C. Illsley Photography

About

My "first love" in the world of photography was the landscape. Like many others, I came to photography through hiking - I wanted to capture the amazing natural scenes, changing weather conditions and "it's good to be alive" moments that I go out into the hills for - so I bought a good camera and learned how to do so. That's how it all began...over the course of time I have naturally also found many other suitable motifs and my hobby has become a passion.

I shoot both digital and film. For 35 mm work I have 1 Canon EOS 30D body and 2 Canon EOS 30 SLR bodies. I use Canon/Sigma lenses. For medium format work I have a Pentax 6x7 II with Takumar lenses. My preferred film is Fuji Velvia. I use a Manfrotto tripod and Cokin P filters. Digital images are edited in Photoshop Elements 3 if required; after my slides/negatives have been developed, the results are scanned at a high resolution and processed in Photoshop Elements 3 if required.

I believe in getting the image right in camera where possible and keeping digital processing to a minimum. However, sometimes this may not be possible for various technical reasons and in these instances I do make certain improvements in Photoshop. Minor alterations/tonings have been made to certain images on this site, however, these are only to ensure that the electronic image corresponds to the actual situation at the time the shot was taken - or in the case of toning, my vision of how the final image should be. All types of "alienation" have been avoided.

I was born/brought up in Leicester, England but have now lived in Düsseldorf, Germany for years. I love both countries and am proud to call both of them home. I enjoy hiking, travel, sport, wine and books.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me - in whatever way - with my photography.