My father was a photo-lithographer by profession and an occasional Solway wildfowler by inclination so I suspect my lifelong interest in wildlife was inevitable. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by birds and the natural world in general. Although my family moved south to Leicestershire in the early 1960’s and I have lived there for all of my adult life, I am very proud to consider myself a Cumbrian still.                  

My interest in natural history photography deepened after I met Martin Withers on the football pitch and later accompanied him on many photographic jaunts into the East Midlands countryside in the late 1970’s. We have collaborated on many projects during the course of the last 30 years and laughter is never far away when we are together. My approach is quintessentially amateur: photography has to be fun, the welfare of the subject is paramount and commercial considerations are very much secondary. My greatest pleasure is to share my pictures with friends and to see my work published from time to time in books and journals.

Although a busy professional life as Headteacher of a large comprehensive school formerly restricted our opportunities to travel, since our retirement in 2004, Shelagh and I have travelled widely to Kenya, The Falklands Islands, Cyprus, Florida, Italy, The Galapagos Islands, Western Australia and Tanzania.

 

Green Hairstreak, May 2004.

Contact Details: John Tinning

Email: john.tinning@btinternet.com