WELCOME to Behind the Lens, a new feature that shines a light on the talented photographers in our Warrington Guardian Camera Club group.

First up is Ben McDonald who is originally from Cornwall but moved to Penketh a few years ago.

Ben, who is 47, loves being able to see nature at its best, especially the sea and waterfalls.

Warrington Guardian: Keen photographer Ben McDonaldKeen photographer Ben McDonald (Image: Reader pic)

When and why did you take up photography?

I purchased my first DSLR in 2016 but didn’t really start until 2017 after my work pattern changed and I managed to have more free time.

Warrington Guardian: Latchford swing bridgeLatchford swing bridge (Image: Reader pic)

What do you love about taking pictures?

I like the freedom of exploring and being able to see nature at its best. It’s great to be able to relax in a location, instead of rushing around, and look for points of interest that will look good on camera. Also, leaving the house with nothing then returning with something I’m generally proud of is a great feeling.

Warrington Guardian: The autumn colours of Rogie Falls, which is a great place to spot leaping salmonThe autumn colours of Rogie Falls, which is a great place to spot leaping salmon (Image: Reader pic)

Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?

New Brighton in Wallasey as it’s local and I’ve never had a bad sunrise or sunset there. The whole area has so much to offer for the landscape photographer. There are the obvious shots of Perch Rock lighthouse and looking towards Liverpool city centre but there is so much more on offer too – it just takes a little searching sometimes.

Warrington Guardian: Liverpool at night, where the light from the moon gave the jellyfish the same colour as the skyLiverpool at night, where the light from the moon gave the jellyfish the same colour as the sky (Image: Reader pic)

What is your favourite subject matter and why?

I’m either drawn to seascapes or waterfalls, but these are easy to shoot. I love trying to find beauty in anything though and when something catches my eye, I have to shoot it. Non-photographers think I’m strange but when they see the results, they instantly get it.

Warrington Guardian: A white house in Glencoe, where the weather makes the building and water stand outA white house in Glencoe, where the weather makes the building and water stand out (Image: Reader pic)

What do you enjoy about being part of the Warrington Guardian Camera Club?

It’s interesting to see the variety of photographers and seeing their progress through the years.

Warrington Guardian: The River Mersey and St Elphin's ChurchThe River Mersey and St Elphin's Church (Image: Reader pic)

If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?

Annie Leibovitz photographed Michael Douglas and this set of images has always stuck with me. Obviously, her style of lighting and photography is exceptional, but Michael has a real photogenic look and I would love to be able to replicate these images myself.

That said, more realistically, I’d love to shoot landscapes in the Faroe Islands. This is something I hope to do next year. The whole area looks phenomenally powerful with its amazing cliff edges, waterfalls that pour into the sea and dramatic weather.

Warrington Guardian: Blackpool sunset, where the sky caught fire and produced the best light that Ben has seenBlackpool sunset, where the sky caught fire and produced the best light that Ben has seen (Image: Reader pic)

If you would like to appear in our Behind the Lens feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

If you would like to join Warrington Guardian Camera Club, visit facebook.com/groups/WGcameraclub

Warrington Guardian: The Town Hall at nightThe Town Hall at night (Image: Reader pic)