If you’re new here… Welcome!
Here’s a bit of background about the site:
I’ve been a professional photographer for almost 23 years now. If you add that to my non-pro photography background, we’re talking somewhere in the region of 33 years’ experience of seeing the world through a camera!
It goes without saying that I’ve picked up a thing or two over that time. And it’s my belief that this amount of knowledge is no good selfishly sat in someone’s head – which is why I decided to share it with the world in a more structured way. If you can benefit from the ups and downs, victories and failures that I’ve gone through over the years, then… well… that makes me happy.
So what’s it all about, then?
Actually, it’s quite simple.
Many years ago, TAP was originally set up as a platform to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the day-to-day life of a working professional photographer. Or to be more accurate – if you were to take my feature-writing activities into account – a photographer/writer.
Since those early days, I’ve broadened out my professional life into other areas, too. Areas which not only interest me, but which I gladly bring to my audience in order to offer greater value and support.
For example, if you’ve followed me on social media for any length of time, you’ll know that I am one of life’s eternal students and especially have a keen interest in mindset and personal development; this is something which I’ve embraced to such a degree that I am now also an internationally-accredited coach.
From within these pages, you can enjoy podcasts, videos, product Test/Review features, Q&As, industry interviews and more besides. Basically, a wide array of ideas and information that will inspire and educate you to make the most of photography, the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
A quick heads-up: please don’t expect to see any of those frustratingly-staged office unboxings, glorified photo shoots or ‘look how great my life is’ exaggerated musings. That’s simply not my style – and honestly, most of those that you see online are simply a curated highlights reel of people’s activities; their lives really aren’t as perfect as they’d like you to believe!
I love what I do, and hopefully this comes across, but whilst I may not share the absolute lowest, personal moments that I experience, I do always strive portray my thoughts in an honest, upfront and true-to-life manner.
It’s not all just about f-stops, shutter speeds and who’s got the biggest lens or shiniest camping stove here.
What you’ll find if you have a little nose around is that I also talk about things which, although they don’t immediately shout ‘photography’ or ‘outdoors,’ are nonetheless an integral part of my life and the work I do – for example, nature connection, the history of photography and a smattering of trail running.
TAP understandably has a big following within both of these worlds, so if one plays second fiddle to your love of the other, you should feel equally at home. I often talk about my experiences and the kit I use – from places I visit and days in the forest to cameras and tripods, rucksacks and hammocks – but I always try to strike a balance. This is not a site which puts emphasis on equipment.
The photo-outdoor community is great!
… Which is why I warmly encourage you to get involved. Don’t be shy – if there’s something you’d like to see me feature or talk about, just ask!
At the end of the day, my aim is to encourage you to get out there and create your own brilliant pictures whilst having some great experiences along the way.
And if you like what you see here, and if you know of someone you think would benefit from my ramblings, please forward them a link or point them in this direction.
Many thanks and enjoy the site!
Giles.
(@gilesbabbidge)