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digital camera and, usually, then the computer, give me a means
of creative visual expression. Without a camera I would be restricted
to bad drawing, worse painting or the equally satisfying, but inevitably
slower art form of gardening!
I had a Canon film SLR for around 12 years before I went fully
digital with a 5D. I take in many different styles of photography
from landscape to portrait via still-life, press and promotional
work, street photography and social comment - whenever time and
opportunity allow. I have also started to do weddings - a great
opportunity to work with people, not just on the day but in the
planning beforehand and the sharing of my work afterwards. The
design of the wedding albums is now another creative outlet.
I joined Southampton Camera Club in 1996 and I enjoy reading
about photography as well as taking and looking at photos. I have
found inspiration in, amongst others, the work of Charlie Waite,
Sebastiao Salgado, Clive Nichols – a superb garden photographer
and Freeman Patterson a fantastic Canadian photographer who can
also write brilliantly. However, better than all of these I have
found weekly inspiration in the work of members and visiting speakers
at the Club.
I take ‘press’ photos
to publicise events at the school where I teach and parents and
pupils often ask for copies. I do like my photos to prompt a reaction
(and a favourable one is nice!); whether this is in the comments
of a newly-wed couple, a judge or friend at Camera Club, a reader
of the Romsey Advertiser, a visitor to my home or when I have
given framed prints as presents.
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