About us
Split seconds was formed by professional photographers Peter Llewellyn, Mike Byrne and Isobel Springett. Between us we have over 50 years of experience as working photographers in both international and national sports and wildlife and nature subjects.
PETER LLEWELLYN
Peter initially worked as a sports photographer for many of the British national newspapers, including the Daily Telegraph and the Times.
From the late 80s until 2000 he specialized in equestrian subjects, traveling with his wife Jean, a renowned equestrian journalist, to major national and international sporting events and photographing breeds, equestrian personalities, as well as feature assignments for specialist magazines.
In 2008 Peter sold his collection of equestrian photography to concentrate fully on wildlife, nature and environmental subjects although occasional sports shoots brings him back to his photographic roots. Using the experience from shooting several Olympic Games Peter worked for VANOC as Photo Manager at Whistler Olympic Park during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. He will also be working in a management capacity at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. (More information on this soon).
Peter now resides on Gabriola Island, a beautiful island just 8 miles long by 2.5 miles wide, a 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Today, Peter’s photographic passion encompasses wildlife, nature and environmental subjects.
To view a list of Peter’s photographic equipment click here.
Member
MIKE BYRNE
Mike has worked as an independent photographer and filmmaker for over 20 years. Although he is now based in Victoria, BC, Mike grew up in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, hiking and skiing, and along the way photographing the famous landscapes and wildlife of the Banff-Canmore-Lake Louise area. Little did he appreciate how lucky he was to grow up in such an incredible place!
Nor did he think he would spend his life making photographs and films. Mike’s work has taken him through much of Europe, to Africa, South America, and to 47 American states and all 10 Canadian provinces. He has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, watched a sunset from the Acropolis, dodged howler monkeys in Brazil, explored the Ngorongoro Crater, and marched with soldiers in American Civil War re-enactments.
Mike at work near Lake O'Hara, BC.
When he is not making images of nature and wildlife, Mike is busy photographing a variety of sports. He is the official photographer for several sports teams and for a series of international triathlons. In 2010 he was selected to work at the Olympic games — he was based in Whistler and was assigned to work at the cross-country skiing venue.
Though Mike usually works outdoors, he operates a small studio as he loves to dabble in portraiture. There is something very special in capturing a person’s character in a single image, where posture, expression, perspective and the fall of light are so critical.
Mike is frequently asked for advice about cameras, lenses, and photography techniques. He will always try to answer these questions (time and work schedule permitting) and finds that he really enjoys helping people obtain their best possible images. He is a huge believer in hands-on learning and if you take one of his courses you will find the majority of time is spent making photographs, fine-tuning techniques, and critiquing images.
To view a list of Mike’s photographic equipment click here.
ISOBEL SPRINGETT
Although Isobel didn’t start her career as a professional photographer until 2oo3 (unlike the old guys above) that hasn’t stopped her from from becoming an excellent equine and wildlife photographer. After an automobile accident in Jan 2002 left her seriously injured Isobel had to make a decision about her career training horses. She wanted to stay connected to the horse industry but was unable to ride and train as she had.
Isobel at work in Brazil
Then her husband bought her a digital camera for Christmas. Isobel had always been an artist, selling original works of art from tiny paintings to huge murals so this seemed like the perfect fit. In her quest for knowledge she met Peter Llewellyn and the two quickly formed a close working relationship, partnering up for trips to the Amazon and Pantanal on several occasions. Since those early days Isobel has gained a reputation for her beautiful equine and wildlife photography. She has also won several awards for her macro work. Something she is passionate about. Isobel loves nothing more than to get down and dirty with the bugs and other creepy crawlies to get that one great shot (Unfortunately her fellow photographers don’t always agree with what she thinks is beautiful!).
These days Isobel is busy with private shoots and horse shows as well as organizing photo trips to South and Central America. She also teaches macro photography.