I started to get interested in photography in my teens with a Kodak Instamatic Camera,

Then putting it away for a number of years, but it was in the back of my mind that I wanted or needed a better camera!  After getting married,  I spotted an Gnome enlarger in my father-in-law’s loft, then I was away. The camera was a Praktica Nova & Pentax 50mm lens. (still usable but dusty!)

I joined Wigan PS in the early 70′s and won the beginners cup, as it happened this cup was given to the club by Jean’s grandaunt before the WW2.  We moved again  with my job to south Cheshire & after a few years joined Crewe CC, now I was only taking slides as I lost my darkroom in the move. We then moved again, & with work & bringing up our family, club photography was on hold until I joined Conwy in 2005. With not having any digital experience I entered the general section to come up to speed, then at the 1st full season, was made up to “A”.

In the Club I have always been competitive, to be in the top 3 each season, with many 1sts. In the last 2 years I have been on the judging list for the NWPA & enjoy meeting other clubs & seeing their work. I have also been asked to speak at many clubs. At this time I pushed myself to see how good I am as a club photographer, & started to enter British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE) I now have over 60 acceptances & looking for another 40 for my 3rd BPE crown. After this success I have entered the FIAP International Salons & over the last 2 years have over 70 accepted , & 5 ribbons, I am very close to  my AFIAP, they have changed the rules this year so that you need acceptances in 8 countries up from 5 so my quest goes on! Also I put a panel of prints forward for a credit (CPAGB) with the PAGB then 15 images (dpis) for my Distinction (DPAGB) happily achieving both, within 6 months.

I enjoy most photographic subjects, with people being what I really enjoy, as it is a challenging subject. Now I use a Nikon 300s & 3 lens from 10 to 300mm. We enjoy travelling to see other cultures & people.

If you are new to the club listen to what the judges or other club members have to say, but make up your own mind! but most of all ENJOY taking photographs of what you like.