WELCOME to Behind the Lens, a feature that shines a light on the talented photographers in our Warrington Guardian Camera Club group.
This week, we’re talking to John Bradford who was born and raised in Orford and has lived in Warrington all his life.
He enjoys capturing a moment in time and reliving the memories each picture can evoke.
If you would like to appear in our Behind the Lens feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk
Click here if you would like to join Warrington Guardian Camera Club.
Warrington Guardian Camera Club member John Bradford
When and why did you take up photography?
Around 1969, about aged 15, a friend’s dad had a darkroom under his stairs. I remember watching the process of developing the film to processing the photo – this was the start of my journey. I bought my first camera at Hill Smiths Chemist in Winwick Street then Bob Garner’s shop in Bridge Street. Around 1974, I did a portrait photography and darkroom course run by two Warrington Guardian photographers - George Thornton and Eddie Fuller -and 50 years on I’m still taking photographs.
READ MORE:
Warrington’s hidden beauty features in exhibitions around the world
Autumn at Lymm Dam
What do you love about taking pictures?
I love capturing that moment in time and the memories a picture can bring back.
Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?
Definitely wildlife. I had the chance to go on safari once to South Africa and it was absolutely amazing. Closer to home, the Isle of Mull in Scotland is a wonderful place for the white tailed sea eagles and otters or the Isle of Skye for its mountains and scenery. I also love Italy for its buildings and history. Lately, I’ve enjoyed photographing the birds at Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve.
A lion in South Africa
What is your favourite subject matter and why?
Although over the years I have tried many different subjects, I think it would have to be wildlife. From birds in flight to getting the right shot even from captive animals in the zoo. It’s challenging and gives great pleasure when you see the end result!
READ MORE:
16 fabulous images of Warrington’s most photographed bridges and archways
Sunset over the Manchester Ship Canal from Latchford
What do you enjoy about being part of our Camera Club on Facebook?
I enjoy seeing other people’s photos and learning from their work. This can inspire me to see something from a different viewpoint and often sends me on another journey.
Do you have any advice for people interested in photography?
If you have a camera with several different settings, learn about each of them - aperture, shutter, manual and ISO all work together but give different results. Also learn about lighting and composition. I have more than likely forgotten more over the years than I have remembered but the main thing is to enjoy it. As long as you like the photographs you have taken, that’s all that matters. My sister has said to me on many occasions that I should send my photos into BBC’s Country File or submit them into other competitions but my reply is always no. As long as I like what I take, that’s all that matters. It’s good to share your photos with like-minded people in Warrington Guardian Camera Club but most of all enjoy your photography!
Before demolition of the old seed mill Gartons
If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?
Trying to narrow it down is hard but to photograph the Northern Lights from a really dark sky area and do it justice would be great.
White tailed sea eagle
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here