About Rom Gostomski
My name is Rom Gostomski, and I am an amateur photographer residing in Andalucia, Spain.
Professional background
Throughout my career, I have been employed in the field of Civil Engineering, specifically in the areas of materials testing, building inspection, and investigation. I have been with Sandberg, a UK-based company, for the entirety of my professional life. My work has taken me to many locations in the UK and overseas, including the Middle East.
Over the years, I have developed a keen interest in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). In 2001, I founded the Sandberg GPR department, which I managed for sixteen years. I am passionate about advancing the boundaries of GPR and exploring innovative methods and survey techniques.
The big move
In 2017, my life underwent a significant transformation. I relocated to Spain, seeking a change from my lifelong residence and work in the UK. This move coincided with my decision to semi-retire, as the daily commute to London had become increasingly burdensome. I continued to work part-time for Sandberg as a GPR Consultant.
My newfound life in Spain allowed me to explore the country’s cuisine, rich culture and landscapes. I also had more time to pursue my passion for photography. Life became more about tapas in the sun, hence the name of this website.
Photographic journey
My interest in photography has spanned many decades. While I did not receive formal training, I have honed my skills through extensive reading of photography books and magazines, as well as countless hours of practice.
My first camera, a Kodak Instamatic, was a present when I was approximately ten years old. It was a basic point-and-shoot film camera. The later acquisition of my first SLR camera, a Pentax MX, marked a significant upgrade and milestone in my photographic journey.
I transitioned to digital photography around 2007, when I purchased the Nikon D40X. Since then, I have acquired several Nikon cameras, culminating in the Nikon Zf mirrorless camera, which I currently own.
Despite enjoying digital photography, the allure of film photography was always there. I resumed film photography in February 2020, utilising my original Pentax MX, which I still had. This renewed interest led to the acquisition of additional film cameras and the establishment of a darkroom. In 2024, I transitioned my online presence to grainyphotos.com for film photography and maintained tapasinthesun.com for mostly digital photography.
Other interests
In addition to photography, I derive pleasure from website design and the intricacies of search engine optimization (SEO). I have designed and maintained two company websites for my employer: sandberg.co.uk and groundpenetratingradar.co.uk.
When time permits, I find solace in reading and exploring Spain, particularly its renowned wines, tapas, and hill walks in Andalucía. My canine companion, Flo (Florencia), an abandoned puppy who once roamed the streets of our village in search of sustenance, has become an integral part of my life. Despite her initial frail state, I took pity on her and provided her with a loving home. She has turned out OK
I hope you enjoy this website. Let’s go and explore…