WELCOME to Behind the Lens, a feature that shines a light on the talented photographers in our Guardian Camera Club group.
This week, Steve Haskew shares some of his favourite photographs.
Steve is originally from Reading but moved to Northwich in 2017.
He first took up photography 15 years ago as a hobby, enjoying the process of taking a good picture.
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Guardian Camera Club member Steve Haskew
When and why did you take up photography?
I first took up photography about 15 years ago when I got my first DSLR but it was mostly for just capturing memories rather than as a hobby, however I found it quite satisfying when I took a good picture. More recently, I have returned to photography, partly having felt inspired by seeing stunning photos on social media and feeling like I want to create my own.
Daffodils at Tatton Park Gardens
What do you love about taking pictures?
I’d never really considered myself to be a creative person, so I enjoy proving myself wrong by capturing scenes or moments in a way that looks like I know what I’m doing!
Japanese Garden, Tatton Park
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“I love capturing a moment and photos help to hold places and times in my memory”
Lion prowling, Chester Zoo
Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?
Locally, probably Delamere Old Pale. Whether it’s sunrise, sunset or Aurora Borealis, there is something beautiful about being up above everything and being able to see the whole sky and the horizon.
The Aurora Borealis on Old Pale, Delamere
What is your favourite subject matter and why?
Definitely the natural world, but normally with an element of human influence because I find that with the right subject, the human influence really adds to the image. For example, a beautiful mountain can really be enhanced by the line of a road.
Red panda sleeping, Chester Zoo
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“Anywhere and everywhere is a potential photographic hotspot”
Llandudno's Great Orme tramway
What do you enjoy about being part of our Camera Club on Facebook?
I enjoy the inspiration of other photographers, both in terms of ideas for a good subject but also ideas of how to compose a picture. The regular themes are a great challenge - having to hunt down a particular subject or theme rather than just taking photos opportunistically can lead to interesting results.
How much signage is too much? London
If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?
I would probably choose to be in the mountains, capturing people doing something active. My other big hobby is long-distance cycling, a lot of it off-road. I’m currently trying to find the best way to balance that with taking good pictures. I’ll see a picture in my mind suddenly but not have quick access to a camera to capture it.
A red squirrel caught snacking at Whinfell Forest
