I work across photography as a judge, educator, and practising travel photographer, with a long-standing focus on culture, people, and documentary storytelling.
Alongside my own photographic work, much of my time is spent evaluating photographs at scale. That means reading images carefully but decisively, understanding intent, and making clear judgements based on meaning, craft, and impact rather than trend or novelty.
Judging & Evaluation
I work as a judge at GuruShots, where I am the original and only Guru Pro. I oversee and judge ten single-image challenges each month, with every challenge attracting tens of thousands of entries from photographers worldwide.
The role involves blind judging at serious scale, requiring strong calibration across large entry pools and clear, repeatable decision-making based on story, impact, composition, light, and technical control. Much of this work is public-facing. I regularly open winner exhibitions, host live judging sessions, and run educational webinars explaining why images succeed.
I am fully comfortable with blind judging and step back from any entry if I recognise the work.
Awards & Recognition
- Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) finalist, ten times since 2010
- Winner: Wanderlust Photo of the Year (Professional), PDN World in Focus, Travel Photography Society Award
- International publications including National Geographic Traveller, Condé Nast Traveller, The Times, BBC, Expedia, Bing, and Insight Guides
- Multiple exhibition openings and public-facing live judging events
What I Look For in Photographs
I’m drawn to photographs that communicate something beyond surface aesthetics.
In cultural and travel work, that usually means clarity of intent, emotional honesty, and a sense of place that feels observed rather than constructed. I value photographs that respect their subjects, make deliberate visual choices, and leave space for the viewer rather than trying to explain everything.
Mentoring & Portfolio Development
Alongside judging, I work one-to-one with photographers who want to strengthen their visual voice and decision-making.
My mentoring focuses less on formulas and more on learning to see. That includes understanding intention, editing with purpose, and developing confidence in selection rather than chasing style. Much of this work overlaps naturally with how I judge photographs – clarity, restraint, and meaning.
One-to-one mentoring details →
Field Work & Travel Photography
I also lead small, immersive photography journeys through RAW Tours, working with photographers in the field across a growing number of destinations.
These journeys are built around time, access, and observation rather than shot lists. They are an extension of the same values that underpin my judging and mentoring – patience, attention, and respect for the places and people being photographed.
Working Together
My work sits across judging, education, and public-facing photography projects.
That can include involvement in competition panels, portfolio assessments, educational talks and discussions, as well as exhibitions and events built around photography.
Contact
If you’d like to explore working together, feel free to get in touch.