I have always enjoyed taking photos, particularly when I am travelling and especially on our Field Study Trips with my Year 1 Architecture students from the University of Nottingham over the last 18 years.
Having bought a new digital camera and wishing to improve my photographic knowledge /skills, I joined a local photography club in 2019. Knowing that I learn best by doing, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competitions at the club. I was given so much help, support and guidance in the year I was a member (before Covid-19 took away our ability to meet in person). My special thanks go to Lois Webb and Chris Houldsworth, who took me under their wing and shared their love of photography with me.
These are some of my favourite competition entries at the Nottingham Outlaws Photography Society – some of which, much to my delight, did really well in the club competitions.
I took ‘Sketching Architecture’ whilst of an Architectural Field Trip to The Netherlands with my students in 2016. I love the look of concentration on Tom’s face as he studies the form of Institute of Sound and Vision in Hilversum, as well as the way he is reflected in the glass. I submitted this for the competition theme ‘Reflections’.
Hanging Out was my first portrait for the club. I saw these very cool looking hipsters hanging out by Rough Trade Records in Hockley, Nottingham and bravely asked if I could take their photo.
‘Lunch Orders’ was a very different photo when it started out. But after half an hour tutorial with Lois Webb in the bar at the end of the club night, followed by a lot of editing and removing of distracting details, this photo emerged.
‘Caught in the Light’ was a split second opportunity for a great photo. A moment later and they would have not been standing in the light reflected off of the facade behind them. I took it in Market Square, Nottingham on a Treasure Hunt night with the club.
