Paul Sanders

Guest editor Charlie Waite asks the landscape and fine-art photographer about his inspiration, the importance of the print and the enduring power of the still image

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THE first question is: why do you need to take photographs?

That is a good question… Because I can’t do anything else. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. It’s like a burning passion within me. When I take pictures, I feel properly connected with who I really am and what the world is really about.

I have no interest in the gadgetry or the ego or anything like that; it’s just about the image. And I get excited when I see something that I think might make a picture. Whether it’s a doorknob or a beautiful landscape or a flower, it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I can take pictures. It comes from right down inside me. Ever since I first held a camera, I knew I wanted to be a photographer. And I am intensely happy when I am taking pictures.

So it’s absolute food and nourishment to you?

Yeah. It almost sounds silly, but I live for it. It’s part of my every waking moment. When I wake up in the morning I look at the way the sunlight comes in through the window or how the rain falls. I look at the patterns. I find the most mundane things fascinating, just looking at them.

If you told me I couldn’t photograph, I would probably end up drawing. But I’m rubbish at drawing and I wouldn’t get the same satisfaction – although my back wouldn’t be sore!

How would you describe yourself? As a landscape or architectural photographer? Or would you say you’re a general practitioner?

I would just say that I’m a photographer. You know, I’m a bloke with a camera who loves taking pictures.