Service Photographer
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
Total years of experience :23 years, 0 Months
October 2011 - Present (maternity cover)
Service Photographer
Employed by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to cover Maternity Leave.
Personal Statement
I have over 20 years of professional photography experience, dealing face to face with people from all walks of life. Using my skills and a professional approach I have captured unfolding news from, natural disasters and personal tragedies to sporting achievements, celebrities and live music.
My passion for photography started at an early age under the guidance of my father, Tom Buist who has been a professional press photographer since the 1950's. My first professional experience occurred in 1988 while still at school. Assisting my father covering the Lockerbie bombing I gained first hand experience of a breaking international news event as it unfolded. My first photographs were published in national newspapers and my enthusiasm for documenting news, with my photographs, was ignited.
I feel privileged to make a living from the job I love.
March 1993 - September 2011
Senior Photographer
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal (now known as NCJ Media)
Head hunted for the initial position as staff photographer
Main Job roles included:-
Working and collaborating with staff photographers
Worked to a scheduled diary organised by the picture editor
Processing of photographs
Photoshop Editing (Apple Mac/Pc)
Caption Editing
Photo-placement decisions with sub-editors
Picture desk management
Organisation of diary
Supervision and development of junior photographers
Professional Highlights and Awards
Nominated for various national awards throughout career
June 1989 - March 1993
Employed as professional photographer
ProPix Photography Freelance Agency
The Willows, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland
Main job roles included:-
On-location photography for various National newspapers and magazines
Developing and processing film
Scanning and wiring photographs
Booking and organisation of incoming jobs
Organising and directing on-location photo shoots
General book keeping including invoicing clients
Covered all aspects of photography including:- News, features, sport, music events for national stories throughout the UK
Sole contributor for the Newcastle United match day programme and other publications within the club for four seasons
High School education completed in 1989 at Haydon Bridge High School, Haydon Bridge Studied Business Studies in 6th form, learning how to run a small business