Forres man focuses on photography after Covid-19 job rethink
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A FORRES man forced by Covid-19 into a career rethink is aiming to make a living from his lifelong hobby.
Thomas Salway (54), from Bogton Road, has focused on photography throughout the pandemic to keep himself occupied since he left his job at Meadowlark care home in the town.
As an asthmatic he felt the risks of working in close proximity to others under the threat of Covid-19 was too great – but the move has offered him a new angle on the world of work.
Just this week Thomas's image of a dog at play on Findhorn Beach scooped a highly commended award in a UK photo contest run by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. The image was one of only nine chosen by newspaper photo editor judges out of more than 2000 entries.
This was the second competition Thomas has entered and the success has affirmed his decision to pursue a career in photography, specialising in dog and equine portraits.
He has cut his teeth in the trade over the last five years through snapping dogs in action at local sled-dog races at Culbin, Darnaway and Rothes.
He said: "I take pictures at sled dog races because I enjoy the sport rather than to make any money. I couldn't make a living out of doing that as it's such a short season, but it's great for sharpening up photography techniques and trying out new gear."
Thomas has been an amateur photographer since he was a young boy. He said: "I started taking photographs when I was about 10 with a cheap, rubbish camera. I've invested and upgraded to better cameras through the years as my interest has developed.
"I have done a few weddings now for friends and family and I sell pictures locally.
"Dog and equine portraits are really my thing but I can turn my hand to most subjects.
"I enjoy landscapes and posed portraits but I love the action and movement of dogs and horses. And I like to work on outdoor shoots."
The dog in Thomas's winning Findhorn picture does not belong to him. He explained: "I go to Findhorn Beach quite a lot. I was actually there that day to photograph seals when I saw a dog running through the surf. It's great when you see a something completely unplanned and you know it'll make a great picture."
Thomas later linked up with the dog's owner through social media and presented her with a print.
To view more of Thomas's pictures visit the website at thomassalwayphotography.co.uk , or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Thomassalwayphotography/ or https://www.facebook.com/studio57north/ .
