zawtowers' photostream  

'ello!

Although I'm normally more of a writer and poet than a photographer, the fact that I seem to be out and about a lot more these days has inspired me to get back into the travel and photography bug, so what better place then here on Flickr!

By day I work in IT for one of the universities here in Manchester who just so happens to have Art and Design where I am - so that means I'm always around artists and photographers (both potential and lecturers). That in turn also gives me plenty of thoughts and ideas as to what to do next.

I started off many years ago with a Nikon Coolpix E2200, went to a Panasonic TZ3 a couple of years back (perfect for long zoom and wide angle, and has served me very well) and recently took the plunge into DSLR territory with a Nikon D3000. It fits the hands comfortably for me and should allow me to improve on what I do as well as learn new skills with it.

And I've now discovered the joy of film, so as well as the DSLR I've now got a Nikon F80 film SLR - and it's quite a different challenge shooting film.

My D3000/F80 kit list is like this:

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
Nikon Nikkor AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6G
Nikon ML-L3 remote release
Hama Traveller Compact tripod

I tend to focus on scenery (especially on holiday), urban landscapes, sculptures and all sorts of quirky things if I feel the need to.

My website is where I publish my poetry, writing, thoughts, music passions and an online diary which I kept for years on the old site before this one, so I refuse to call it a blog. I've had some of my poems published by BBC Manchester and I'm currently in the thought processes of writing a book.

I support Manchester City (the only football team to come from Manchester), and other sports I like include Rugby League, Motorsport (especially F1 and Aussie V8 Supercars), Cricket, and plenty more.

I also have a huge passion for music, especially Kristin Hersh, who I absolutely adore. I also like New Order/Joy Division, Pixies, Cabaret Voltaire, MJ Hibbett and the Validators, Donna Marie and lots more.

And I am quite impartial to the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games on the Wii as well, often performing vocals on expert and chucking them on my Youtube channel - well why not?

There, that's the easy bit done. If anyone would like a full size version of any pic, please just ask - I don't bite!