I joined BPIC in September 2017 – from another camera club, but I’ve been hooked on cameras and photography since my teens. I began back in the days of black and white film with my Dad’s old Agfa Isolette on 2 ¼ inch square frame.  Many a happy evening was spent commandeering the family bathroom, armed with a red safe light and dishes of smelly chemicals!

My interest in all things photographic has not waned in the intervening 50 years and there are few hobbies that could have provided me the satisfaction I get from taking, processing, printing and mounting photographs. I am very much a ‘generalist’ and I’m willing to try almost any genre, from architecture to wildlife.

I achieved a Licentiate distinction from the Royal Photographic Society in 2015. I love meeting with other photographers to ‘kick the tyres of photography’ and hearing about their experiences. One of the great things about BPIC is that everyone is very free with their knowledge – and sometimes you don’t even need to pluck up the courage to ask!

This is my first year as Club Chairman and I am very much looking forward to leading our volunteer committee in developing and delivering an interesting, engaging and fun programme of events in the club season ahead.

I joined BPIC in 2019 as a novice photographer but keen to learn. I have thoroughly enjoyed the club meetings with friendly members, great speakers and practical photography sessions and competitions. I joined as a novice and am quietly working to improve, although I would describe it as work in progress! I enjoy the challenge of following lots of different subjects in photography, from landscapes, macro, portrait, wildlife and others.

My interest in photography stems from a childhood memory. At seven years old I was taken on holiday by my parents to Menorca, on arrival my parents gifted me a disposable Kodak camera with 27 shots. I remember the excitement and joy from taking the pictures, to the anticipation of waiting for the chemist to develop them, and finally studying the negatives with wonder at how they made photos with their “weird” colours.

Fast-forward to May 2024, and I finally bought myself a proper camera after years of taking phone pictures of things I enjoyed… mainly flowers!

At the start of September 2024, I reached out to BPIC about joining for a few sessions to gauge how I would enjoy a club. I ended up joining after my first night there! Stephen Blayney and Mark Davison warmly welcomed me, showing me suitable settings for the practical night's activities. They even let me use the clubs' flash softboxes to photograph some provided props.

A few months after joining, I was approached to update the club's website. I accepted and produced the website you see today. As of May 2025, I have taken over as the club's treasurer. I look forward to helping the club grow and to spend time with the many talented and friendly people every Thursday going forward into the new season.

I have always had a general interest in photography, keeping my camera on hand for Christmas, summer holidays and children’s birthdays. I joined BPIC in September 2011 and it took a full two years to realise how much I didn’t know but since that time I have gleaned tips from the club members, guest speakers, critique nights and club outings. The members are incredibly helpful and sociable and willing to share their knowledge and experience with everyone. 

However you describe your photography, an interest, hobby, pastime or obsession this camera club will have something for everyone.

I joined BPIC in 2014 after being encouraged to do so by some of the people on my GCSE course in Photography.  My photographic journey began with a £1 Kodak Brownie camera my Mum bought me at a fete when I was about 8. I still have it!  I am currently doing my Level 3 City and Guilds and working towards my L Panel in September. I’ve found the club members really friendly, helpful and encouraging.  There is never a week goes by that I do not learn something and I’ve learn so much more at BPIC than I’ve ever done at any course!  It’s also great to have people to go and photograph with, who bring difference experiences and knowledge. I am currently using a Fujifilm XT1 and a Canon 5D miii I enjoy travel and landscape photography.

I have been a member of BPIC for the last 6 years and have enjoyed every minute of the Thursday night meetings where I have listened to guest speakers, enjoyed practical evenings and participated in club competitions. Being a club member has allowed me to grow out of my comfort zone and take on new challenges in the world of photography. My initial interests were mostly around sports and people but I am now embracing other aspects of photography such as wildlife, landscapes and street. I was delighted in 2019 to receive a PAGB ribbon for one of my images and 3 other acceptances in the NIPA end of year exhibition. I am hoping to improve my skills enough this year to go for accreditations. I am delighted to sit on the committee of a fantastic club which has many talented female and male photographers and is also very welcoming to those who are new and want to learn.