John Todd

I am a practising professional advertising photographer and lecturer in photography.

I studied photography at Blackpool College of Art during the seventies and on graduating moved to London to pursue a career in advertising photography. After a spell assisting one of London's leading food photographers of the day I helped setup and establish the photographic studio for the John Blackburn Design Partnership. During this period "Blackburn's" became one of the most respected Design Groups in the U.K. which allowed me to work with many of the creative designers and art directors around at that time, during this period the majority of work was shot on 10x8 (inch) transparency film.

Pining for the North of England eventually led to a move back to the North West and after working for Carlton Studios in Manchester, as senior advertising Photographer for seven years, I decided to set up my own photographic studio along with a business partner and fellow photographer.

Our studio rapidly gained respect and became very successful, with myself specialising in food and still life photography. During this period I worked on many personal projects one of which included a collaborative undertaking with set builders, scenic painters, model makers and a live wolf. This became for a while one of the world's best selling art posters selling over 1.5 million copies. The studio continued it's success for twenty years.

After thirty years of advertising photography I decided it was time for a change of direction and resigned as director of the studio returning to University completing a PGCE / Cert.Ed course in teacher training. Since then I have been teaching part time on various Foundation Degree, BA (Hons) Photography courses and run a very successful evening class in Photography. I also still undertake commercial and advertising photography commissions.

I am passionate about photography and my personal work reflects my interests in hill walking and landscape and currently I am exploring the contemplative spaces to be found within woodland. I shoot film in medium and large format and also digital. My work is frequently exhibited and during 2008 I had a major commissioned show entitled "A Year in Saddleworth" at the Saddleworth Art Gallery and Museum. In 2009 I exhibited a body of work and video at the Red Bluff Art Gallery in California. Most of this work has been self published in book form and I am currently working on a new exhibition showcasing my woodland project.