Richard Collins is commissioner for photography at Ilex Press, an imprint of the Octopus Publishing Group. He commissions practical and art reference photography titles that aim to educate, motivate and inspire the hobbyist photographer.

Richard studied photography at university in Kent, and spent several years working as a freelance fashion photographer in London. After a switch of career to journalism, he ultimately combined the two disciplines as deputy editor on Practical Photography magazine, where he gained an in-depth understanding of the UK amateur photography market.

He is a firm believer that photography deserves parity with the other visual arts and welcomes the opportunity that Landscape Photographer of the Year presents for showcasing the skill, dedication and creativity of those people who venture outdoors with cameras and tripod.

Richard is immensely proud to be publishing the book of the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition, and is delighted to be working with Charlie and the team at LPOTY.