Life's Rich Journey
I've always loved photography. My first camera was a 13th birthday gift from my mum which launched a lifelong fascination and passion to create photographs.
For many years I was like most people on the planet, a passionate amateur.
Then several years ago while still working as an engineer and software developer I decided that I really needed to use my camera for more than just holiday snaps and dabbling in landscapes. I started going out into London every weekend with my camera exploring. I soon learned that I loved two things; the people and the spaces.
Although I was quite shy, I started asking people in the street for portraits and loved how the images were a huge leap from what I'd been doing. I learned that I loved engaging with people and creating a portrait that made a connection with the subject.
On the other side I also loved the technical rigour of photographing buildings and spaces. Photography I could do mostly as solo work when I needed mental space as well.
In 2016 I made the huge change to leave my career in software & engineering and become a full time professional photographer.
Roll forward a few years and I've changed direction again. Whilst I love photography I came to realise that I really struggle with the selling side of things. So much so that it became apparent that I was unlikely to make a successful sustainable business. The great Covid Pandemic of 2020-21 really didn't help but it's not an excuse. I was going under before then.
So what did I do? Well I decided to play to my strengths in engineering by re-training as an electrician. It's early days and I'm working as an apprentice but my income is pretty solid and I can see a good future ahead.
The failure of the business was very stressful and to be totally honest it killed my photographic passion for a long while. Months at a time without picking up a camera. Therefore, all that remains is to re-kindle my desire to create beautiful photographs as a passion rather than a vehicle to bay the bills.
Moving forward I'm going to concentrate on those portraits because I really do love shooting people more than anything else. I hope you'll check here occasionally or follow my Instagram account to see how that goes. And if you want to sit in front of my lens and have a conversation and some laughter... let me know.
Why Finchley?
The byFinchley brand comes from a nickname given to me by my bro-in-law Mike when he found out from my sister that the NW London borough of Finchley is where my life journey began. My given name of Paul is quite common as is my surname which makes it tricky to get domain name without some convoluted spelling. Finchley however was much easier with a choice of unregistered URLs. I chose byFinchley as a shortening of Photography by Finchley. Something a little quicker to spell and hopefully more memorable!