I’ve been taking pictures since I was a child. My first two cameras used 110mm film in a little case and when I went to college I bought my first (third or fourth hand) film SLR. My Dad was a keen photographer and we used to process black and white film in my brothers bedroom with the blackout curtains up. I suspect the fumes from the chemicals has had a permanent effect on all of us. In 2000 I got my first digital camera when I spent a year in Australia. And that was the end of my relationship with film. Since then I’ve had various digital cameras and love both taking the pictures but also the digital darkroom.
So why do I like photowalks?
Well it’s nice to meet up with people who’s eyes don’t glaze over when you mention a lens. It’s nice to be able to ask people questions about how they take photos and its also nice just to have fun chatting with new people and people I’ve met through twitter. Even though I’ve been taking pictures for a long time and I feel I’m reasonably ok at pointing in the right direction, I know I’m still rubbish when it comes to the very technical aspects of photography and I don’t use half the functions on my camera, but I’ve learned loads from my fellow photowalkers and even had a chance to try out some of their cameras. The photowalks and walkers are extremely easy and light hearted affairs. You can chat or you can walk. You can go to the pub, or not. There is no obligation but there are opportunities to go places with other photographers and have some fun.
Jennifer posts her photography on her blog at jenniferfarley.info and tweets as @Laughing_Lion.
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