don’t want to get caught dragging on about photography for too long, so besides photographs lets introduce something else. Music: AC/DC - Stereophonics. A keen music appreciator I enjoy my Kerrang!! on the MTV channel, (if it’s too loud, you’re too old!!), I can’t carry a tune and have never had much rhythm, so I just sit self consciously and listen. My kids on the other hand feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words and if they don’t know them, they make up their own. It’s priceless!

My off camera activities: when I’m not doing photography my full time occupation is not that of a photographer, you will find me driving up and down on the runway at Edinburgh Airport, an Airside Operations Officer, responsible for aircraft stand management with the provision of aircraft marshalling assistance... (yes, the guys with ping-pong bats) My role also entails the monitoring of all movement area interests ensuring operators apply a safe working practice in their business on the airside area.

Some personal bits I’m married; I’m not really into pets, unlike my sister. For me my wife & three kids are more than enough thank you, love them all to bits and at times it’s like having a bowling alley installed in my head. There is never a dull moment our kids really brighten up our household, they never turn the lights off and I never underestimate their ability to get into more trouble. As most parents would say, the birth of our kids was a life changing experience. I found this put a new perspective on life; it shows you just what is important. Not surprisingly, I have hundreds of photographs of my kids, and to me they are priceless. Perhaps that’s why I find it so rewarding to capture images of cherished moments for other people. I was once told that children can seriously drain your financial resources and affect your state of mind, but hey ho, so it goes. Our kids make our mundane life all worthwhile, they give us reason, they give us rhyme, fun and laughter all the time!

Part time photographer, my time to relax

Being a working parent can make finding time to unwind challenging, but important. I speak from experience working full time and being a father of three. Photography is my way to relax, a time to take my mind to a different place. I find my relaxation periods when and where I can; I use my hobby to escape for a while.

I suppose the great thing about photography is that the subject can be open. I could get lost in creating a fantasy piece or photograph a subject I have no knowledge on. Everywhere I look there can be something to photograph. It could be someone I have seen, a great place I have been to, something I have tried and tested. Photography is my longest running hobby. I find it gives me a chance to be creative and helps me to remember who I am and not just the guy who brings home the bread.

...and Finally

So there it is, I don’t know if I’ve said too much or haven’t said enough but hopefully the above summary will "put you In the picture" so to speak and this way I'm not a complete stranger to you. This is my personal website. I do it all by myself. I’m just one guy with a computer who likes to take pictures. At times, I have the playful, undeveloped but creative, trouble-making mind of a seven-year-old, so read accordingly. This site is purely my personal speech and opinion, and a way for me to fool around. Capture the important moment. Edinburgh Photographers,John Gilchrist photographer in UK service for Edinburgh and Lothian’s t.07718906614.......