I grew up in the seventies in Bristol, England, in a typical middle-class suburb. Television and movies were my favorite indulgences, especially anything from the United States. The scenery was so different and exciting compared to the humdrum of the English city suburbs and countryside.

As a child, I was a keen illustrator, spending hours pouring over the minutia of the subject matter. In college, I studied graphic design and photography, and I pursued a successful career in graphic design.

In the millennium, the digital revolution spurred my interest in photography once more. Ironically, it was the large format film photographers of the 1960s and 1970s from North America who inspired me. I felt myself drawn to the seemingly ordinary and banal vistas they captured with fastidious detail.

I studied photography at Brunel College in Bristol, UK.

I don't think I can remember my very first shot. However, one of my first as I began to take photography more seriously must have been the one I've mostly been known for, 'The Wall Frame'. It was on a trip to a crater attraction in America.

When I went through the entrance, I turned around to discover a brick wall with a rectangular opening, revealing a barren landscape beyond it. I actually found it more alluring than the crater itself. And it was a reminder that sometimes you just need to look over your shoulder.

Cambo WDS Technical Camera, Phase One P45 and IQ180 digital back, Schneider optics.

I can't think of one in particular. But I can say that when I did have my first exhibition, it was so nice to have affirmation from anyone who viewed the work and even bought prints. I think most artists suffer from self-doubt, even if they truly believe in their own vision.

When you receive praise, it's good to know there are others out there who actually relate to your work.

I've had a long relationship with melancholy ever since I was a child. It wasn't until later in life that I realized this would be more commonly defined as depression. So many struggle with mental health and anxiety, and this has clearly been a big discussion point in recent times.

So when I travelled, photography became a purpose as well as a companion. I think those are the reasons why I've always been drawn to mournful and serene landscapes. I personally find an almost sombre, nostalgic, and aesthetic beauty in discernibly banal scenes.

Sombre, contemplative, curious.

Since the internet began, the world has gotten smaller, and photographers are numerous. So to cut through an award is uplifting, affirming, and inspiring.

I have an ongoing signature series called 'Lost America'. This shot is quite symbolic of the style throughout my series and a good demonstration of the mood I feel and like to depict in my work. It seems to me a dying symbol of a landscape and culture that's hanging on by a thread.

Winning an award has always helped elevate my profile.

Stephen Shore, Richard Misrach and Joel Sternfeld.

Always look over your shoulder.

If you want to compete in an oversaturated market, you really need to find your own niche. Above all, stay true to yourself and don't lose sight of your vision.

I think success could be defined as simply enjoying what you do as a means of self-expression. Some write their thoughts down as a matter of cathartic process. I think this could also be applied to photography, painting, or whatever your creative outlet may be. So the key might be to enjoy what you do first, and if outside success comes after, then all the better.

Practically speaking, of course, there are books and online resources for information and inspiration. I feel that just by practicing your craft, and learning from your own mistakes, you're constantly gaining knowledge and carrying that forward to your next shot or project.