DOMINIC GILBERT reports on the surge in photography as one club exhibits its work and recruits new members

FROM sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits, amateur photographers from Highworth have unveiled the fruit of three years of labour at a pop-up exhibition.

The Highworth Camera Club put on the display at the Link Centre Library earlier this month in a bid to showcase its members’ skill and attract new recruits after interest in amateur photography surged.

The work of around a dozen members, from beginners to veterans, will be on show until Saturday 23, before moving back to Highworth.

"This is the first time we have done an exhibition in the Link Centre, because we usually do it in Highworth, which is a one-day event,” said Peter Crane, chairman of the Highworth Camera Club. “We will be taking it back to Highworth later in the year.

"It is completely varied, and we have got a selection of wildlife photos and landscapes. We try to make it as varied in the content as we can, so there is no real theme.

"There are a good 42 images from around a dozen of our members who have contributed towards it. The photos range back from the last two or three years worth of work, and most of the images taken are from both experienced and new members. Some of our members are more experienced and have been doing this all their life."

A keen photographer, Peter found the group provided the perfect creative outlet.

Three years after joining, he has now begun judging the club’s competitions.

"I have always been slightly interested in photography, from the age of around 16 or 17, and I am now 61," he said.

"When I retired I thought I needed a hobby, and now I don't think I would have the time to go back to work. It is something I very thoroughly enjoy.

"As a profession these days it is much harder, because even at weddings there are so many people with cameras there. I think there has been a lot more interest in amateur photography because it is just so easy these days. It is so accessible and the film takes no time to process.

"The idea is to attract new members and to demonstrate the level of things we do. Some people say it's a bit daunting, but it is very easy to get into it. The standard can be anything from beginners through to advanced."

Club membership is £35 for a year.

For more information about the group and to join visit www.highworthcameraclub.com.

Club membership is £35 for a year.

For more information about the group and to join visit highworthcameraclub.com.