About Me
I’m Kester I’ve been described as a bit of a Ninga photographer always trying to capture things from a different perspective. This is my story, my life and what makes me the photographer I am.

About Me the Photographer

Me and my cats
I’m a 40 something amateur photographer from Hampshire, my main employment is as a woodland manager covering a wide range of jobs and products some of which may well turn up in my photography.
I also carry out the product image and videography for my company so get to enjoy the best of both worlds mostly. So why Cat Paw Images? I’m a cat dad and have always used the cat paw as a sort of logo in things I do, so it made sence to use it as my photography logo and name.
Outside of my work and photography I’m Husband and Carer to Emily (Mrs Catpaw) who also has a love of photography and cats

My influences

My main influence was my late Grandfather, who was like me talented amateur he had an ability to see images that no one else saw as well as getting into places he Probably shouldn’t have.

Way back in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s the Isle of white had an extensive railway network, it was this network that my late Grandpa documented, in those days you could apply for a track pass which allowed you onto the line side to take photographs.

Being well known to the train crews, signal men, station staff and permanent way staff (track workers) Grandpa managed to gain access to some very strange places including the foot plate and signal stands across the island. I hope to digitise much of my late Grandfathers work so watch this space.

My other influences are the many talented photographers that I see on social media many of which I am lucky enough to call friends.

Some are amazing wildlife photgraphers others urban explores all amazingly talented.

 
 

My photography journey

I’ve been taking photographs for over 30 years, my experience in the dark room helps me with both my photography and post production skills.

My photography Journey started in the 1990’s with my first camera which was a fixed lens snap camera. Of course in those days it was 35mm film camera.

Having chosen photography as one of my subjects for my GCSE’s I then needed a proper SLR so my parents brought me a pentax camera which I still have.

We also built a darkroom in my parent’s house which gave me a great advantage when it came to my Exams. I got the Joint highest mark the school had ever awarded, alongside my friend who worked with me in our dark room. As our pictures were true black and white rather than grey and white.

From school I carried on with my photography at various times, I went digital I the mid 2000’s first with an Olympus bridge camera with a built-in zoom and then to my first canon SLR a 300d.

Over the years I have upgraded my kit to the set up I have now.

My Equipment

Mainly comprising of a Canon 90d and Canon 750d as a backup/second camera with a range of Canon and sigma lenses.

I’m also working on my film skills with a range of kit from RODE including a radio mic and shotgun mic for vlogs.