He became picture editor at the Derby Evening Telegraph in 2002, and is now in charge of the picture desk at the Nottingham Evening Post.

Steve, (48), said: "Before I became a press photographer I made a living as a full-time musician for about eight years and had a song writing deal with EMI.

"Through music I ended up taking pictures and came to the attention of the Nottingham Evening Post where I was eventually offered a staff job.

"When I joined Empics I had to pack the music in because I couldn't guarantee where I would be, so when I joined the Derby Evening Telegraph I said to myself that I would put a band together."

With Steve on guitar, he didn't have to look far for a bass player - being joined by his brother Bern. Singer Tony Taylor is also a life-long friend of Steve's, and he tracked down drummer Keith Gotheridge, who he had previously played a few gigs with, to complete the Shining Examples line-up.

The band write most of their own material, and Steve describes their sound as "well-crafted songs on top of a funky rhythmic beat, with a blues edge".

Now, after a few delays because of work commitments and six months of rehearsing and getting a set together, the band are back in front of an audience.

Steve said: "We've done two gigs in Nottingham so far to test the water and the next step is to record an album.

"We haven't got any career plans - I'd love to be a full-time musician but you've got to be realistic!

"There's no question that music has always been my passion but I also love photography - and despite my efforts with a guitar it was a camera that took me around the world."

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