My name is Tony Kirk. I’m originally from a small Essex village called Aveley, but since 2002 I’ve been living in Great Harwood, an old market town on the edge of the Ribble Valley in beautiful Lancashire.

In 2017, following the passing of my father, I was given his DSLR camera equipment by my mother. Dad was a keen photographer, but up until then I knew nothing about photography - my only experience was using an old Kodak Instamatic which I’d been given when I was 12 years old to take on a school trip to Paris. I wanted to make Dad proud that his camera equipment would be put to good use, so I decided to learn how to use it properly and to see if I could get some half decent images…….or at least not chop off peoples heads and feet!

I work full time in a Day Service for people with disabilities, so photography is limited to evenings and weekends. I realised very quickly though just how addictive photography is and would spend every available minute and opportunity practicing with the equipment, watching YouTube videos on the subject and looking forward to getting outdoors, trying new techniques and visiting new locations. I owe a great debt to the YouTube photography legends that are Thomas Heaton, Mark Denney, Mads Peter Iversen and Gavin Hardcastle whose videos have been highly influential, inspirational and instructive…….look them up, they’re brilliant!

Unfortunately, the cursed Covid lockdowns enforced upon us all curtailed my exploring somewhat, but since they’ve been lifted I’ve started to enjoy getting out again. I upgraded my Canon camera to a newer model, bought a new lens or two (please don’t tell my partner!) and started trying new things including sports and events photography. With the help and kindness of friends and local businesses I’ve recently been shooting Christenings, concerts, shows and festivals, fashion, parties and sporting events. Along with a colleague from the Day Service called Jon, I’ve also become the club photographer for Rimington FC, a local non-league grassroots club, as well as shooting for Rossendale Valley JFC (Lions, Stags and Pumas) and the East Lancs Football League.

My passions apart from photography include music (my daughter shakes her head at my tastes but what’s wrong with the Proclaimers and Gilbert O’Sullivan!), good food, movies and Aveley FC - COME ON YOU MILLERS!

Dad with his Canon camera which I’d inherit a year later.

INFORMATION

I have an advanced DBS, which I requested and purchased myself, which is registered online - I can forward or present a copy upon request at the photo shoot venue. In addition, due to working for Lancashire County Council full-time, and specifically with vulnerable adults, I am required to have annual DBS checks undertaken by LCC.

If required, I have hi-visibility vests available which I am happy to wear during any shoots for the purpose of identification - these vests display my company name and contact details.

I have up to date insurance, taken out with ‘Photoguard’, which includes PUBLIC LIABILITY up to £1m. A copy of the certificate can be forwarded or shown upon request at the photo shoot venue.

All images on this website are owned by and are the copyright of ©Tony Kirk Photography unless otherwise stated. All Rights Reserved. Images MAY NOT BE USED IN ANY WAY, PRINTED OR SHARED without prior written consent from Tony Kirk Photography. This includes ALL forms of social media. Any images used without prior written consent WILL result in charges being made, or redress via small claims courts.