I was first seriously smitten with the photography bug in the early 1970s while I was still at school. Later in my early teens, I joined a local camera club near to my parent’s home in Manchester.
After three immensely happy and informative years at Blackpool College, I graduated in 1981. My first job was as a retinal medical photographer at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. This wasn’t the most creative job, and I left after 10 months.
After that, I worked for Cheshire County Council exhibition and graphics group in Northwich. This gave me experience of working alongside graphic designers and artists, gaining invaluable insights into how these allied professions worked.
I was also lucky to have access to basic 5x4 and medium format kits. It was here that I really started experimenting with my photography, spending what spare money I had on film. I made many mistakes but more importantly I was getting hands-on experience.
From 1986 to 1991, I worked for two Manchester studios, the second studio closing down early in 1991. By now though, I felt I had the necessary skills to embark on the adventure of my own business, and I founded Inside Out Photography later that same year.
Over the past twenty years, I have worked for a disparate client base, undertaking a wide range of commercial photography jobs from major projects for the public sector to modest one-off commissions for SMEs. During this period I have been a regular winner of major professional photography awards. I feel passionately about photography and I am currently chairman of the BIPP North West region.
I love being a photographer: it has allowed me to do and see things, which in the normal scheme of things, I would never have had a chance to do.
After thirty-three years of working professionally, I still get a buzz from walking into a mundane environment and coming away with strong creative images that excites the client.
If you look good, then I look good!
Bernard O’Sullivan ABIPP
Proprietor of Inside Out Photography
Chairman of the BIPP North West region 2010-2012
Your image is your future: trust it to a true professional!
