How did you first become interested in photography?

My Dad bought an Ensign Ful-Vue camera, which had a waist level viewfinder. As a seven year old, I was able to use it to take a few photographs. Unfortunately, it started to let in light through the metal body and, in spite of being repaired, never really performed reliably. In my twenties, I bought a Canon EF SLR with a 50mm prime lens, which took superb photographs. It was very expensive for me at the time but, as they say, you get what you pay for. I still have it.

What is your favourite genre?

Street Photography! My interest began in 2016 when I came along to MPC for the first time. There was a visiting speaker from another Camera Club who gave an excellent presentation on this genre. He belonged to a ‘365 club’ [taking one photograph each day for a year and he had some wonderful images, mainly of street life in Harrogate.

Film or Digital?

I am definitely a fan of digital photography. For me, it is so much more enjoyable. The results are immediate and I’m delighted that the days of waiting for the TruePrint envelope to arrive in the post are well and truly behind me.

Colour or B & W?

Both. I find that some situations lend themselves well to colour, but strong sunlight can produce shadowy, high contrast conditions, which can look superb in black and white.

How did you become involved with MPC?

See above. I was also attracted to the club because it had some excellent speakers. This was the reason I returned and eventually became a member.

Do you have a favourite photographer?

I have several, all of them being Street Photographers, so it is really difficult for me to choose. However, I am currently reading about Garry Winogrand, an American photographer, who took an iconic image of eight people on a park bench at the New York World Fair in 1964. There is so much going on within this photograph and, for me, it is an exceptional street image.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography?

Stick to using your phone camera for as long as possible. Don’t get hooked into the ‘I must have the best gear’ frame of mind. Phone cameras can take wonderful images and will allow you to be creative in terms of composition, as well as experimenting with the in-phone adjustments. There are some excellent cameras out there for later, but don’t rush into spending large sums of money prematurely. I would also recommend joining a good camera club, like MPC. There is so much to be learned from other members, as well as being able to share experiences.