Ian’s writing and photography was born from the urge to travel to exotic countries. A four-month journey around Mexico in 1997 filled him with the desire to capture the wonderful life and scenery that had filled his eyes and fuelled his imagination. Unfortunately back then all he had was a very old compact camera with a severely scratched lens, so the images taken were questionable to say the least. But through the foggy, blurred surface he saw the potential in what was there and, upon return, decided to invest in his first SLR and start to learn how to take better photos.

From humble beginnings with a second hand Olympus OM10 he learned his art the hard way, without the aid of today’s modern digital cameras. As the years progressed he travelled around the world taking photos and writing about his experiences. Having travelled extensively through Australia, Mexico, North America, Europe, South America, Cuba and New Zealand, Ian has amassed a huge library of images and while specialising in travel, he also shoots editorial, sports, landscapes, wildlife and people. As a writer he is also in the position to supply articles alongside his photography.

Ian now shoots mostly digital with a Canon EOS 5D and 300D, but also clings on to the last vestiges of film with a Canon 300.

It’s Ian’s hope that in the senility of his twilight years when he is shrivelled and grey, sitting in a rocking chair with his pipe, slippers and incontinence pants he will be able to look at all his books and photographs and think: “blimey! Did I really do all that?”

To read Ian’s travel articles and books visit his website: http://www.ian-middleton.co.uk/travelwriting/