About

My name is Tristan Findley. I was born in November 1984 in Hampshire, and have been employed at Royal Holloway University since 2006, working as the Systems Administrator of the Information Security Group.

I am a hard working and enthusiastic individual, who is eager to take on new tasks and learn new skills.

I always try to bring a sense of order and (self) discipline to my work, and always try to accomplish each task fully and to the best of my ability.

Outside of Royal Holloway

My life outside of work is taken up with various hobbies and activities. Mostly, these consist of studying for my PPL (Private Pilots License), Photography, and working with computers outside of my job.

Photography

My love of photography dates back to my childhood. My father has always been into photography, and now I share in that love. I started out with 35mm point-and-shoot cameras when I was younger. While at University I bought myself a Fuji Finepix S7000, with a full manual feature set. This allowed me my first taste at proper photography. I quickly took to the new camera, and was soon snapping everything in sight. After 2 years, I had finally developed a reasonable understanding of the manual settings of the camera, as well as an eye for beauty and ‘good photographs’.  Once I started work at Royal Holloway, I took the next step and purchased a Canon EOS 400D DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) digital camera, with a Canon 18-55mm (stock) lens, and a Tamron 70-300mm Telephoto / macro lens. This camera was my gateway into a new and exciting life of photography. The difference between the DSLR and my old all-in-one digital camera was staggering. Photos that I were taking were no longer just of the quality that would be good enough to preserve memories of times gone by for myself, but now good enough to show to others, and to let them share in parts of my life. This camera has stuck with me through my recent holidays and excursions around the UK, and has always provided me with the very best photos. It also pushed my photography skills and has forced me to read and study the art of photography, composition, presentation, and modification, which I hope will make me a better photographer in the future.

In early 2009 I parted with my Canon EOS 400D and associated lens, and in mid-2009 purchased a Canon 50D Body, Canon 17-85mm & 70-300mm lenses, and Canon 430EX II Flash. I had decided upon moving to the xxD range back at the beginning of the year, when I got the opportunity to try out the Canon 40D with 17-85mm lens at the Insight Client Event in London. I found the improved shooting time, along with the responsiveness of the autofocus a major benefit, as well as improved controls, with all manual controls readily accessible.

I  hope that the new equipment, coupled with various sources of study (including other semi-pro photographers) will push me into creating even greater works, and improving my own skill-set and portfolio.

My previous works can be viewed at my online gallery.

“There is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment.“

- Cardinal de Retx