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Framing the beauty which surrounds us
We often don't appreciate our surroundings as we go about our hectic day. We met a local photographer who wants to change that and open our eyes to just how beautiful the North East really is.
From the age of 16, Andrew Heptinstall has been capturing the world around us in pictures.
What began as a hobby, which he developed as part of the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, became a career and 28 years on he now owns his own studio in Houghton.
The 44-year-old, from Seaburn, was recently nominated for an Black and White Spider award for his photograph High Sea, Roker.
The image was part of the Fine Art category of the international photographic competition for professionals.
Andrew has only been working for himself for five years. He decided in 2003 to branch out on his own. He was originally based in Sunderland.
He said: "I started my own photographic business at the Stanfield Business Centre, which is great for small businesses like mine which are just starting out as it it uses a subsidised rental system which only increases slowly over a period of time."
Andrew has since moved the business to Houghton where he works on a huge selection of projects which involve a variety of imagery, including people, buildings and products for use in the corporate and advertising sectors.
"Every day is totally different and the work I do is really varied as I don't ever want to pigeonhole myself," he said.
"I enjoy everything about the photography I do, the fact that I am creating images that I still get a buzz out of now is great."
This commercial side of his photography is how he makes a living but he still likes to indulge in scenic photography in his spare time.
He said: "I enjoy the landscape side of it as I still like taking photographs for myself, but the idea behind it is that I want to start exhibiting the images.
"Photography is just about capturing the moment really, the things around us that are there, which are nice to look at that not everybody sees.
"We have such a magnificent coastline and inspirational monuments like Penshaw. There is still so much I want to photograph when I have the time.
"The North East coastline is so interesting and varied and the images I take show people what is just an hours drive away.
"People can't believe that these locations are on their doorstep. All you have to do is get up early on a morning and you will see it in a whole new light.
"For me it is about perserverance and planning to get the perfect pictures."
At his new studio Andrew has the luxury of employing freelancer Rebecca Hughes to help with his increasing workload.
Originally from Tasmania, the 28-year-old has already fallen in love with the North East.
She said: "It is great to go round with Andrew and photograph locations that point out to people the great areas and show them for what they really are.
"It is easy to highlight the bad areas and sometimes the good bits get lost so it is nice to bring them forward.
"I am not originally from the North East but I am already very passionate about it and my knowledge of the area is improving all the time.
"It is amazing to find places to photograph that you just didn't know were there."
Andrew, who works with a number of local businesses including One North East, said: "It is great to see the pictures I take in print in the company brochures and on the websites, I still get a kick from seeing them.
"It is very rewarding making something that could be boring look interesting."
Andrew's first exhibition will take place at the Art Works Galleries, in Ouseburn. He said: "I have always looked at landscape pictures that I could do that people would enjoy looking at.
"It is really nice to find time to do landscapes. People often disregard the natural beauty in the North East and it is nice to showcase it in images."
* For more information on Andrew Heptinstall photography, go to andrewheptinstall.com or call 0191 584 8300
Andrew Heptinstall will be displaying a selection of his images at the Art Works Galleries in Ouseburn until the end of November. For more information call: 0191 261 9922.
Pictures, clockwise from top left – a walker near Penshaw monument; a wild day at Trow rocks; a wave breaks on Roker pier; the river Wear at twilight; sunrise at Roke lighthouse; Andrew Hughes and Rebecca Hughes
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Friday 10 February 2012
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