My NYE in London

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

United Kingdom | Thursday, July 4, 2013 | 5 photos

The moment I saw this competition, I felt as though it had been designed for me!

I have been seriously interested in photography for around 5 years. My father was an advertising and fashion photographer, but the bug didn't grab me until I was 21 or so. This coincided with an interest in "urban exploration" - locating and documenting abandoned buildings and structures in Europe and the UK.

At 16 I trained as a chef, and have been working as one since. I have enjoyed it, but I feel more and more strongly that I have a lot more of the world to see. I learned what I do know by myself through a mix of online research, magazines, experimentation and talking to other photographers, but have never had any formal training. I am a quick learner and listen well. Other than photography, my interests include mountain biking, travelling and DIY. I take great interest in the environment and the effect humans are having - I would love the chance to see and document this, first hand.

For me, this would be a great adventure and I feel I have the right attitude and base skills to really make the most of this opportunity with energy and enthusiasm. To work for National Geographic would be a dream!