My early interest in photography began by watching my father and older brother, hand colouring photographs and blacking out the bathroom as a darkroom. In 1960 I acquired a Voigtlander Vito B. This camera gave excellent service through the 60's into the 70's recording early family life, holidays etc.

An early attempt at 'serious' photography came in 1974 when I joined a fledgling camera club in East Sussex where I lived in those days. Unfortunately the club folded within two years and that combined with becoming a commuter to London, put paid to 'spare time'.

The years came and went as did a Practica L, Pentax MX; Canon eos 300 which all provided faithful service until a Canon EOS 30 lit the fire again. I wanted to get serious. The bug really bit again when I was given a digital compact camera. The immediate results combined with limited manipulation were a revelation. Here was the' darkroom' I always wanted.

With retirement and 'spare time' beckoning and having moved to the area some years before, I joined Southampton Camera Club. The friendly atmosphere and inspirational images encouraged me to learn more about improving my photography in the Digital Age.

My current camera is a Canon 30D but I still enjoy dusting off my older film cameras from time to time. Landscape, nature and macro are my main interests at present.