71 | Northern Enterprise Awards 2022 “The north is always impacted by what occurs elsewhere in the country. But with the help from forward thinking local councils like North Tyneside setting up opportunities to support new entrepreneurs through facilities such as the Business Factory, North Tyneside Business Forum and the new Shop North Tyneside the SME market is growing.” Another trend which Michael has noticed emerging of late is that of a rise in the number of professional photographers on the scene. He believes this is due to the Covid-19 pandemic where lots of amateur photographers were furloughed from their day jobs and made the leap to becoming professional. Whilst Michael is a one-man band and not in a position to employ any staff members, he has been instrumental in successfully setting up a local photography club and he is also starting to promote photography for the visually impaired. “With camera technology being as good as it is today, someone who has little vision can still line up a shot and, and with auto focus, take a good photograph.” This helps with loneliness and becomes a mindful pursuit for everyone concerned. Recently, as a reward for his passion and hard work, Michael was recognised in the SME News Northern Enterprise Awards and bestowed with the prestigious title of Best Landscape Photographer 2022 (Southeast Northumberland). Now his plans for the future are to make the most of his business, and potentially sell his prints in some major department stores. “Photography is a passion and hopefully my passion comes through in the quality and diversity of my prints,” he enthuses. “Confusius said, “Find work you enjoy and you will never work a day in your life”, and I am lucky that this is my enjoyment. Seeing the smile on someone’s Seeing the world through a lens can often provide a unique perspective. Photographer Michael Rickwood finds this to be the case, and his passion for his work is evident as we speak to him about his recent recognition in the Northern Enterprise Awards 2022. Michael Rickwood is a self-taught photographer who has been taking pictures for nearly 60 years. It all started with the gift of a Kodak Box Brownie back in the 1960s which ignited his passion, especially his love for landscapes. Now, more than half a century later and armed with the more modern Canon Eos 90D, Michael takes photographs that inspire him and his social media followers. “I try to capture the landscape features to show different aspects of an often familiar scene,” he says, talking of his approach. “My core value is to capture a moment in time and present it in a way that it will touch others’ senses and maybe they will want to explore where I have been to see the area for themselves.” Whilst his love of landscapes prevails above everything else, Michael has diversified his portfolio and offers commissions too, such as horse portraiture, vintage cars, and even abstract offerings. “My USP I think is my willingness to learn and change,” he explains. “In the northeast, there are numerous good photographers who I need to compete with, but my enthusiasm to look at ways to present things differently certainly helps me stand out.” Michael loves being based in the north and believes it to be a very friendly, cooperative, and supportive area to be in. There is plenty of business support from the local councils, and he also finds that fellow photographers will critique his work and offer different solutions to problems. The arts and crafts industry are on the increase, too, with a growing number of craft and artisan markets popping up which help to promote local goods and services and provide a greater reach for businesses. Best Landscape Photographer 2022 (Southeast Northumberland): Michael Rickwood Nov22050 face when they connect with a print gives me a real sense of pride and reassurance that my eye was right!” Contact: Michael Rickwood Company: MR Photography Web Address: www.MR-photography.co.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==