Tributes have been paid to a Midland photographer, film producer and businessman who has died at the age of 70.

David Wilkins was well-known in the Midland media and business sectors through his work with First House Production and membership of the Birmingham Press Club.

Over the decades, many of his photographs were used in the Birmingham Post.

Mr Wilkins grew up in Birmingham and became head boy at Billesley Secondary Modern School.

He left at 15 and, following a job as a photographer at the Walsall Observer newspaper, struck out on his own with a successful photographic company in Walsall.

In the 1980s he was asked to join the first independent video production company in the Midlands, First House Productions.

Aside from making corporate videos and producing music concerts, the team covered landmark events such as the Birmingham Super Prix.

Mr Wilkins made many good friends at First House, which was also used as TV-AM’s Midland studio.

In the 1990s he spotted that no one was providing commercial aerial photography for the Midlands or much of England and Wales and established a business to take advantage of it, flying from Wellesbourne Airfield.

His son Michael Wilkins said: “From pop legends such as the Beatles, The Who and Roy Orbison to global figures such as Bill Clinton and the Royal Family – David had a fascinating life as he photographed and, in many cases, partied along with them.

“It was all a far cry from the difficult start he had being adopted in 1945 by a relatively elderly couple from Birmingham, Arthur and Doris Wilkins.

“His father had survived the horrors of the Somme but died when he was just 13, robbing him of a lifetime of his father’s love.”

Mr Wilkins added: “He was a hard-worker, an innovator and entrepreneur but was determined to mix business and pleasure, which many people struggle to balance.”

Having achieved a great deal and built up a sizeable property portfolio, Mr Wilkins and his wife Carol later relocated to Guernsey.

Through his Round Table days in the Midlands, he was eligible to join 41 Club in Guernsey and was honoured when he was asked to be its president last year.

Michael Wilkins added: “Although a long way from the Midlands, he still kept up to date with what was happening, choosing to have Smooth Radio West Midlands playing in his house.

Long-time friend Tony Gray described him as: “A veteran of the swinging 60s with a wicked wit and joie de vivre.”

Another friend, Mark Ansell, the former finance director and deputy chief executive of Aston Villa FC, said: “I never met anyone who wasn’t fond of David and we all shared good times in his generous company.”

Mr Wilkins said his family had been “overwhelmed” by the letters of support and cards received following his father’s death.

He added: “He may be gone but he packed more into his 70 years than most people could pack into a hundred.”

Lois Burley, who ran her PR company from First House for more than 20 years, said: “David was a talented and creative photographer who captured many of the Midlands’ most memorable images.

“He always maintained the highest standards of professionalism and was well respected among his wide and influential network of business and media colleagues. He will be greatly missed.”

Mr Wilkins is survived by his wife Carol, son Michael, daughter Laura and three grandchildren.