In the seventeenth of our special features celebrating our favourite Instagram photographers with links with our city, we feature James King (@jms_kng).

Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Hi, my name is James.  I’m originally from Essex and came to Portsmouth for University in 2008 and refused to leave after graduating in 2011.

Can you tell me more about your photographic experience; is this something that you’ve studied or maybe a hobby that you’ve developed?
I don’t consider myself to have a creative bone in my body so if there’s a level below amateur then that’s how I would describe my photographic experience.  Photography has recently become a hobby that I am looking to learn more about in an attempt to improve both my knowledge and ability. 

Do you have a favoured camera or device that you use for your Instagram photography?
I don’t own a proper camera yet and the majority of pictures on my page are taken with mobile phone cameras.  Earlier ones with the Smart Ultra 6 and more recent with the Smart Platinum 7, both made by Vodafone.  Any edits are done on the phone using the Google photo editor.  I also have a GoPro Hero Session that make up the remainder of pictures.

Exploring the theme of local, the south coast has a wide variety of climatic conditions, buildings and landscapes. Are there any places or environments that are personal to you or that you love to photograph?
The Portsmouth area really has a perfect mixture of nature/urban and modern/historic scenery and architecture.  My preference lies more towards the natural and historic.  The seafront and coastline are both obvious choices because of their ever-changing natures.  On good weather days, there’s nowhere better to catch the sunset than near Southsea Castle.  

Would you say that you take photos more for yourself or for others?
As I’m inexperienced and finding my way into photography I’d say I take photos for myself.  It has become an extension of my love of exploring nature and the outdoors and has become a way of capturing moments in time when I’m doing more of what makes me happy.

Are there any other photographers who either influence you or that you would encourage our readers to also check out?
Portsmouth has such a vibrant and supportive creative community with some excellent amateur and professional photographers among it.  There’s far too many to name without forgetting some so I’d say the people I follow on Instagram are the biggest encouragement for me to get outdoors and take some pictures.

The Portsmouth area really has a perfect mixture of nature/urban and modern/historic scenery and architecture.