About me
My passion is for photography of places, from the iconic landmarks of Newcastle and Gateshead, to the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand. The role of the built environment is of particular importance to me, and striking architecture, new and old, dominates the subject matter that I photograph.
My interest in photography took form when I moved to Newcastle in 2000. It was a time of great change for the area, particularly on the Quayside. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge was opened soon after I moved to the area, as was the Baltic. The Sage Gateshead also began taking shape, and the Angel of the North was only 2 years old.
I lived on the Quayside for a while (before moves to Heaton, Gateshead and now North Shields), and it was my photos of Newcastle and Gateshead, particularly the Quayside, taken 'for fun' in those days that made me think seriously about trying to build a career as a photographer.
I started Steve Mayes Photography in 2002. It began life as a market stall in Tynemouth, where I sold hand-made cards and framed prints. Those days helped me to develop a range of products that are still on sale throughout Newcastle, Gateshead and the North East, including greetings cards and framed prints.
My early work was almost exclusively black and white – a result of starting out on film and working in a dark room. Since going digital in 2004 I have worked in colour too, though black and white will always be an important medium for me.
In 2006 photography became my full-time career, as I left completely my previous role as an economic consultant. It was then that I started taking on architectural photography commissions - now the cornerstone of my business. In May 2009 I was awarded an Associateship at the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) for my work in that area.
Selling physical products - prints, greeting cards etc - remains an important part of my business, and I still get a buzz from people buying my work. That side of my business is what this website is all about.
I hope you enjoy looking round. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries.
Steve Mayes
My interest in photography took form when I moved to Newcastle in 2000. It was a time of great change for the area, particularly on the Quayside. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge was opened soon after I moved to the area, as was the Baltic. The Sage Gateshead also began taking shape, and the Angel of the North was only 2 years old.
I lived on the Quayside for a while (before moves to Heaton, Gateshead and now North Shields), and it was my photos of Newcastle and Gateshead, particularly the Quayside, taken 'for fun' in those days that made me think seriously about trying to build a career as a photographer.
I started Steve Mayes Photography in 2002. It began life as a market stall in Tynemouth, where I sold hand-made cards and framed prints. Those days helped me to develop a range of products that are still on sale throughout Newcastle, Gateshead and the North East, including greetings cards and framed prints.
My early work was almost exclusively black and white – a result of starting out on film and working in a dark room. Since going digital in 2004 I have worked in colour too, though black and white will always be an important medium for me.
In 2006 photography became my full-time career, as I left completely my previous role as an economic consultant. It was then that I started taking on architectural photography commissions - now the cornerstone of my business. In May 2009 I was awarded an Associateship at the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) for my work in that area.
Selling physical products - prints, greeting cards etc - remains an important part of my business, and I still get a buzz from people buying my work. That side of my business is what this website is all about.
I hope you enjoy looking round. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries.
Steve Mayes
