Jon Sparks
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Lake District, Lancashire, Yorkshire Dales, Finland and the Baltic, New Zealand.
I am a professional photographer and writer specialising in landscape and outdoor subjects, and based in Lancashire, England. I’m passionate about walking, climbing and cycling, but my enthusiasm encompasses almost any activity that doesn’t involve the infernal combustion engine. I’ve been ocean sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, canyoning and cross-country skiing as well as trekking, scrambling and climbing. I have also ridden bikes everywhere from the boards of the Manchester Velodrome to the gnarly descents of Torridon and the wilds of New Zealand.
I've also written extensively about photography, notably writing and illustrating more than 25 Nikon camera guides for Ammonite Press.
I have travelled and photographed in Pakistan, Canada, Morocco, and Australia, as well as most countries in Europe, and have extensive experience in New Zealand.
I'm now giving much of my time to fiction and have just self-published the first of a series of science fiction novels.
Professional Activities
Commissioned and stock photography: own picture library, contributes to global library Alamy;
Author of over 50 books and numerous articles;
Photography workshops and talks/slideshows.
Recent Publications
Three Kinds of North - self-published 2023
Off Road Rides in the Lake District - Out There Guides 2022
Manchester and Salford in Photographs – Amberley Books 2021
The Lancashire Cycleway (2nd edition) – Cicerone Press 2017
Lancashire in Photographs – Amberley Books 2017
Expanded Guides (Ammonite Press): Nikon D7200, Nikon D5500, Nikon Df, Nikon D810, Nikon D750 – and many more!
Hike and Bike Bowland – Grey Stone Books, 2011
Outdoor Photography (with Chiz Dakin) – Cicerone Press 2011
Scrambles and Easy Climbs in the Lake District (2nd edition) (with Judith Brown) – Grey Stone Books 2011
Travellers Finland (4th Edition) – Thomas Cook 2011
Travellers Baltic Cruising (2nd Edition) – Thomas Cook 2011
Awards
OWPG Outdoor/Travel Feature Award 2022
OWPG Words and Pictures Award 2012
OWPG Outdoor Feature Award 2011
OWG Outdoor Book Award 2004
Commended in Digital Camera Photographer of the Year 2009
British Guild of Travel Writers Award for Best Photography, 2002
Overall winner, Isle of Man Tourism Photo Competition 2003
Highly Commended in OWG/OWPG Award for Photography, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2011
Highly Commended in OWPG Feature Award, 2014