Adventure is a word that looms large in photographer Cathy Teesdale's life.

From illegal border crossings in Laos to illicit, late-night drinking clubs in Cambodia and getting lost in the backstreets of Morocco with a member of the local Mafia, Cathy has found herself in some tight situations.

But, for the time being, she has put her maps away to concentrate on her first exhibition, Stealing Beauty, at the Brighton Media Centre Gallery.

Cathy tried her hand at writing, editing, being a film location scout and promoting a welfare project before settling on photography as a career.

She said: "I decided I was a far, far better photographer than I was anything else. I found writing too self-conscious. With photography you can be invisible. You have to catch the moment. If people know you are there you have lost it."

Her ability to blend into the surroundings has allowed Cathy to take some extraordinary pictures.

During a visit to Cambodia she photographed a reluctant bride, her hands being bound to her husband as a symbol of their unity.

In the slums of Phnom Penh, a sick child is watched over by her mother.

And there are stunning shots of the White Desert in Egypt and monks playing in the Kuang Si waterfalls in Laos.

Cathy, 40, said: "I'm not interested in being a paparazzi or news or war photographer. I don't sneak up on people or use long lenses. I like places that are culturally different and off the beaten track. I like the subtleties.

"I like adventure but I also like the humanitarian side of things which bridge culture and age.

"Although the language can be a challenge, communication is the most important thing. Generally I want to photograph things because they are beautiful or joyful and that gets a very positive response."

Influenced by photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, she says: "I find magic in those tiny, fleeting moments when a clutch of elements suddenly spring into harmony, in perfect light.

"You've go to be ready and trust your instincts because if you don't see it coming and raise the camera before it happens, it's gone."

Choosing what to photograph is a mixture of planning and spontaneity.

Cathy said: "Once I arrive somewhere, I find I get into corners you would not find if you were following a guide book. I think I am blessed with good instincts which have kept me out of serious trouble."

When not adventuring, Cathy concentrates on wedding and portrait photography.

She was born in Gloucestershire but went to school in Mayfield.

Her father is a portrait painter and her photographic skills are self-taught.

She said: "I have a really strong sense of what makes a good picture which I probably get from him."

Cathy moved to London to work but decided to get out of the rat race and found herself falling for Brighton. She spent several months getting to know the city before she decided to settle.

"I moved down in April but didn't know exactly where I wanted to be so I lived in a camper van for three months.

"I spent some time on the seafront and some in Hove and some in Queen's Park - that was the only place I was moved on from.

"I've always had this romantic notion of camping in a lovely, green field.

"Living on the road was rather different and eventually I found it quite a chore."

Home for Cathy is now the ninth floor of a tower block in Kemp Town.

"It has fantastic views. I feel very at home. I love living and working so close to the sea and am constantly amazed by the quality of the light here."

Being at home is what Cathy is planning to do at Christmas.

She said: "I have a habit of working for Crisis at Christmas and this year I thought I might do some photography for them.

"It's nice to feel you are doing something useful."

Stealing Beauty is at the Brighton Media Centre, Middle Street, from Monday until November 24.