Time for Ian to focus on retirement (From Warrington Guardian)

Time for Ian to focus on retirement

A NORTHWICH photographer will soon be hanging up his cameras at the end of a career devoted to one of his favourite hobbies.

Ian Houghton, who has run his own photography business on Witton Street for 18 years, decided it was the career for him from an early age after excelling in art and woodwork at school.

He said: "I wanted to do something creative but practical, and photography seemed to fit the bill. It's a bit technical but it's creative as well."

Ian, who was originally from Liverpool but now lives in Acton Bridge, studied photography at the University of Manchester before moving to London to work for Baron Studios.

He spent much of his three years there taking pictures of captains of industry and then became a sales representative for JJ Silber, importers of Canon cameras.

Eight years later he set up his own business in Liverpool, where he stayed for 18 years before moving to Northwich.

The 65-year-old divides his time between selling photographic equipment and doing professional work such as weddings and portraits.

Ian, who is married to Helen and has a son, Simon, and a daughter, Fiona, has got huge satisfaction from his career.

He said: "In a business like this you see all aspects of life, from babies being born to weddings and less happy times as well.

"It's a great job if you like people. I've heard some super stories over the years."

Ian said he was looking forward to retiring and felt there was life after work.

He said: "I'll still do some photography for pleasure, as well as art and woodwork. I've always enjoyed my photography.

"I enjoy taking a picture and waiting to see if it comes off. Sometimes the one you don't expect to be good turns out to be your masterpiece.

"I still find it exciting to get pictures back from the printers."

Ian is expecting to close his shop towards the end of March.

rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk