Frequently Asked Questions
Why this website, Doug?
Simple question, tricky to answer.
Years ago I loved photography. I used to be fascinated by the “art” of photography – the images, their meaning, the moment in time captured in a fraction of a second and the sheer beauty of the images.
I was also fascinated by the magic of making photographs, right from the click of the shutter, through to the final print. I believe that process was also an art in its own right.
Nowadays I have left my salaried career behind and can devote time to rekindle the love of photography.
Perhaps I’ll start by discussing, in blog form, about the stories behind some of my own images. Maybe I’ll be starting some projects and will talk about them. I might even talk about other photographers and their work. Let’s just see where this goes!
What equipment do you use?
The older black and white photographs on this website were taken with my trusty 1978 Nikon FM, using an even older 35mm lens. I still have it. Developing and printing was carried out at home with some rudimentary equipment.
From 2013 I used a simple iPhone. Although modest and unsophisticated, we have all seen some fantastic images made with phones and I carry it with me, almost everywhere I go. Before I forget, I briefly used a Panasonic point-and-shoot compact but the lens got damaged and it has been collecting dust since.
In February 2020 I invested in a Panasonic Lumix GX9 camera with a 24-60mm lens.
Which photographers have you been influenced by?
In the early days, in the 1980s, I was heavily influenced by the classic photographers of a bygone age; Ansel Adams, Minor White, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, Irving Penn and Richard Avedon.
Tell me about your career
There is nobody more un-career minded than me. It has always seemed more important to be flexible, to gently push doors and see where different paths lead. Although unconventional, for me this approach has proved to be incredibly satisfying and rewarding.
After a career mostly in the public sector in justice and local government, I retired at the age of 56 in 2018. During this time I had some amazing experiences and met some incredible people – from those who in high office through to those residing at Her Majesty’s pleasure.
Although my salaried career has concluded, I’m still on the look-out for projects to get my teeth stuck into.
Can I talk to you about a creative project, a book or a magazine article?
Yes of course you can, let’s talk. Just use the contact screen to get in touch and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
You have another blog?
Yes, I have a couple. The current active blog is all about my early retirement – Maturing Well
Where do you live?
I live with my family in Bedfordshire, England.
You’re not the only Doug Hook?
No, there’s a couple of others, best not to confuse us. There is:
Doug Hook, an American artist – click link
Douglas Hook, a photographer – click link