Photo news for Cambridge Photographer Phil Mynott over 30 years of Professional experience producing quality photo imaging

Forty years ago today I began my photography career. August 3rd 1981, aged 16 (pictured insert) I strolled into 10 Milton Rd, Cambridge and what a career to date it has been. I turned down the offer of unconditional entry (which had been offered to me simply on the basis that I was my secondary school's Head boy- rather than for academic reasons - what simple times I grew up in) to both of the local Sixth Forms, many thought I was mad, but I wanted to follow my heart and turn my photography hobby - caught from both my parents - into a career.
Due to my particpation in The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, I was very lucky to have been offered a £30 per week, three year indentured apprenticeship with the highly regarded Cambridge based photographer Michael Manni, and his wife Chris who ran the business side of things - occassionally Chris would support me when the boss gave me a well-deserved b***ing!, Mike and Chris employed a team of other photographers and photo technicians all of whom generously mentored me in all things photography and about the confusions surrounding life when growing into adulthood.
For the first six months it was hard work, long hours and to be honest unsatisfying as I wasn't allowed much access to cameras and was confined to the wet processes of the darkroom and hand printing other photographer's pictures, the only time I was allowed to see daylight was when required to lug the heavy camera gear and lighting - but what a great way to learn about lighting and composition by focusing on other people’s work.
Then bit by bit my boss allowed me out of the darkroom to cover less important shoots for clients - once or twice I made a mess of things, but they were all amazingly forgiving and patient. Gradually I mastered a complex ever-wider range of jobs- photographing shop floors in factories, making dull looking stuff look exciting, social events and press jobs for the national press - such as the pitch invasion at Cambridge United posted here. Whatever the assignment was I soon realised the one element I relished most was the interaction with people - something I believe is still very much the main draw of photography for me to this day.
I still remember the great feeling of pride and the thrill I experienced the first time I saw one of photos on the front page of several major national newspapers on the same morning - it was as good I'm certain as that felt by a gold medal winning Olympian.
Fast forward to today and I'm so grateful to have the career I have enjoyed to date, the many people I've met and worked for and with. So many of you have helped and supported me over the years - I've no idea why you keep booking me but a big thank you to you all - and to my wife Jane (RIP) whom although no longer with us was the key to us setting up our own business (prior to which I was for 6 years a senior press photographer at the then much respected award-winning Cambridge evening News).
A big thank you to Francine who despite running her own SME, now that I'm trading as a sole trader, has become if somewhat unplanned, my new unofficial advisor 'line manager'.
I will, throughout this month, try to make the time to post some highlights of the first 40 years of my photography career - based solely in the Cambridge UK area (how’s that for a geographical lack of career ambition).
Perhaps, one day I will - to use the expressions often said to me - get a 'proper job' but until then I'm more than happy to keep ‘just pointing a camera and snapping' .
Thank you all and it is now time for you all look this way and smile.

I was commissioned to photograph the new sculpture by artist Matthew Darbyshire that has been installed outside Cambridge North station. It depicts Greco-Roman deities Hercules and Galatea and is intended to challenge traditional perceptions. Galatea is shown as the “strong, dynamic and empowered figure challenging Hercules, who is sculpted to appear rigid and dated”.

The Joy of photographing sculpture is that usually it is static and rooted firnly in one position, which means I can revisit the location at various times over a full day, or if required days, to watch the light changes photographing the art in the light best suited for that each piece of public art.

'always look for a different angle of view whatever the subject' was instilled in me at the beginning of my photography career by my then mentors, something I've held true over the last four decades. So when this London Eye looking ferris wheel ‘landed’ on Parker’s Piece Cambridge rather than take the cliche shot of it close up I decided to bide my time and see if an alternative view point would come my way. My self-control was rewarded a few days later when a corporate photo assignment location offered me this shot. It shows the greenness of Cambridge and also has a War of Worlds type feel to it, Is the wheel unattached and rolling free? Has the natural environment overgrown an abandoned piece of engineering?

Ice Cold in Suffolk ... deep in the forest where no one could hear my screams!

Despite the heart stopping sudden cold shock I exceeded my 100 second target by a massive 29seconds including an unexpected full body immersion.

Much respect to all British Military personnell who undergo cold water river crossings after my baptism to the drill with a scaled down taster session in the low temperature c's cold River Wissey Spring waters this morning proceeded and followed by a fast yomp through Thetford Forest.

My contribution to Captain Tom Moores Charity challenge 100 was to raise funds for Melanoma Focus- a Cambridge based skin cancer charity , funding research and support for patients. A cancer from which my wife Jane died from. Jane's Skin Cancer was unavoidable due to inherited genes - but majority of skin cancer is preventable if awareness of the importane of UV protection is understood whenever outdoors.

