A CHEF is fast building a reputation for more than just the food he serves up.

Simon Sugden is receiving growing acclaim for his other passion – photography.

The self-taught snapper specialises in atmospheric architectural photographs.

The images depict buildings in a stark and dramatic way and include boarded-up and broken windows in disused mills, shafts of sunlight through battered doors and vast rooms that once echoed to the noise of weaving looms.

Many of the photos also provide a valuable historic archive, as a number of featured buildings have since been redeveloped or demolished.

Simon, a former pupil of South Craven School at Cross Hills, has been interested in photography since as a young boy his mum bought him his first camera.

After leaving school he trained as a chef and his first job was at the Michelin-starred Box Tree restaurant in his native Ilkley.

Simon still enjoys being creative in the kitchen – he now works at The Hop at Saltaire – but for the past few years increased focus has been directed towards his photography.

He bought a 500D Canon camera from a friend and travelled around Bradford taking pictures of old mills, and the interest mushroomed.

He posted a selection of images on social media and received a positive response.

"It was encouraging to get compliments from family and friends – some asked for prints," said Simon.

"I have now photographed almost every mill in Bradford.

"There is so much amazing architecture."

He is also collaborating with freelance photographer Phil Jackson to document the city's Odeon cinema.

And he has captured images of Terry's former chocolate factory in York and the Church Fenton ex-RAF base.

Simon is an advocate of 'urbexing' – exploring the unseen areas of man-made structures, usually long-abandoned.

"I generally go with someone else, as it can be dangerous," he said.

"You have to take care and respect the building."

Simon's work has been widely exhibited and won him awards and has even been used on an album cover.

He also has his photography to thank for helping him to meet his partner Elizabeth, who recently gave birth to a baby girl, Jenny.

"We met on Facebook – chatting about photography," he said.

"Then we met in person – our first date was at Drummond’s Mill!"

He hopes that at some point he will be able to devote all his time to photography.

For more information, visit notjusthockney.info/sugden-simon or Suggy's photography on Facebook.