Toby Jones, from Hallam Head, is autistic and often needs extra support in the classroom, but photography has become the place where he feels most confident.
Watching his dad experiment with a camera on family walks got Toby interested initially, but now the teenager admits he is the one reaching for it most.
“I first got into it watching my dad take photos,” Toby said.
“But now I probably use the camera more than he does - I just really enjoy it.”
Despite only owning one camera and a handful of lenses, Toby has taught himself how to make the most of what he has.
He spends hours practicing in and around the city, capturing nature, landscapes and even the occasional four-legged subject.
“I love going on walks around Sheffield and finding nice spots to shoot,” he said.
“Nature and landscapes are my favourite, but I like doing all of it really. I enjoy taking photos of dogs as well.”
Toby, who is currently studying photography at GCSE level, says the subject has only strengthened his ambition to turn his hobby into a career.
“I love photography – it’s what I want to do as my profession. I’m not sure exactly what kind yet because I like all types,” he said.
Although largely self-taught, Toby regularly watches YouTube tutorials to develop his skills and experiment with new techniques.
His teachers have also encouraged him to continue refining his craft.
“My teachers say they like my work and they really support me with it,” he said.
“My friends like my photos too, which is nice.”
His mum says she is incredibly proud of Toby:
“As parents we would like to say that we are very proud of Toby and his ability to teach himself all about photography,” she said.
“Toby is autistic and needs a lot of support with his classroom learning but with his photography he has really found his strength and he definitely has a good eye to visualise what would make a good photo.”
Proud of his home city, Toby hopes one day to build a reputation not just for himself, but for Sheffield.
“I really like Sheffield and I’m proud of the city,” he said.
“I’d love to become a well-known photographer and represent it one day.”
For now, the young photographer is focused on continuing to capture the city he calls home – one image at a time.
Take a look at the work he is most proud of below.
. Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer
Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer. | Contributed
1. Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer
Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer | Toby Jones
2. Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer
Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer | Toby Jones
3. Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer
Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer | Toby Jones
4. Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer
Toby Jones, from Sheffield is an avid photographer | Toby Jones