A SPECIALIST automotive adviser with an eye for detail is embarking on his boyhood dream of starting his own photography company.

Rob Lott, project manager at supply chain initiative Accelerate, has capped a remarkable first two months in business by securing a string of contracts and winning a regional competition for the imagination and creativity of his pictures.

As part of the prize, the Kidderminster entrepreneur has teamed up with a leading designer to create a new website - www.roblottphotography.com - to act as a sales portal for more than 95 photos of nature, skylines, landscapes, wildlife and the world of motorsport.

"I've always enjoyed taking pictures for as long as I can remember, but in the past it has always just been for fun or as a hobby," said Rob.

"After years of developing new techniques and learning more and more about the different styles of photography involved, I attended a joint Accelerate/Westfield Cars event and took lots of pictures of the cars on display.

"Before long I was being asked if the shots could be used for marketing purposes, which led me to think about turning the hobby into more of a commercial business."

Rob, who also offers special commissions, corporate photographic work and product promotional images, used this initial interest to start his own company and is hoping that the website's e-commerce facility will help attract interest from the rest of the UK and Europe.

This boost will complement existing work with Virago, Westfield Cars, and a range of private collectors.

"Nearly 100 photographs are currently online and this figure is being added to each week, with many of the shots available as a limited edition run of just 50 prints," he added.

"Furthermore, I have teamed up with another UK company to offer all of the photos framed and on large canvases for as little as £125 in some cases.

"The potential for growth is huge as my work can be used in a corporate sense, to decorate leisure venues or even part of an art portfolio. Bearing in mind the time of year, I've also had a lot of requests for personal Christ-mas presents."

Rob's day-to-day role sees him play an important role in the Accelerate operational team.

"The automotive industry is changing all the time and I'm very proud of the work that Accelerate does in helping companies embrace the opportunities and challenges presented by the future," said Rob.

"A lot of the skills I use in my day job are transferred into photography, such as a keen eye for detail, interpreting the true meaning of the picture and then ensuring you adapt your style to suit the right marketplace.

"Okay the automotive components can be replaced by a digital camera and a lens, but the principles often remain the same."