David Beckham is secretly studying to be a photographer.

The soccer star has become obsessed with taking pictures and has even splashed out on pricey camera equipment to help him with his new hobby.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: ''Since David took some photography lessons, he never puts his camera down.

''He's bought himself how-to books and spends hours trying to perfect shots.

''He thinks he's David Bailey now he's had a few lessons. He takes pictures of everything - birds in his back garden, flowers, the sky, his kids playing football.

''He's spent thousands. His camera equipment is better than some professionals.''

Meanwhile, proud dad David recently revealed his 14-month-old daughter Harper is a mix of him and his fashion designer wife Victoria as she is into ''soccer and handbags''.

The 37-year-old sports star is delighted the tot - who was seen kicking a football on a pitch recently - is picking up traits from both him and Victoria, and is also taking tips from her brothers Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 10, and seven-year-old Cruz.

He said: ''She is a mixture of us both. She is walking and running around and the boys are running with her to make sure she doesn't fall.

''She is also kicking the ball around while she is carrying handbags.''