Alan & Ann Tate have been involved with birding since the late 1980's, Alan for somewhat longer. Alan does the actual pressing of the shutter, whilst Ann, a competent birder in her own right, assists in many ways, from following subjects to help keep the camera lined up on them, to dealing with queries. If you phone Ann she will know what you're talking about, often having assisted with the taking of a shot. In the case of a major twitch it will usually be Ann who has done most of the driving (and made the sandwiches!). My bit is far easier!
As you will see from the site, we have travelled quite a lot, usually with quality rather than quantity in mind, and this being the case can supply many photos of lesser known and restricted-range species. I still consider myself a birder with a camera rather than a photographer, but sometimes the results are quite acceptable.
Our photos are often published in Birding magazines, especially Birdwatch & Birding World, although as our lists get bigger the amount of twitching gets less. We have had photos published in about fifteen books ranging from I-Spy Birds of Prey(!) to Seabirds-a Photographic Guide (Enticott & Tipling).
When not birding, Alan is a locum Pharmacist, working mainly in Norfolk, particularly on the coast (surprise, surprise!) For obvious reasons he has a particular interest in travel medication and tropical diseases, often advising fellow birders on medication etc., for the more obscure areas, where the average tourist doesn't venture. He has a particularly extensive knowledge of seasickness but hasn't yet been able to find an infallible remedy.
Ann is a bookkeeper, chef and chaffeur, now only working for Alan, and looks after elderly parents.Much of her time is spent organising Alan, for which her help and support is much appreciated.