You can sponsor me via click here

Every individual who donates will be as a big thank you for your generosity, granted access to an exclusive photo audio montage - where you will be able to hear my screams, view my agony and listen to some great survival and life insights from Singlehanded Survivor who kindly organised the venture.

Also thank you to Total Relaxation for post dip after care.

You can watch and listen to an audio and [b]photo montage here

I agree not great quality from a pro photographer for a self portrait ! in my defence I took it at the start of a freezing water familariaty session for this weekend's Capt Tom Moore 100 Challenge .. as I dred water and wimp in the cold it makes sense that I tackle a cold water river crossing under the supervison of Kirk Bowett - Single Handed Survivor

I'm aiming to raise funds for the Cambridge based Melanoma Focus chairty - it supports all things to do with Skin Cancer - reaserch and patient support.

As you most of my contacts will be aware of it was the type of Cancer which last August killed my business partner and wife Jane , yet thanks to superb research, a cracking good pharma clinical trial, excellent surgeons over seen by Dr Pippa Corrie's team at Addenbrooke's we were gifted an extra 5 years of quality life to enjoy with Jane. Jane's type was genetic so currently unavoidable but most skin cancer can be avoided - and fun in the sun can still be enoyed - if the simple pratice of protecting one's self from harmful UV rays are taken.

I'm happy to chat to any of my media contacts about all the topics mentioned here to help raise the issue of skin protection and prevention of skin cancer.

If you wish to sponsor me than please do by clicking here

I'm so looking forward to my show this weekend on Lexicon radio 9am - Noon Saturday and Sunday .. it's going to be a happy broadcast ..

Because I get to share with you for the first time the recorded words spoken by Jane my late wife who died last August as a result of Skin Cancer on why clinical research and drug trials are important to offer improved extended quality of life.

I get to tell you about my Captain Tom Challenge 100 fund raiser for Melanoma Focus with the organisastions new CEO Susannah Daniels who urges us all to get behind the Captain Tom Challenge 100.

Plus in this week’s ‘Teenage Picks’ armchair TV and radio pop fan Elaine takes us back to the years of 1982, ‘83 and ’85 to trace the career of Duran Duran.

The Voice of Cycling Phil Liggett and @emilycherry of Bikeability join me Behind the Lexicon Radio Bike Shed to chat about the £2 Billion package announced for UK cycling, buses and walking

Plus I chat with Lucy Milazzo about my photo assingments covering visits by HRH Duke of Edinburgh


You can help me fund raise for Melanoma Focus by clicking here

End of an era .. many happy memories of HRH Duke of Edinburgh photo assingments over the years ... having been told to 'Bugger off" numerous times , has since allowed me to say to others " I've been insulted by more high profile folk than you". Great times shadowing him around Cambridge - by push bike alongside the much missed Tim Holt We once tied photo copied royal standards on our bike baskets! - HRH in his limo.

A Controversial individual for sure but without doubt a true support to the Monarch who knew his role. I will always be indebted to the man for my professional career of 40 plus years as a direct result of particpation on the Duke of edinburgh Award scheme.

He loved his IPA , while others drank the champagne , so I will raise a glass this evening.

September 1940 was the hardest time for the Battle of Britain pilots. The contrails of many a dog fight - recreated in this photo above North Cambridge by the Global Stars Air Display pilots- were common place in the skies above England during that summer of 1940. I got to witness this last week, whilst on a shoot and standing with a group of teenagers I was waiting to photograph for an unrelated assingment.

This shot taken early one saturday morning in January 2003 on Cambridge Market square is one my favourite, of many, photographs I took of Allan Brigham who has sadly passed away. Allan, a local legend. first came to fame as a Sheffield University graduate whom became a road sweeper when he moved to Cambriodge. Also a much respected Local Historian who focused on Cambridge Town rather than the University, a One time winner of a 'Golden broom' - awarded to UK best Toilet attendants or Road Sweepers , and most importantantly a dedicated trade unionist who was much admired by his fellow Cambridge City street Service work mates and management alike. I spent many happy hours with him whenever we met on the streets of Cambridge over the last 4 decades chewing the cud - I remember fondly Lion Yard security asking Allan and myself to move on as we were causing a people jam with an ever increasing group of passing friends who had stopped to join in our banter! If ever an individual has encompassed both Town & Gown then Allan was that person. Sitting in his garden last summer, we had gently agreed to record a series of photographs and podcasts of his many historical walking talking tours once he felt up to it - but alas ongoing circumstances had made that impossible for him. One memorable time, of many, was when Allan curated and my business partner wife Jane ( who passed away last month) designed and subbed a set of panels celebrating 100 years of Cambridge street cleaning and refuse collections. Two people whom, alsa have both died far too young , and in their own ways very much Cambridge people, I will miss dearly.

I'm fast becoming an expert in social distancing-themed photo shoots ... such as at this inspirational public art installation unveiling event. Social distancing is an important element of all photo assignments currently. It's essential to demonstrate that your brand is implementing correct protocol, not just for image but because none of us want to spread or catch Coronavirus. I take my responsibilites as a professional photographer seriously and at all times ensure that shoots are following current guidelines to the letter and - just as importantly - that everybody involved is comfortable and feels safe at all times.

The unveiling was of the first public art at Anstey Way in Trumpington, Cambridge. Incorporating the humble Maris Piper potato is pure genius. The artwork, part of the ‘Resonance-Cambridge’ project, is just one piece of an extensive programme of commissioning by #CambridgeInvestmentPartnership (CIP) across its developments.

A Picnic table can't change its stripes ... until the sun moves on

Profound observation art installation about releasing your inner child ... or lost property placed , by a kindly person, so that it may be reunited with young owner?

Apprently the sky is appearing bluer as less pollution with a lot of our planet earth in lockdown ... perhaps that is why it did seem crystal clear overhead today.

In episode 3 of his PHoGaN series for Photography at Home Garden or Neighbourhood I share more of my photo know-how, tips and advice on how to improve your photographer skills - whatever your camera phone camera, DLSR, compact or mirrorless - helping all of us to make the best of self-isolation. In this episode, we focus on capturing flowers in close up, set a photo challenge for all the family - whether at home, in the garden or on your daily exercise around your neighbourhood. Plus we showcase some of your most recent submitted photographs from our viewers for the shadow, colour and garden photo challenges Phil set you in the previous films. You can view the video here

As the only skill I have to offer in this current situation is photography knowledge, from 2pm today I'm going to start hosting regular free photo tips, hints and know-how sessions live on Facebook - similar to what I do from time to time as a so-called "expert" on BBC local radio and other media outlets. The sessions will, hopefully, be fun and provide a little relief and stimulation in these days of self-isolation.

Each session will include a photo challenge and perhaps may even provide some extra curricular activities for families - today at 2pm via facebook live click here

I’ve captured many entertaining and informative talks during my four decades as a professional photographer and one of the most recent - the Clare Hall-hosted Tanner Lectures – is well worth a listen if you use social media or the internet! Presented by Harvard’s Prof Jonathan Zittrain, ‘Gaining Power, Losing Control’ focuses on the broad subject of how technology interacts with the relationship between society, internet and social media.

In the photograph is Prof Zittrain, David Ibbetson, President of Clare Hall, and respondents Dr Stephen Cave, Prof Martin Rees and Prof Sophia Roosth. You can view the full lectures here. Alternatively, I've found that it also makes a great podcast if you let it run in background.

A couple of the many proof sheets from last month's holiday review of Oak Tree Cottages, Norfolk for Dog Friendly magazine. Cold, damp winter weather contrasted nicely with the warm, bright accommodation and welcome.

Royal Air Force standard bearers pay respects to former RAF pilot Sir Michael Marshall. It was a great honour to be asked to provide the photo reportage coverage for Sir Michael's life celebration service at Ely Cathedral. Family business leader, stalwart charity supporter and a champion of Cambridge, Sir Michael led an extraordinary life. I first photographed him in 1981 when I was starting out on my photography career and have since photographed Sir Michael many times. Thank you to Sir Michael's family for kindly allowing me to post this photo.

I concede that a close-up shot of construction site safety and security fencing is not at the top of most photographers’ location wishlists. For me, the projected shadow on the surface of the material covering the fence was the big draw. It creates a gentle, shimmering and contrasting mood to what is basically an everyday abstract shape. The rhythmical lines of the metal fencing have been distorted in their shadow form by a low winter sun shining on to the surface of the loose fitting material, creating a criss cross pattern of distorted shadow lines. A shallow depth of field helps to exploit the composition with the background winter trees against the blue sky, adding another layer of contrast.

I was distracted by the beautiful lighting of this composition during a recent unconnected photo shoot on a National Trust farm in Cambridgeshire and just had to return once the assignment was completed to capture it for my own 'artistic' satisfaction. Its simplicity in form is enhanced by the space around the main point of focus - the machinery. I composed the image so that the trees in the background encourage the viewer's gaze to draw towards the top of the conveyor belt - asking you to decide if it carries on skywards or drops down to earth. The machine - which is side lit - appears almost abstract, thanks to the soft, low winter sun. Sitting isolated in the landscape, it begs the question: has it been abandoned to gently decay or will it be called upon again to assist in future harvests when seasons dictate? The middle background band of mist helps to remove detail which would distract from the foreground.