A CZECH-born photographer who found inspiration in the Malvern Hills has proved a hit with art buyers.

Jan Sedlacek, originally from Prague, moved to Malvern four years ago and began carving out a niche with his evocative, haunting portraits of the hills.

The 30-year-old began working as a carer for a disabled artist when he first moved to Worcestershire.

It was there he learnt the skills of framing and printing as well as how to run a successful business based around a creative talent.

Mr Sedlacek, a former professional pool player in his native country, said: “I decided to begin a career as a photographer. Working on the Malvern Hills is the core of my portfolio. I have developed this style which separates me from other people.”

Indeed, the hills have become a trademark theme of Mr Sedlacek’s work and he is committed to capturing the perfect image of them. This can involve dropping everything and sprinting to a good vantage point in an effort to capture a particular light condition.

“Sometimes I’m just travelling around the Malvern Hills looking for a place where I can get a good view, so when the weather conditions are right I know where to go.

“Some of the photographs have basically been created because I have been on a golf course and seen the situation is coming all together.

“There is a mist approaching and there is a full moon. I have planned this picture and when the conditions finally appear I grab my camera and head up to the hills. When I approach the composition, I do it like a painter or a classical artist.

“You have several elements in the picture. I’m trying to make the composition as easy to understand as possible – and always eye-pleasing.”

But Mr Sedlacek, who lives in Abbey Road, doesn’t rely solely on his camera equipment to get the perfect picture. He uses subtle image manipulation techniques to boost certain colours and emphasise certain light conditions.

It is the reason his pictures, usually printed on special textured full cotton canvas, have been described as bridging the gap between photography and painting.

“I’m not changing anything, I’m keeping the reality of it. That’s a crucial point. All of my work is a photograph of the place at that time.

“Maybe the colours may be enhanced to get the mood right in the picture.”

The sheer panoramic scope of the artist’s pictures means many buyers have favoured very large prints, with local restaurants – including Malvern Tilla, Spice Cottage and Pepper and Oz – choosing to display his work on their walls.

Mr Sedlacek hopes he has developed his own distinctive style which sets him apart from other photographers who focus on Malvern’s best-known features.

He said: “In terms of style, colours and character, it’s something that has my signature in it. Without even having my label underneath, they will know it is made by me.”

Examples of Mr Sedlacek’s work, which sell from £40, are available to view on his website at digitlight.co.uk.