Although I did a little photography as a student, my interest was re-kindled a few years ago when I bought one of the early digital cameras. As an MD of an IT company, I felt it was important to invest in the new internet/web technology, and it was obvious that photography and multi media were as important as the more traditional IT technical skills.

Much to the dismay of my work colleagues, the camera was rarely left in the office as my fascination with photography grew. However I quickly realised the restrictions of these early cameras, namely inability to adjust depth of field, and limitations of the macro and zoom facilities. Therefore when I first heard that Canon were launching the D30, a digital version of their successful EOS range, I was one of the first on a 6 month waiting list.

The camera exceeded my expectations, and the tests that I did comparing it to the Canon 50E were extremely favourable. As a keen sailor throughout my life - racing in the Solent and cruising the North Brittany coasts - much of my photography revolves round boats and seascapes - in fact embarrassingly few of my photographs don't feature water in some form or other! The D30 has been brilliant for this sort of photography. Shooting fast moving racing yachts from a fast moving motor boat is exhilarating and challenging. The Canon 75 -300 IS lens helps enormously to capture the images I want.

However, Canon has now launched the D1, with improved resolution, faster shutter speeds, and a "weather" proof casing, and I look forward with anticipation to a February delivery.

This year I have been extremely fortunate to sell my business and "retire". This hopefully will give me much more time to enjoy my two main passions - photography and sailing!