I never planned to become a photographer. My first passion was extreme sports. Back in the day, I was a sponsored skateboarder with Adidas, dreaming of a career in fitness. But life has a funny way of surprising you.

One day, I visited a friend who was editing some photos. I was blown away by the stories his pictures told and decided to give it a go myself. Armed with a borrowed camera and zero expectations, I started shooting. Turns out, I had a knack for capturing real moments, and just like that, John Steel Photography was born.

For me, photography is all about people and their stories. It’s about capturing them exactly as they are - natural, raw, and real. No stiff poses, no awkward setups. Just authentic moments that don’t need words to explain them.

I don’t do studio shoots with white backgrounds or cheesy, staged shots. My studio is wherever the action is - whether it’s a wedding, a family day out, or a branding session. I use natural light and the surroundings to create images that are as unique as the people in them.

Over the years, my gear has upgraded, and my techniques have sharpened, but my focus has stayed the same: telling unforgettable stories through the lens.

These days, my skateboarding days are behind me - thankfully for my knees! I’m a proud Yorkshire family man with two beautiful daughters, spending my time capturing the moments that matter most for my clients.

I’m not your typical photographer. My clients come back again and again because they know I bring something different: photos that are honest, full of personality, and talked about for years.

No gimmicks, no fake smiles - just the real stuff that makes life beautiful.