Paul has just launched a fine-art printing business called UKVPro [picture credit: Paul Grundy]

Paul Grundy, 46, who witnessed his father’s suicide when he was 17, said: ‘I have worked on and off in photography and imaging for more than 25 years and it has helped me get through some dark times.

‘Witnessing my father’s suicide obviously had a devastating and long-lasting effect on my life.

‘But I think imaging brings beauty and meaning into my life and helps me to focus on the positive aspects of the world around me.’

Paul said he hopes that talking about his experiences will help others going through something similar.

‘It is very difficult to see anything worthwhile during a particularly bad period but taking the time to really see the beauty around you helps enormously.’

The Northumberland-based photographer, whose first camera was a Russian-made Zenit, has just launched a fine-art printing business called UKVPro.

Paul, who lives in Morpeth, previously worked as a woodcarver and glass engraver.

He added: ‘Imaging for me is a solitary pursuit. It allows me to leave my mark on the world, produce something that is hopefully beautiful and worthwhile. It says, “I was here”.’