Boris Pasternak had it right when he said that "Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us". 

So I was thrilled to receive a wonderful gift a few days ago - an email from the organisers of the Travel Photographer of the Year competition to let me know that I'd been shortlisted for this year's New Talent award!

I know I don't have a cat in hells chance of winning (this isn't false modesty - I've seen the other finalists!) but that doesn't matter. Getting this far is without doubt my prize and since the shortlist has been announced today I'll do my celebrating now! 

Here's the portfolio of six pictures I submitted on the theme of Metropolis - a ministract take on London.