Karl Taylor's Passion For Photography

Karl Taylor has been a professional photographer for over 15 years and has traveled the globe on assignments for some of the world’s most successful companies. Here is a brief synopsis of his career in the industry…

Karl left school at the age of just 16 with a talent for art and design. After securing a promising job in the design industry, Karl hoped to develop his skills and looked forward to the future. However, less than a year later and only 17 years old Karl was made redundant. Out of work and not really knowing what to do next, Karl applied for a vacancy at a retail photography store selling camera equipment. It was a decision that would change his life forever.

Within weeks Karl had discovered SLR photography and a medium that captivated his passion for recording life and producing artistic images. With the help of his peers he became engrossed in the subject and spent every spare minute studying and practicing the craft. Learning everything he could about film, optics, darkrooms, shutter speeds and depth of field, Karl quickly started to create images that became recognised for their impact and professionalism.

Still only 17 years old Karl began working two jobs to earn enough money to save for the equipment he so desperately needed to progress with his career in photography, and had soon managed to purchase a variety of lenses. However, it wasn’t long until he recognised that a professional darkroom and photographic printing were going to be crucial to understanding the industry better and took up employment at a Kodak Pro Lab where he became an expert in photographic hand printing and film development. Not satisfied with the colour reproduction of the RA4 chemical printing process, Karl decided to purchase his own Cibachrome processor and darkroom equipment allowing him to hand print his own images directly from transparencies to the standard he desired.

In his early twenties, continuing his passion for photography, Karl spent three years freelancing in South East Asia as a photojournalist, contributing images and articles about indigenous people to several leading newspapers and magazines. During his time abroad he spent a further year in Australia. It was here where Karl took up employment as an assistant in a commercial studio and perfected his skills in lighting and the often “closed shop” techniques of advertising photography.

Returning to the UK with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm Karl managed to secure financing to open his own studio offering both commercial and advertising photography. His portfolio soon caught the eye of art directors, advertising agencies and leading retail outlets, growing his business from strength to strength. Shooting with film in a variety of camera formats including the painstakingly slow 5x4 inch cameras and dark slides, Karl paid close attention to the arrival of digital photography. He made it a priority to establish his skills in the “digital darkroom” called Photoshop and became a professional in high-end retouching services. Ten years later, an expert in the industry, Karl began lecturing on photography and teaching other photographers the techniques of the “digital photography era”. His earlier years, using film and darkroom printing, gave him an enviable insight into how to create images rather than just capture them. In 2009 Karl was short-listed for a Hasselblad Masters Award and now Karl continues to share his passion and knowledge for photography through his series of DVDs and workshops. He also continues to work regularly for some of the world’s leading businesses and advertising agencies.

Outside of work Karl is happily married to Hélène, who recently gave birth to their first child. In the past both have enjoyed traveling to unusual and challenging destinations across the world, though Hélène often wishes Karl could leave the cameras behind! When not taking pictures, Karl spends much of his time underwater, enjoying his other passion – diving. Initially reluctant to take photos underwater too, Karl has recently discovered a new challenge – underwater video!

« « Click here to browse Karl's favourite shots gallery » »

 

How my Photography Training gives you more!

The Photography DVDs are divided into two main categories “Masterclass Series” and “Pro-Series Masterclass”.

• The Pro-Series is clearly aimed at professional photographers and high-end enthusiasts who already possess in-depth knowledge.
• The Masterclass series is suitable for those starting out in photography right through to those at advanced level.

To help your knowledge of photography improve as rapidly as possible, I have written and carefully scripted our first 3 titles in the Masterclass Series as such that you progress with your photography in the most logical and practical way. I thoroughly recommend that you fully understand the essentials of our Introduction to Photography DVD before proceeding to other titles in our series.

The information covered in the Introduction to Photography title concentrates on improving your ability to use your Digital SLR camera in full manual mode, which is essential to your ability to progress with your photography in the more technical areas covered in our other titles. If you have a clear understanding of apertures, depth of field, shutter speeds, light, composition and are already proficient at using your camera in manual mode then moving on to our more advanced titles would not harm your learning process. But many students of mine (even experienced ones) find revisiting the fundamentals is often extremely useful.

My Goal to you in the DVDs training series

All our DVDs are carefully thought through and designed with your training and ability to understand the information in mind. Each title covers an area of photography that will further help your overall understanding of the subject. Each DVD features stunning example images that were captured during the making of each programme, giving you a real experience of "how to do it".

All our DVDs feature or aim to provide:

• Entertaining and informative knowledge
• Important step by step techniques
• Cover the essential principles behind creative photography
• Explanations in plain English that avoid unnecessary technical jargon
• The DVD format allows you to absorb the information at your own pace
• Karl Taylor and/or other leading experts' advice
• The DVD format allows you to easily repeat the information provided

My goal is to help you learn what you want to learn in an informative and entertaining way. I want you to feel you have gained something from each series title, but as with all training programmes you will also need to practise the techniques demonstrated in order to truly benefit.

By purchasing these DVDs you will also be able to discuss techniques and information with others using our programmes through our website forum as well as pick up additional information that we post on the site. We will also be running monthly assignments and competitions on our website for our members to participate, giving you an additional goal and purpose to your photography. Good luck and we hope you enjoy watching.

30 Day 100% Money Back Guarantee

That's right, there is absolutely no risk. If you feel your photography has not benefited in any way from the training within 30 days of your order, simply send the DVD back and I will refund you straight away, no questions asked! For full guarantee terms, please click here.