Having retired, I recently returned to photography as an interest after many years of neglect, at just about the right time, when the wet darkroom was slowly being replaced by computer-based image manipulation and digital printing. I soon appreciated just what a wealth of willing help and advice exists in Southampton camera club, which soon helped me to pick up the traces once again, in a hobby I really enjoy.

Most of my photography today, as in my teens and student years, seems to be either informal portraits or landscapes, although some of my more "artistic" shots, such as Shadows (see Gallery) have been reasonably successful, and is also an area for development that certainly interests me, when my eye sees the potential! Whilst I still lack the ability to put a posing sitter sufficiently at ease, I am usually able to relate more quickly and easily with people, in an informal situation, to catch a natural shot that brings out something of their personality, as I see it. However, there are also times when the shot calls for that special impact, and digital manipulation comes into its own. I felt that the photograph ( Jazz ) of Cuff Billet playing at a club needed a more "jazzy" atmosphere, similarly, that the background to Renaissance Jester (see Gallery) needed a less photographic feel, whilst the central character should remain very photographically sharp. I also enjoy the creativity of digital manipulation of landscapes, such as Fantasy Forest (see Gallery) and Easton, where I have a rather Van Gogh second version.

Where do I hope to go from here? To be more aware of how to use light to better effect in my work, and to develop a better understanding of the concept of minimalism.