Alex Walton describes his experiences as a newspaper photographer.
Incredible!!
I can not believe that a year has passed already. From that very first day when I was so nervous and green about the media world, when I could only fumble around with the brand new camera I was given and more or less hope for the best. I have come a long way! My confidence, not just with the job but inner self, has peaked dramatically. Who would have thought that someone who used to find it hard to approach his school teachers has been introduced to mayors, ladies, sirs, celebrities, olympic champions. Has shook the hand of Paddy Ashdown, met Michael Caines, photographed famous authors. So much has happened to me in the past year that I sometimes wake up and wonder if it was all a dream, then I see my Canon 30D and think to myself, "yes, I have achieved something and I love it!"
Safe to say, I still enjoy my job! I still get a real buzz out of seeing my pictures in the papers with my name below it. One day is never the same as the next. My previous job involved me counting cash in a four walled, windowless 5x5 metre room all day long. Now when ever I see people I know they all say what a remarkable tan I have, where did I go on holiday? I feel very lucky and extremely happy to be a photographer. 2008 has also been a great year for me as I have recently got engaged to my girlfriend and we are looking ahead to a future as a family.