Which photographer or artist do you most admire?

Lewis W. Hine (1874-1940), one of the fathers of documentary photography, whose significance was not recognised until decades after his death.

What artwork, where money is no object, would you like to hang on your wall?

"Return of the prodigal son" by Rembrandt, which I first saw at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg in 1996. I've been back several times since and it is as powerful and inspiring to witness on every occasion.

What is the worst commission you have ever had?

As a young photographer in 1998, just out of college, experiencing the indignity of having to surreptitiously snap the Spice Girls leaving a restaurant in Manchester for the news agency I was (briefly!) working for.

What is the best commission you have ever had?

"The Election Project", which I've just completed, where I was selected by the House of Commons to be the official 2010 Election Artist; the first photographer to receive the commission.

Which famous artists, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?

Blimey, that's a tough one. I suppose I'd start with Fra Angelico, Handel, Rembrandt, Pieter Breugel the Elder, Pushkin, Andrei Tarkovsky, Andy Warhol, Lewis Hine, August Sander, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, Tony-Ray Jones, Martin Parr, Joel Sternfeld and Wolfgang Tillmans.

When are you at your happiest?

When I'm on the road in the motorhome with my camera exploring new places and meeting new people, preferably with my family in tow. They have joined me for both of my two main photographic endeavours ("Motherland" and "We English").

What is your most treasured possession?

I'm not attached to any of my possessions; however, the most treasured people in my life are my wife and our two daughters.

What book are you reading at the moment?

"Palestine - A Personal History" by Karl Sabbagh.

What made you laugh recently?

Watching my four-year-old playing the air guitar while "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns N Roses was playing on the radio.

What really winds you up?

The demons in my head!

What would your dream project be?

I'd like to be able to produce my own personal projects without the continual pressure of grant applications and fundraising to make them happen.

What do you do when not working?

I'm a pretty obsessive person and outside of work and entertaining the kids, there isn't a whole lot of time left. My one release is running along Brighton seafront. It's a perfect way to clear the mind and feel inspired.

How you would you like to be remembered?

A loyal husband and supportive father. I'd also like to think that I might leave some kind of photographic legacy, however small.

What music would you like played at your funeral?

"Movin' On Up" by Primal Scream.