What are your first photography memories?

My early memories are of my mother taking pictures, but I have no idea which camera she used.  We have quite a few family pictures from the 1940’s and 1950’s and even some early ones of my mother and grandmother in fancy dress from the 1920’s.

How did your interest in photography start and how has it changed over the years? 

My first camera was a Box Brownie given to me in 1959 as a reward for passing my 11 plus.  It took 8 pictures which were postcard size and it was basically a box with a button and lens.

Fast forward 6 years and still at school I can remember meeting my mother at her work for a lift home.  I opened the glovebox and there was a used Ilford Sportsman 35mm camera sitting there.  Mother posted it on the works notice board but nobody claimed it so I took possession.  Now I had to learn apertures, focal lengths, exposure, etc most of which was printed on the film carton, and I continued taking shots, mostly of family and friends with the occasional (poor) landscape.  At this point a friend at school with a similar interest invited me to use his dark room (understairs cupboard) and with his guidance (and materials) I started developing and printing my own shots. 

In the 1970’s I started reading photography magazines and was taken by an advert for a Cosina CS3 camera claiming to be the first 35mm camera with an automatic option. This was my next purchase but in some ways was a backward step as I only shot on automatic and my previous limited knowledge on settings faded away.

Now married with 3 daughters all my photographic attention was on them and our holidays.  Looking to improve the quality of my images I next splashed out on a Minolta Dynax 500si slr camera, still shooting on automatic and this took me through to 2008.

Taking early retirement, I wanted to find a hobby to get me out and about as I knew too many people who had retired and vegetated in front of the tv.  I went to an open day at Wokingham College and discussed some of the courses available.  My problem then was digital cameras were the preferred option. A year later armed with a Canon EOS1000D I enrolled and sat next to a rather nice chap named Rob Walker for the next 3 years completing City and Guilds level 2 and 3. On our last day at college we went out for lunch and began talking about what comes next. Egged on by Glynis, who was a member already, 6 of us joined the club in addition to the 3 who were already members.

After college I enrolled in a course for wedding photography which was very informative and, without looking for work, I have shot half a dozen weddings.  I enjoy the planning and the pressure, so far without mishap, even going international with a ceremony just outside Dublin.  I still shoot a lot of portraits, mainly grandchildren now.

Whilst at college I upgraded to a Canon EOS5D Mark1 and have since purchased the Mark 2 and Mark 3

Since college I have taken a lot more landscapes and dabbled with mono as well. Most weekends I can be found photographing grandchildren and a son in law playing football. Attending college has given me more confidence in the work I produce, I have volunteered for events such as Wokingham Bikeathon, Air Cadets annual awards plus a few school proms amongst others.

Name three pieces of photographic equipment that you would not want to be without and why

If pushed, my most enjoyable photography is the sport. I use my Canon EOS5D Mk 2 with a 100 – 400mm lens and a monopod so I would say they would be my choices.  If everything else was locked away I would probably swap the Mark 2 with the Mark 3 but as I am shooting outside in all weathers, I prefer to keep the Mark 3 for portrait and wedding work primarily.

Where do you get your inspiration from for new ideas and new photographic work?

I don’t tend to go to exhibitions or read magazines so my exposure to other influences is limited to club members and visiting speakers and a few articles on the internet.  I quite enjoy John Wilhelm’s approach, and he produces a variety of wacky images, family portraits with a difference.

When did you join Wokingham Photography Club and what do you enjoy about it?

I joined in 2012 at a time when the numbers were growing fast.  The best part of being a member is the friendliness.  It was an advantage knowing so many members beforehand.  The speakers are probably my highlights, but members evenings are quite informative, and it is interesting to see how other members approach their work.  Match the image is a must – good banter and a fun evening.

A selection of Roger's images...