“My eyes are my business”

How many pairs of spectacles or sunglasses do you own?

I own three pairs of spectacles and around six pairs of sunglasses. I like to have options.

What frame shapes, colours or styles do you usually go for?

I don’t really have a usual style. It depends entirely on my mood, outfit and thoughts at the time of buying or being fitted for new glasses. I like and wear everything and anything.

Can you describe your favourite pair?

I don’t tend to have favourites as my mood, and consequently my style, varies so dramatically. To be honest, sometimes I like wearing the glasses that make my girlfriend say, ‘Oh I love you in those,’ and sometimes I like to wear the ones that make her say, ‘Oh god not those ones.’ I’m very driven by mood and occasion so I base a lot of my styles off of that.

I have always been drawn to companies who are striving for good in this world. It’s incredibly important for me to be aligned with companies that match my values

Who would you pick as your style icon when it comes to eyewear?

My style icons vary hugely, and if you were to put them all in a room together, I expect the conversation would be fascinating. Billy Connolly is a huge inspiration. He has mixed with many famous people but his ability to be completely himself is admirable and something I always strive to do. Tupac Shakir is my next unlikely icon. His ability to wear seemingly unfashionable glasses but make them look good always makes me smile. My last is Johnny Depp. His style is understatedly unique.

How long have you worn spectacles for, and what prompted you to go for your first sight test?

I’ve worn spectacles for about four to five years. I’m religious about going to the optician. My eyes are how I work, make a living and perceive the world, and they are incredibly important to me. It was during a regular check-up that I was advised to start wearing glasses.

As a photographer specialising in travel and lifestyle, how do the right pair of frames enable you in your work?

My eyes are my business. My sunglasses have to be comfortable and make me want to wear them. There’s nothing worse than squinting into the sun as you’re trying to frame your shot, or capture a fleeting moment, wondering where the heck you put down your sunglasses because they weren’t comfortable enough to wear while shooting. Tint is really important to me too. The wrong tint can really throw off an image and sometimes make me less enthusiastic to capture certain light or scenes.

How important is eyewear in reflecting your personality?

It is incredibly important. Eyewear is just like the shoes you put on, or the way you style your hair. It’s an opportunity to further demonstrate who you are and what you’re about. Glasses offer an external layer of your style, and this is the exact reason I don’t have favourites or go-to styles. It’s about the mood of the day and where you’re going.

Don’t be overwhelmed in attempting to do everything right, just be mindful and try your best. After all, we do not need one person doing it perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly

What does it mean to you to be a Pala Eyewear ambassador?

I have always been drawn to companies who are striving for good in this world. It’s incredibly important for me to be aligned with companies that match my values, and Pala Eyewear do this perfectly. They are understated, minimalist in their styles, and ever-fashionable. It is a joy to be a Pala Eyewear ambassador, and I feel lucky to work alongside and create imagery for a company that does nothing but good and focuses on improving the world we live in.

Inevitably, my girlfriend and my siblings seem to take ownership of almost every pair of sunglasses I have, which I love. Sharing sustainability and brands who are working hard at this is something I welcome (even if it does mean I’m constantly looking for my sunglasses).