I’m overwhelmed to have won first prize, especially since this is the first photo competition I have entered. The photograph was taken off the northwest coast of Brittany, at one of the tallest lighthouses in Europe, which stands about 83 metres high with 365 very long steps. When you look upwards from the bottom of the lighthouse, you realise how breathtaking the architecture is. Getting the shot took some patience. I had to wait for the right moment, avoiding people making their way up and down the stairs, and risking people dropping mobile phones or other objects from the top. Still, I was really pleased with how it turned out, especially the composition of colours which brought it to life.

My career hasn’t been in the Arts. I am a Dentist and Dento- Legal Advisor. I was born in Kenya, moved to England for secondary school, and later qualified in dentistry from the Royal London Hospital in 1989. After a couple of years, my wife Anne (who is also a dentist) and I bought our own practice in Woodford Green. In 2003, I completed a Master’s in Law, which allowed me to combine my dental career with a legal one. I advise on managing complaints, clinical negligence claims, NHS disputes, regulatory matters, and legal issues related to general dental practice. Currently, I split my time between clinical practice and my role as Head of Indemnity at the British Dental Association.

So where does photography fit into this? Well, I initially became interested in photography when my older brother got his first camera at age 16. Later, I was working at St Mary’s Hospital during my gap year, and came across some photo printing equipment and an enlarger, so I would spend all my free time making use of this, developing and printing black and white photos. Then, at university, I often took photos of sporting events and friends. But as life grew busier, my camera ended up spending more time on the shelf.

That changed about 3 years ago, when I decided to pick it up again in earnest. I’m close to completing a Diploma in Photography from the British Academy of Photography (BAPH), which has given me both a solid theoretical foundation and practical skills. My next goal is to achieve The Associate distinction from the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS) which requires me to submit a portfolio of 15 images — I already hold a Licentiateship.

One of the things I love about photography is the sociability it fosters. I’ve connected with a wonderful community of like-minded individuals — my fellow BAPH diploma students and I keep in touch through a WhatsApp group, regularly sharing ideas, tips, and even meeting up for exhibitions and studio shoots, and I now have regular access to a studio in Stratford in East London. I’ve also joined a local photography club, which is another way to share ideas and experiences. And of course, sharing my images online — especially on Instagram — has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a great platform for showcasing my photos, particularly my iPhone images, and connecting with a wider audience. You can find me there at @ltdc_photos.

As I continue to grow as a photographer, I’m working on refining my personal style. My wife has commented that my photographs tend to play on colour, so that may be what I work on. Here are a few that I have recently shot.

Two photographers who inspire me are Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Ansel Adams, famous for his black-and-white landscape photographs of Yosemite, was known for his technique of “zoning”—capturing every shade of grey between pure white and deep black. Henri Cartier-Bresson, a French photographer in the early 1900s, coined the term “the decisive moment” for capturing those perfect, fleeting instances – there is the classic one of a man jumping over a puddle.

My photograph of the lighthouse is the first one I’ve had printed and framed in our home. I’m thrilled that it has won a prize and with my iPhone in hand and my Nikon Z6iii at the ready, I can’t wait to see where this creative journey takes me next.

Circle Square Q&A

What 3 words best describe you? Positive, reliable and loyal.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?  Always say yes to opportunities. You can always say no later but open the door first.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Alongside my wife, transforming the practice from a one-chair operation to a seven-chair practice. We are now caring for two generations of patients in the area and are an integral part of the community.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner? Malcolm Gladwell – I love his books and take on life. My favourite is ”Blink”.

How has age strengthened your advantage? Recognising that change doesn’t happen overnight. Age has given me the wisdom to be a bit more patient about making those changes.

What inspired you to join Circle Square? My friend Raj Rattan, a longtime member, recommended Circle Square to me as I approached this next chapter of life.