His first photographic job was as assistant to the studio photographer Lotte Meitner-Graf and in 1958 he set up his own studio concentrating on theatre, opera and especially dance. Crickmay has worked for all the major newspaper chains and magazine groups, and has exhibited work at the Theatre Museum. He has also published several books. As well as photographing stars of the theatre, opera and dance around the world he has photographed many members of the British Royal Family.