Brian Harte was destined for a career looking through a lens - the 29-year-old intended to become an optometrist before pursuing his flair for technical, design and creative skills as a photographer.

Birmingham-born Brian came to Bradford to study optometry at the city's university but two years into the course he decided it wasn't for him. Then a friend asked him to take her wedding photographs, a request which changed his career path.

"While on the course I was doing some part-time work on web design and thought it was more for me. All my friends seemed to be doing that type of course and I was helping them out," Brian says.

He enrolled on the university's Electronic Imaging Media Communications course, studying TV, computer animation and graphic design. "You get to taste a bit of everything, including photography, and it was there that I first picked up a camera."

Brian was still intent on pursuing a career in web design until a friend asked him to take her wedding photographs.

"I'd not been to that many weddings so I enrolled on as many photography courses as possible. It was while on those courses that I thought I could do this full-time," he says.

Through Think Business, the University of Bradford's business support unit which mentors and supports its student entrepreneurs, Brian received the help he needed to launch his own business.

The £2,500 prize he achieved through Think Business for the most viable business plan enabled Brian to buy his photographic equipment and in 2004 he launched his namesake enterprise.

"I wanted to become known for my name and eventually I want it to be recognised as a brand," says Brian.

He believes he has found a niche market with his landscape portraiture. Making the most of the outdoors and the environment has earned him a string of industry accolades, the latest being the Licentiate competition at the British Professional Photography Awards.

"It's lifestyle - people are looking for something that little bit different," says Brian.

His winning avant-garde image of a bride gracefully walking away from the camera along a corridor in the grandiose setting of Oulton Hall in Leeds earned him a trip to the World Wedding and Portrait Photography Institute convention in Las Vegas.

He can't wait to mingle with some of the world's leading photographers and intends hiring a Cadillac for the occasion. "I want to do it in style," he says.

In addition to this award he was also runner-up in the Award of Excellent Prize in the classical wedding category and won the Yorkshire Outdoor Photographer of the Year for the British Institute of Professional Photography.

When he isn't taking stylish shots for his bridal, corporate and individual clients, he lectures part-time at Bradford College, passing on his knowledge and skills to other budding photographers. He is also a member of the regional committee of BIPP, a role which has helped him expand his own knowledge of the business.

"I fast-tracked everything, including working for someone else. It was a calculated risk but I just had the confidence in my own ability and pushed forward."

"I am still using lenses; just a different type to an optician. I think having a scientific background has helped me because I can be very analytical."

He says the best thing about his job is "being with people and it's good fun".

"You need to be relaxed, confident of your own skills and ability, and be a good socialiser," he adds.

For more information about a career in photography contact Bradford College on (01274) 433333.