Gloucester photographer Paul Nicholls has had a long and varied career, snapping shots for regional and national press as well as travelling abroad for war coverage and wildlife footage.
But it was only when the pandemic struck and he found himself locked down at home that he finally started to reflect on the incredible career he's had.
He started to choose his favourite images and his new book Gloucestershire: A Celebration was born.
Filled with 126 stunning images of Gloucestershire scenery, people and events, it champions the varied beauty and diverse splendour of the county.
His photographic adventures range from the Cotswolds to the Forest of Dean and the Severn Valley, encompassing historic towns and villages and the cathedral city of Gloucester.
Paul said: 'The book is to celebrate my 40 years in the business. Ninety per cent of images in the book are ones I have taken in the last 10 years as a freelance photographer and most have made the national press.
'Covid and lockdown stopped my normal everyday role of photographing PR and events, royal and VIP visits, corporate and promotional photography, but I was still doing news stories based around people dealing with Covid for the local and national media.
'I had plenty of time on my hands and started to look back at my 40 years covering events in Gloucestershire. The difficult thing for me was whittling down thousands of images into 133 pages. I could fill many books.
'I have been in a very privileged position to be employed to cover Gloucestershire life photographically, and my book is my take on this great county.'
Endorsements of the book have come from picture editor at The Times, Sam Stewart. He said: 'From Cheltenham Races to cheese rolling, Gloucestershire offers a plethora of events that capture what is unique about the West Country and Britain as a whole.
'Over the last 40 years Paul Nicholls has been in a unique position to capture such stories and has seen his work widely used in local and national press. Most importantly shining a light on the fun, uplifting and cheerful side of the country which delights the readers and is welcome respite from the everyday mundane news cycle.'
Mathew Fearn, picture editor at The Daily Telegraph said: 'Paul's pictures capture the colourful and quirky side of Gloucestershire life and never fail to raise a smile.
'From cheese rolling to Morris dancing, the best of his work is to be found in these pages.'
The book costs £18.99 and is available from Gloucestershire bookstores from Saturday 15 June 2024.
