Photo by Charles Gervais

Andre Ainsworth has been a freelance photographer since 2000, now specialising in food and drink photography as well as shooting some portraiture and events.

Originally from Bolton, he came down to London aged 17 for a couple of weeks, caught the London bug and is still here 19 years on, with his partner of 16 years, Dee, and son Otto.

How long have you lived/worked in Tottenham and why?
Thirteen years now. I bought a place here as it has great parks and at the time was the only place we could afford, but we have never looked back. We love it here. There’s a great community, the different variety of food you can get in the local shops and restaurants is astounding and the transport is amazing.

When were you happiest?
Now. I have an amazing partner, my son just makes me smile all the time and we have a new addition to the family on the way too.

What is your favourite sound or smell?
Crickets are my favourite sound. I always know we are on holiday when I can hear them.

What is your greatest life achievement?
My family.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Always smile and be courteous, you should treat everyone as you would want to be treated, and if you go by that rule then you can’t go far wrong.

Chocolates shot by Andre

What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. Say no more.

What is your earliest memory?
My Grandad holding me in his arms when I was one year old. He passed away when I was two years old.

What makes you unhappy?
I don’t like to see other people upset or in trouble, life’s too short.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
I like my life how it is. Money always helps but as long as you have good friends and family and you can laugh then it can’t be that bad.

What is your most unappealing habit?
I’m messy. Dee has been trying to rectify that for 16 years but I think she has pretty much given up.

Where do you hang out?
At home most of the time now, although you can find me on the squash court pretty regularly, too.

What’s been your best experience? And Worst?
My son’s birth was my best and worst moment as he had to go into NICU when he was born, but thankfully was fine after a couple of days.

Photo by Alan Duncan

What is your favourite nook or cranny of Tottenham?
There is a lovely little walk at the Lordship Rec park which takes you through the forest going up towards Downhills park. I love going there picking Blackberries with my little boy.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
I’ve been lucky that I have never really had any particularly bad things said to my face, not that I can remember anyway.

Tell us a secret.
I used to work on a fish market in Bolton when I was 16/17. Still to this day I love the smell of fish markets as it brings back so many great memories.

What has your career taught you?
Life’s full of ups and downs, especially with freelancing but usually there is something good around the corner.

What is your favourite dish and why?
I haven’t got a favourite dish, I would say I have two favourite cuisines which are Thai and middle eastern food.

What did you do today?
Got up at five this morning with my son, then went to the Houses of Parliament to photograph an event.

Describe yourself as an animal.
A teddy bear: soft and cuddly, but can have a nasty bite.

Describe a good day or night out in Tottenham?
A morning walk in the park with my family then a nice lunch at the Rec or at Bom Pecado where they do the most amazing pastel de natas.