Have you ever thought what you’d say to your younger self if only the opportunity to speak with them would present itself?

I’d tell me not to worry so much, to have faith in my own decisions and I’d say “thank you” for always being a dreamer. It’s those dreams and romantic ideas that have shaped, moulded and driven my life.

From the age of 20 when I escaped home to join the British Army I’ve lived a life filled with the most amazing adventures, challenges and extraordinary opportunities. I’ve met some truly remarkable and inspiring people and seen how utterly beautiful and fragile this world is.

My greatest, most meaningful and important adventure has been finding my wife Nicola and together having our daughters Eleanor and Madeleine. They are in every respect the loves of my life and everything pales in comparison to them. I have a small handful of friends who have a very special place in my heart and I’m so fortunate to have their honesty and support.

While my family and friends are the very foundation and bedrock of my life photography is its meaning and purpose. Since the age of twelve I’ve had a profound connection to and love of this truly glorious art form. My life is happily consumed by it and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t in some way dream, think or create with photography.

As an army combat photographer I received the very best photographic education thanks to the Defence School of Photography at RAF Cosford. It’s here I learned my craft and was inspired to be the photographer I am today. From Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and around the world I photographed and documented the very best and worst of what humanity is capable of.

In 2007 after a 22 year career I retired from the army and established my own commercial and documentary photographic practice, again working around the world and being privileged to meet some remarkable people and experience life as it is.

So here I am in my sixties, possibly the final chapter of my professional photographic life and career, but oh what a chapter it’s going to be. I’m devoting my time, talent and experience to documenting and discovering more about England and India and the people I share this beautiful part of planet Earth with. I’m breathing new life into my love of analog photography with my exquisite Leica M-P and M3 film cameras and a smashing new darkroom, currently going by the name of Narnia.

Once again I offer heartfelt thanks to my younger self for being a dreamer and to all those remarkable people who have made this adventure possible. Most of all I thank my wife Nicola, my true soul-mate, the love of my life for her patience and unfailing support and understanding.

Wishing you fair light and full frames

.

Giles