I have been interested in photography for a good many years, "since I were a lad" as they say. I particularly enjoy landscape photography but also like to do other things, including sport and nature. Recently I have been exploring studio photography, which is great fun and quite different in some ways as everything is under your control.

Some favourite photographers are: Ansel Adams, David Muench, John Sexton, Charlie Waite, Joe Cornish, Sebastio Salgado, Karsh, and many others. I also found Bob Carlos Clark's work fascinating and was sad to hear of his death.

I'd really like to see photography achieve a bit more recognition as an art form, particularly in the UK. There is some great work out there, and it would be nice to see people appreciating it for it's aesthetic qualities, and not just because it shows some D-list celeb with their norks out!

I have gone through quite a bit of equipment in my time, but currently I use Canon EOS cameras and lenses, including a 5D mkII and a 5D mkIII which are nice pieces of kit. As a bit of nostalgia I suppose,
I do get out an old FTb from time to time just to refresh myself on the basics and remind myself of a simpler time. It's quite therapeutic in a way to get away from all the complex electronics, menus and options for a while.

I must not have stepped back quickly enough one day, as I am General Secretary of Rushden and District Photographic Society. It's a good place to go for a natter with like-minded photographers and to hear talks and see work etc. by others. Competitions are fun and keep the enthusiasm up. I would definitely recommend joining a club. Have a look at our Web site if you get a chance - RDPS

I also jointly organise a national exhibition called the Rushden Open. It is part of the BPE circuit and attracts a lot of high quality images each year. You can get more details about this at the Rushden Open Web site.

John R Fryatt LRPS.   Raunds, Northamptonshire, UK.