Steve Hanson
Accomplished photographer, Steve Hanson, studied the Foundation in Art & Design at Bradford & Ilkley College in the early 1980s.
Steve has been a professional photographer for
25 years and his work is simply breathtaking.
He began studying photography at Bradford & Ilkley College and secured a place at
Manchester University in 1984. His first
professional job was in 1986 for Opera North.
Steve has worked for many fashion houses
in London and photographed for advertising
agencies and the arts in the North. His most
bespoke piece so far was Ondine, which he
photographed underwater, for the Royal Ballet.
“I was quite shy at College and pretty selfcontained.
The thing that surprised me the
most was coming from school into a College
environment- the way everything kind of
freed up. I don’t think I would have been a
photographer if not for lecturer, Dave Rowling.
I think I would have become a geologist as this
was another interest and I had been offered a
university place to do this.
But after the photographic week on the
Foundation, Dave said I really should be concentrating on photography and groomed
me for the degree at Manchester. He felt that
I had a real eye for composition and light.
When everyone else was doing other things
I was allowed to focus on developing my
photography. I will always be grateful to Dave
for seeing my potential and giving me so much
encouragement.”
Dave Rowling’s faith in Steve was confirmed
when shortly after leaving College he came
second in national competition judged by
Norman Parkinson.
After meeting up with graphic designer,
Emma Jane Rothera (another ex Bradford
College student) when she was art director
on a photographic shoot Steve was doing,
the pair became business partners. In April
2007 they started a company Your Beautiful
Photography combining their vast experience
and creative talents.
Steve has recently travelled around the
country photographing 1930s architecture
for a photographic book, Eleventh Hour: A
photographic study of British Lido’s in the
21st century.
Photograph supplied by Steve Hanson