The pivotal decision to smoke his last cigarette unknowingly introduced Shener Hathaway to the world of photography; in what would become a life long love affair with the medium,  he decided to broaden his horizons and headed off alone with a camera on his first trip abroad in 1985-86 to Australia, South East Asia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii and Canada.

He was taking, by his own admission, holiday snapshots but on his return in 1987 he decided to explore photography more seriously by enrolling on a evening course. This prompted him to further develop his photography skills at the London College of Printing between 1988-89. He gained recognition with an exhibition of his work at the De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill-on-Sea, and saw an article published in the British Journal of Photography as well as commissions and shoots for various car magazines. Firmly establishing his love for photography he now began  to develop his own style as well as honing his darkroom skills; to this day this makes Shener unique, he does his own processing, printing  mounting/finishing and framing including making of the frame from carefully sourced vintage timber, giving him more control and making each print totally individual. For three years he concentrated on building a body of work and rather than completing his studies with a degree, he decided to travel and learn his craft as he did so instead. Travelling introduced him to colour photography, early mornings, long exposures and night shots; as can be seen in the vivid seascapes and beach pools of Australia in 1991. On his return Shener was represented by the The Special Photographers Company, his work was used for amongst other things, book covers and CD covers with two of his iconic photographs of Tower Bridge and the Embankment being purchased  by The Royal Mint for display.

The Windy Tree, London was a runner up in The Royal Photographic Society’s annual competition and became part of a touring exhibition. 

Shener’s work has recently been added to Artpil.

His work has continually developed and evolved over the years, he has not wanted to be labelled as a landscape photographer and has deliberately diversified his portfolio of work. He demonstrates a genuine connection to the subject matter, from his continuous and still ongoing documentation of London and its changes, vintage wall signs to graffiti/street art, people, and his photographic work in various countries in Europe.

What shines through in all of Shener’s work is his ability to really see and feel his subject matter, using his skill of interpretation to show his love and affection for his subject in every photograph he takes.