A year in the life of a Citizen Journalist

David Cameron and Samantha Cameron - On the morning of the Royal Wedding you could not get anywhere near Westminster Abbey so I choose Downing Street instead to get a shot of the Prime Minister and his wife leaving to go to the Royal Wedding. A picture of them leaving No 10 Downing Street appeared in Hello Magazine, but unfortunately for me the magazine used a frame from the photographer standing next to me. The reason why I was gutted by this was that even though I have had three front covers of National Newspapers, my wife's criteria of success is when I get an image published in Hello Magazine. This was almost my time but not quite.

Barach Obama and Michelle Obama - I selected this image because Barack Obama was waving directly at me, not at the thousands of people next to me. I can only wish that was actually true, but who cares. Amongst the very high security this was a clear shot of the American President.

Police Motorbike Riders - I just like this shot because of the vibrant colours of the Police motorbike riders, with the Union Jack Flags in front of Big Ben just before the Royal Wedding.

Fire Inspector - Unfortunately one of the roles of being a photo journalist is sometimes taking pictures of sad events. Two men died in this fire and the news barely touched the papers. The fire was reported to have been started deliberately but it is strange how the media can over sensationalise certain stories and ignore other ones.

99P Stores - I went along to the opening of the 99P Store in St Albans because my youngest son's primary school won the ability to take part in a 99 second supermarket sweep to raise money for their PTA funds. The press agent for the 99P Stores was unhappy with the photos that the store had previously used in press releases so having my camera there at the right time earned me some extra money for supplying this corporate style shot for the company. I included this to illustrate that you need to be open to other sources of funding when you are taking pictures.

EDL Protestor - I just love the passion in the face of this EDL Protestor as he was taking part in the EDL Protest in Luton earlier in the year.

Police - Give Blood - Sometimes the best shots are not always at the heart of the action. These police were waiting for the EDL Protest in Luton to begin. The shot just looked strange with the Give Blood Posters above their head.

Katie Price - I have photographed Katie Price a few times at book singings and perfume launches. I think she fully manipulates the press to the absolute extreme but the press seem to like her and both parties seem to thrive. There was once 93 photographers at one launch. You never get toy sell any images from this type of events but lots of people think it must be cool to photograph her. The reality is that as a photographer you are being manipulated by her team to get the shots that they want you to produce.

Naked Cowboy - The look on the faces of the passersby were hilarious as I photographed the Naked Cowboy at St Pancras Station. This man has tons of Charisma.

Queen Elizabeth - Royal Wedding. The Queen looked lovely as she rode past shortly after the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Police Tea Break - This photo did very well in the coverage of the Royal Wedding. Sometimes you need to turn the camera around and see what else is happening around you when big events are happening. These Police had probably been on duty for many hours and needed a lunch break but probably could not leave their posts.

Christmas Day Swimmers - Sometimes I like to cover small events rather than big ones. These two young girls swam in the cold North Sea on Christmas Morning to raise a few pounds for an African Charity called Dig Deep Africa. The mainstream papers unfortunately only ever to cover major events and sometimes I think Joe Public might like to hear about about what two young girls are trying to do in the own world to help others more unfortunate than themselves.

Chewing Gum - I actually saw the artist lying on the floor but never realised what he was doing until I saw the image of the chewing gum on the Internet the following day. Sometimes you can miss an opportunity to get a great set together and then only realise later when it is too late.

World's Largest Christmas Tree - I was a returning home after seeing the Railway Children show when we saw the people building the worlds biggest lego christmas tree. We actually thought the piece being built here was a second tree. It was only later when we realised it was the very top section being built before being lifted on top of the main tree.

Northern Rock - I did not have my digital SLR with me and this shot was shot on a compact camera but even with this camera it is about the timing of the shot that impressed me. The reflection of the man in the window as he glances at the shop was perfect timing.

Tower Bridge - An old soldier said to his MP that it was not right that the traffic flowed over Tower Bridge as the rest of the country stood still to mark Armistice day at 11am. Shortly after that the MP started a campaign which resulted in the Bridge opening for the first time this year to commemorate Armistice Day. That just shows you the power of what an individual's opinion can have.

Police LMU - I have photographed the police on many protests during this year. They have always been very helpful to me as they are guarding individuals or buildings. I personally think that they have done an excellent job under very trying circumstances.

Beach Photographers - Photographers are getting a bad press at the moment especially with the Leveson enquiry. I like this shot because it is just a bunch of people who want to improve their photography skills and are out there on public course.

5 Olympic Medals - I got to spend 2 hours with Sir Steve Redgrave as he launched the Olympic version of Top Trumps. He is a very nice man. Next year will be a very big year for Olympians but few will be able to match his performance of winning Gold Medals at five separate Olympics. This is a rare picture of all five Olympic medals in his presentation box.

Bank of England Flag Pole - On a walk through London I saw some men with climbing gear on the top of the Bank of England. A first I thought it was a Fathers for Justice campaign unit I realised it was some maintenance men who were painting the flag pole on the Top of the Bank of England. Some stories turn out differently to how you think they might turn out.

7/7 Memorial - I photographed the 6th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings at the memorial where members of the families of the deceased turned up to the memorial service. It really struck me about how this event had deeply affected many families. I actually found it hard to photograph the event because it was still raw in the minds of the families affected.

Alan Titchmarsh - Alan was waiting patiently to be introduced by the announcer before he opened a particular Floral Tent at the Hampton Court Flower Show. I think it was just a nice happy portrait of a man.

Protest Placard - I have seen many protests this year. 2011 has had more protests that any other year I can remember. I always like photographing the protest placards where someone has put a bit of effort into what they are protesting about. This sad sketch of a teacher worked really well

Tractor - This was a photo of one of my other sons. He is 13 now using him in the image just goes to show you how big that tractor was at the Suffolk Show.