More about Keith Cooper
Keith Cooper is a professional photographer based in Leicester, in the UK. As well as his fine art landscape photography he covers architecture, interiors, annual report photography, advertising and corporate events/PR for national and international clients.
He also teaches, writes and lectures on photography and modern photographic techniques to individuals and companies. He specialises in bringing an appreciation of the latest technology to high quality Black and White photography.
The large amount of freely available information on the Northlight Images web site is a result of Keith's personal commitment to helping other people get the most out of their photography.
Thanks to site Visitors...
"I sometimes get mail from people who have found the site interesting and of use. It's one of those little things that is always nice and helps you realise that it is worthwhile helping people. I've had a few fellow professional photographers wonder why I 'give away' info for free - I think they miss the point, just because I do photography as a job, doesn't mean everything is about money"
-- Keith
About his photography
Living in Leicester, England, Keith has been a renowned landscape photographer for many years. Powerful skies feature prominently in many of his landscapes, especially those of his native Suffolk, long a source of inspiration to artists. His emphasis on the interplay between light and water gives life and vitality to many of his images. His interest in landscape is linked to an understanding of its form and structure, gained as a geologist. He shares Barbara Hepworth's observation that “Landscape is strong - it has bones and flesh and skin and hair. it has age and history and a principle behind its evolution”
He says: "I love taking photos of just about anything. Some of my most personal work is expressed in my black and white landscape photography - it's the sort of stuff that strikes a real emotional chord for me, and I love seeing it when a print on a wall just reaches out to someone else. Commercially, I'm always looking to provide images that convey just that little bit extra, whether it's the atmosphere of an event, or a picture of some food that makes you feel hungry "
"I was never the greatest darkroom technician and although I might miss that magic as an image appears on blank paper in the developing tray, digital printing has enabled me to get so much more out of my images. Add to that the potential image quality from digital cameras, and I suspect I won't ever shoot much film again. I do miss using small high quality SLR cameras like the Olympus OM2, but with the rate of change in technology, I suspect/hope it will be a temporary absence."
"The Northlight Images web site is much more than just a showcase for my commercial and artistic expertise. The articles and information are there to help people get more out of their own interest in photography, so to me, the main hope really is that you enjoy your visit to the site" -- Keith
In September 2011, Keith was invited to join X-Rite's 'Coloratti'
- "X-Rite's Coloratti includes the world's top professional photographers, a group whose vision, passion, leadership, and partnership are recognized and valued by X-Rite. Coloratti photographers are highly respected by their peers and are admired by up-and-coming professionals, enthusiasts, and students alike."
Biographical details
Keith, holding a 40"x30" print, with a 26"x16" framed print on the wall behind him (click on picture for full size view)
Keith has travelled all over the world for both work and leisure. He was brought up in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. Prior to entering University, Keith worked as an assistant at an insurance accounts department, an unemployment benefits office, an electronic component shop, an ironmongers, and a bronze foundry.
After earning his degree in Geology, Astronomy, Science, and Computing at the University of Leicester, Keith then proceeded to put his new skills to use in the Oil industry. Keith spent time in both the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and has worked as an Oil Well Perforator, an Underwater Engineer, a Geophysicist, and a Hydrographic Surveyor.
Following his tour of duty overseas, Keith returned to Leicester, England and used his background in electronics to help a number of local businesses that worked in this area. He has worked on Digital Weighing Technologies, Particle Accelerator Components for CERN, Industrial Control Systems, and was Head of R&D for a computer communications hardware company.
Keith moved from here to a research institute specialising in the complexities of Human-Computer Interaction, broadening the range of his skills to include lecturing to both undergraduates and postgraduates. It was during this time that Keith also gained his M.Sc. in this area.
Keith eventually left the research institute to set up his own consultancy company specialising in business strategy, organisational change, and corporate mergers and successions. Whilst running his consultancy company, Keith has been CIO of a major pharmaceuticals company and a Venture Capital Negotiator for the spin-off of a division of a large aerospace company.
Keith has many hobbies and interests. He is an accomplished cook, enjoys playing the piano, grows and breeds plants, is a keen astronomer, and reads widely on advances in the field of science.
One of his greatest relaxations is taking things apart, improving or fixing them, and reassembling them afterwards, which as he himself acknowledges, is something that was cultivated way back in his early days at the electronics component shop. Keith still lives in Leicester, England.
Keith will eventually add a proper Artists Statement :-)
Photo diaries by Keith Cooper
Other areas of our site that may be of interest...
We've a whole section of the site devoted to Digital Black and White photography and printing. It covers all the specialist articles and reviews written by Keith. We've many other Photography Articles and Photographic equipment and software reviews on the site aimed at helping you get the best out of your own photography.
There is a gallery of landscape photography and fine art prints.
All new material appears on the Articles, news and reviews page.
Visiting Leicester or wondering where it is? We have views from the Leicester traffic cameras.
