Simon Stafford first became interested in photography whilst he was a student at Aberdeen University. Within a couple of months he had taught himself the basics of camera and darkroom work and then, despite his lack of experience, talked his way into a job as the photographer for the university's weekly newspaper. During the next couple of years he spent all his spare time photographing the many activities of his fellow students and aspects of life in the city.
The thrill of seeing his pictures in print encouraged him to submit work to other publications and, since those early days, his photographs have been used widely in newspapers, books, calendars, and magazines. He has also enjoyed numerous successes in many photographic competitions.
Completely self-taught, he has built up a wealth of experience over the past twenty years with both film and digital cameras. Throughout his photographic career he has used the Nikon system extensively, and is now the Technical Editor to Nikon Owner magazine.
Currently he is involved in a wide variety of photographic projects, which include leading a variety of photographic tutorials and workshops, and contributing illustrated articles to leading photography magazines. He completed his first book, The Nikon Compendium, during 2003, which is a complete rewrite and update of the original title last published by Hove Books Ltd. in 1993. With nearly 400 pages and Simon's own extensive photography of Nikon cameras, lenses, and accessories, including a colour section, it represents a comprehensive history of the Nikon system for user and collector alike. His book The Magic Lantern Guide: Nikon D70s/D70, published by Lark Books, has become a best seller, and he has written further books in The Magic Lantern Guide series on the Nikon D50, Nikon D80, Nikon D200, Nikon D40, Nikon D40X, and Nikon AF Speedlights & Creatve Lighting System. Currently, he is writing books on the new Nikon D300, D3, and D60.
At the Gallery area of this site you will find portfolios of his work, whilst the News page contains a list of Simon's activities including forthcoming photographic workshops and tutorials, and details of his books and magazine articles.
"Simon Stafford ARPS is a regular contributor to Practical Photography and has demonstrated his creativity with a camera on many occasions."
William Cheung, Editor (former).
"Simon Stafford quite simply epitomises a standard of excellence in many different photographic disciplines with real style and, he is always ready to share his knowledge with others."
Gray Levett, Editor, Nikon Owner magazine.