Jill Swainson

I've lived in Virginia Water in Surrey since 1959, and started working as a freelance photographer and writer - specialising in travel, gardens, golf courses and wine – in 1986. I trust that the passion and fascination I have for these subjects is apparent in my work.

Although I've worked as a travel photographer for agencies, publishers of newspapers, magazines, books, calendars, etc., and tour operators for many years, I have only recently diversified into selling limited-edition prints, canvas photographs and greetings cards. This includes undertaking commissions - ie a favourite golf hole (perhaps the site of a hole in one) or view, a special place/significant scene, a house or garden when it's looking at its best.

My work includes photographs of vistas local to Virginia Water; also elsewhere in Great Britain, Ireland and France, including views from one of the ancient pilgrim routes of St. James from Le Puy en Velay in the Auvergne to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The magnificence and splendour of nature is all around us. If I can portray something of that beauty, draw attention to it and share it with others, I have achieved my aim. Photography is about capturing a subject in the moment, a dazzling moment which is beyond man's creation.

I very much hope that my photographs will inspire you, as the subjects have inspired me.