Four Decades Behind the Lens
For over 40 years, I've dedicated myself to the art and precision of professional photography. This isn't just a testament to longevity but a rich tapestry of experiences, learnings, and an unwavering commitment to my career. As you browse through my portfolio, you're not just viewing images but moments encapsulated through decades of expertise. My extensive journey in the world of photography stands as a hallmark of reliability, profound expertise, and a nuanced understanding of both the art and the science of the medium.
Based in Bristol, a city once awarded the title of "Best Place to Live in Britain" by The Sunday Times, I am a photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and essence of my subjects. My travels around the world have allowed me to photograph all manner of architecture, landscape and a diverse range of people, from those in African displacement camps to high-profile individuals, all of whom have inspired me and enriched my life in ways that are truly transformative.
Growing up, my grandfather subscribed to only one magazine, and each time I visited him, I eagerly asked if the latest copy of National Geographic had arrived. The images within its pages transported me to far-flung corners of the world and taught me the incredible power of photography. These early experiences with the work of the world's best photographers instilled in me a lifelong love of the art form.
As a professional photographer, I am driven by the desire to convey the truth of my subjects in an attractive and engaging way. Whether I am photographing a building, a person, or landscape, my work is characterised by its clarity, attention to detail, careful use of light, and intuitive composition. I pride myself on delivering my work on time and within budget, always striving to exceed my clients' expectations.
Services
• Interior and exterior architectural photography
• Headshot portraits of directors and staff
• Photography of town and country houses
• Elevated mast photography up to 7 meters
• Commercial photography
• PR, Event and lifestyle photography
• Personalized, high-quality editing using the latest software
Prints can be ordered directly on the Fine Art Prints page
Recommendations
Richard Pendlebury MBE DL
Chief Executive Emmaus Bristol
“Walter is an excellent photographer. He takes the time to produce a high quality product to a deadline. He is easy to work with and is a consummate professional. I have used him on a number of occasions and can highly recommend him.”
Andy Clarke
International Consultant, Marketing and Business Development Specialist - with HUHO Consulting, Orckid, BMW
“Having worked with Walter at numerous events, directly and via the leading Golf Agency, NGL, I have no hesitation in recommending him. His calm and professional demeanour, attention to detail and client centric delivery place him in a special category in this highly competitive marketplace. Never standing still, Walter has continued to develop his creative and digital skills, broadened his remit and has built an enviable client base. Highly recommended.”
Richard Deverell
Illustrator - freelance artist with commercial experience spanning four decades
“Walter is highly professional, highly creative and totally reliable.”
Richard Hill
Managing Partner Gregg Latchams LLP Solicitors and Notaries
“We use Walter Dirks for many of our promotional events, he is a classy photographer who gets great shots that are easy to use for marketing follow up.”
PROJECTS
BMW Invitational Golf Tournament - BMW (GB) Ltd. Events
Exclusive photographer to the event. Photography of the golf, winners, venues and BMW cars at championship clubs (Wentworth, Turnberry and Royal Birkdale..... +) for marketing material and press.
BMW Events including Country Pursuits, Polo, National Hunt Racing, Track Days and the British Grand Prix were also covered.
One to One Tuition - Photographic Tuition
The Colour of Landscape
The Glass Room Gallery - Colston Hall Bristol
As part of the Bristol Festival of Photography, Walter Dirks and Sheona Beaumont presented photographic work exploring the rich, colourful and diverse landscapes of our planet. Their images range from global habitats to details of flora and fauna, combining awe-inspiring visions of nature-at-large and nature-up-close.
The Colour of Landscape
An exhibition of landscape photographs (including new photographs since the Colston Hall exhibition May 2012) at Harveys Cellars.
Salt of the Earth
The project involved capturing portraits and stories, while also overcoming various production and publication challenges, all while staying true to the original vision. The end result was a coffee table book titled Salt of the Earth, which was published in 2002 after five years of hard work. The project required extensive travel around the world to photograph and interview individuals on every continent except Antarctica.
Ebook @ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/salt-of-the-earth/id432845687?mt=11 and http://www.amazon.co.uk/Salt-Earth-Different-People-ebook/dp/B004X8E0B0
Rubicon Exhibition
The Colour of Landscape Revisited
Honours & Awards
Winning Bristol Photographs - 24 Hours in Bristol
Photograph of a little girl playing with her yellow balloon in the Cabot Circus fountain was winner in the 15:00 -16:00 hourly category. Moonrise over the docks was highly commended as runner-up in the 18:00 - 19:00 hourly category and also highly commended as runner-up in the Visit Bristol - Visitor Guide front cover prize.
Fellowship The Royal Photographic Society
Best Commercial Photograph - British Institute of Professional Photography
Best Use of Colour Photograph - British Institute of Professional Photography
Best Illustrative Photograph - Saskatchewan Professional Photographers Association
Additional Honors & Awards
Accredited Professional Photographers of Canada INC
Here are just few commercial clients I am commissioned by
BMW GB Ltd
The Society of Merchant Venturers
SACO
Mercedes Benz
Knight Frank
Savills
Patti Page
Latchams
Deutsche Börse AG
Pemberton
Crest Nicholson
Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort