Simon Eldon, who has been working with the Sussex Learning Network over the past two years, is a Brighton-based photographer with a growing portfolio of work from a wide range of clients. He is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and his work for the SLN has included coverage of the network’s three annual conferences.

Simon’s work has a very distinctive and personal style and, whatever his subject, he aims to create “fresh, vibrant, colourful images with a very contemporary feel.”  Imagery, he says, is a long-time “passion” and he studied Film and Photography at London Guildhall University. He is also trained in graphic design.

After graduating in 1996 he moved to Brighton and went into publishing as a graphic designer, working on publications for the travel industry. Specialising in photography was a natural progression when he found he was becoming increasingly more involved in photography than in design, and was offered opportunities to develop his skills by working on photographic shoots. By the time he decided to go freelance he was head of a photographic department, organising work both in the studio and on location.

In 2004 Simon launched a new solo career, setting up shop as a freelance photographer and graphic designer. Some of his commissions, such as his work with Absolute Brighton, the city’s popular lifestyle magazine, call for both these skills.

As a commercial photographer he now regularly shoots for design agencies and magazines, providing lifestyle, portraiture, product and architectural imagery. His clients range from leading travel companies to clothing labels as well as interiors for hotel chains and boutique apartments.

In all this variety of work, calling for differing sensitivities and approaches, his aim is to produce stunning images. He explains: “I know how important a powerful image is and I always strive to get the correct shot. In commercial work that means very thorough planning and a lot of discussion with the client to find out exactly what kind of image they are after. A good brief is essential if I’m to produce what the client needs.”

In addition to work for corporate clients Simon also has strong portfolio of portrait photography. In this, his style is very soft and natural, allowing the subject’s character to shine through.  “None of my portrait work is formal or posed - my aim is to get people to feel so relaxed and comfortable that they hardly notice that a picture is being taken. This approach produces a very natural informal feeling which I really like.“

New commissions come through clients seeing examples of Simon’s work on his website (http://www.simoneldon.com/) or through recommendations. His recent commissions for SLN add yet another dimension to the broad range of work he currently undertakes. “ I enjoy working with the SLN team – they are very friendly, supportive and professional”, he says.