The 29-year-old Mancunian featured in Living TV's Britain's Next Top Model on Monday night, photographing five gorgeous finalists alongside presenter George Lamb for Company magazine.

"I was commissioned to shoot an editorial for the magazine," Simon told the Jewish Telegraph.

"It was slightly removed from what a standard photoshoot is usually like because there were TV cameras in my face and I had to repeat things to the camera.

"But it was really good fun and George is a cool guy."

Since setting up his photography company, Simon has acquired top brands such as House of Fraser, Vogue, Ted Baker and Debenhams.

Simon, the son of Sandra and Michael Lipman, used an old 35mm point-and-shoot camera as a kid, taking pictures of everything he saw.

But it was not until he started an art foundation course that he fell in love with photography, at the age of 18.

The former Manchester King David High School pupil recalled: "One of the modules was photography. As soon as I picked up the camera, that was it. Nothing equates to the feeling of having your first roll of film developed. I guess it became an obsession."

Simon moved on to study visual communications at Leeds University, but he revealed he constantly clashed with his tutors.

He recalled: "They were quite anti-establishment and wanted me to do things their way, but I didn't want to - I just wanted to make my mark in fashion photography."

After moving to London in 2003, Simon worked as a studio assistant for fashion photographer Chris Craymer.

He recalled: "It was quite menial, but I Iearned a lot."

He also freelanced for legendary photographers Mario Testino and Robert Erdmann.

Simon explained: "It was only a matter of time before I set up on my own. It has been a hard road, though, with both good and bad times so far.

"I haven't reached the lofty heights of high fashion photography yet and there is a long way to go.

"I have to be 100 per cent committed."

His photography has taken him around the world to exotic places such as Mexico, Miami, Botswana and South Africa.

Simon, whose idol and inspiration is the late German-Australian photographer Helmut Newton, said: "I just the love the diversity of my job.

"Every day is different and every day presents a different challenge.

"I love the creativity that is involved and it is great when everyone in the studio is involved with the shoot and it comes out looking great.

"There is a feeling of satisfaction that we have created something together."

His main aim is to be at the forefront of fashion photography.

And it is a good job Simon's fiancée Nikki Fraser understands his obsession - the happy couple are getting married in December.

www.simonlipman.co.uk