I was born in Kenya in 1938. After completing my education, I was initially employed in the agricultural sector involving insect pest control in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Honduras. I then moved to South Africa to take up a position with the Australian Dung Beetle Research Unit for a couple of years before finally accepting a post at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown where I researched nesting behaviour in aculeate wasps. All these years also provided me with many picture-taking opportunities, and since retirement I devote all my time to this pastime.