Mike Dobson

Location: Sedgefield, Cleveland

My 40-year dual passion for freelance photography and our countryside has resulted in regular publication in many top titles. Early photographic topics were as diverse as old bee hives, windmills and canal boats until I got my break with Sea Angler Magazine in 1989. This was a perfect opportunity to develop and showcase my sea angling pictures. The rest is history

Photographic achievements/commissions

Twice winner of North East Amateur Photographer of the Year. Numerous illustrated features and pictures published in Sea  Angling publications and books. I have also had pictures and articles published in Angling Times, Trout & Salmon and Improve Your Coarse Fishing. Pictures/features have also been published in magazines such as Heritage, Country life, This England, The Field and motorcycling publications to name a few. I also undertake a whole variety of other commissions.

Favourite photographic type/interest

Landscapes/seascapes will always be my main interest. However, during the last 19 years my interests took a major turn towards angling, and all aspects of sea fishing and our coastline.

Interests and hobbies away from fishing

Walking, cycling and motorcycling. I often take walking holidays abroad - Spain being one of my favourite destinations. Motor cycling and motorcycle racing is another passion. I recently enrolled at a gym... so no more 'Norris from Coronation Street' jokes!

Photographic/angling hopes and ambitions

I still get a real buzz from sea angling so no change for now. As for the future, I’m excited about Planet Sea Fishing magazine on the web, and see it as an opportunity to showcase more of my pictures. I’d also like to diversify into the walking and rambling magazine titles... sad, I know!

Your best piece of photography advice or top tip

Take as many pictures as you can of your subject from all angles, it’s amazing how many times the last pictures in a series are the best.

I bet you did not know

My girlfriend thinks I’m an anorak (not true), because once-upon-a-time I collected bugs and butterflies. A meaner biker-Mike surfaces when I am clad in leather and out thrashing my Honda NC30!

What Items would you sling in fishing’s room 101?

Anglers wearing dark gear (it kills a good photograph), and litter on the beach.

Heroes and influences

I don’t have heroes, just admiration for talent. I’ve worked with many top anglers who would fit this category, so no names because I would not want to offend anybody by missing out their name. However, during the early years, without the help of Tony Taylor, Tony Anderson and Bernard Westgarth I would not be where I am with Sea Angler today.

Most memorable fishing event/trip

A double feature for Sea Angler in North Wales taking in Pwllheli and Dinas Dinlle a 20 hour day non stop, but what a great day! The weather was great for pictures, the fish obliged, and the company and the craic was brilliant.

Question most frequently asked of this photographer

Question: Are you an angler?   
Answer: No, but I've known a few!