The Victorian stronghold of Dale Fort looms over spectacular coastline and a rich marine environment. It is the ideal site for the Dale Fort Field Studies Centre which teaches students from all over the world.

And the centre is the ideal location for John and Sally Archer-Thomson, whose photography reflects their passion for the environment.

"We really care about the well-being of the natural world," said John.

"If you can produce attention-grabbing photographs - beautiful or shocking - they will make people more aware of the impact we are having on it."

John, originally from Dorset, has been educating people about the environment for over 22 years at the Field Studies Council's centre at Dale Fort.

He has taught more than 10,000 students, has written books and magazine articles and gives regular talks around the county.

John's photographic work has proved invaluable in his teaching. "Photographs enable students to see underwater life that they would not otherwise get the chance to see," he said.

Sally has been working in administration at the centre for ten years. She came to Pembrokeshire from the Midlands, but her great-grandfather lived in Prendergast.

John said: "The centre is our job and something we care about a lot. Photography is something we do when we have time to indulge ourselves." These two passions sometimes create a frustrating conflict of interest. John has to pass on many of the photo opportunities he encounters when working in the field.And the summer concludes with the summer's more favourable weather, so finding time to take photographs can be difficult.

The pair are known locally for their underwater photography, but finding a window when they are free and conditions such as the tides, weather and light all coincide is not easy. John and Sally spend most of their time beside the water, but only dive about 20 times a year.

Their pictures are even more amazing given difficulties of shooting with both photographer and subject constantly moving with the current.

The Archer-Thomsons have travelled all over the world and agree that nowhere beats Pembrokeshire.

"It is a great place to live and photograph," said John. "Pembrokeshire is stunning."

And living in the area is a huge advantage when it comes to capturing its natural wonders on film.

John said local photographers know where to go and what time of day or year will produce the best picture. He can also go back when conditions are at their best which is not usually possible working abroad.

He has produced stunning images of the county's wildlife and landscapes over two decades, but John feels he has not yet done Pembrokeshire justice. Of their many photographic styles, John prefers landscapes and Sally is more interested in wildlife.

They are fortunate to share their fascination with photography and the natural world. Other people might be less understanding of the time and effort spent tracking down the perfect shot.

One thing they do not agree on is the film versus digital debate. John prefers to use film whereas Sally has converted to a digital camera. Her photography has become more adventurous as a result. "Before if I was not sure how it would turn out, I would not take it, because I did not want to waste film," she said.

Regardless of the photographic medium, both aim to increase public awareness of the natural world and its conservation through their work.

John said: "Hopefully if people see beautiful things they will want to preserve them." The Archer-Thomson's photographic work is available through Celtic Images Gallery, various local shops and on their website - www.natural-inspiration.co.uk.