A FREELANCE photographer has forged closer ties with his neighbours, launching a community photography club to help beat the lockdown blues.
Dave Moles, a freelance photographer and Butterknowle resident, said he has been staggered at the response to the club since launching it over a week ago.
He said: “I have always been passionate about photography and I did think about setting up a club here a few years ago, but I never had the time.
“As a freelance photographer the Covid-19 lockdowns have been very hard for me as I am not able to get out. A few friends had asked me over the years why I hadn’t started a club before, but it was always time. Now just seemed the right time.
“I know during the lockdowns lots of people have been getting out into the countryside for walks, taking photographs and the like and I just thought I’d see what people thought.”
After enquiring locally if there would be any interest in starting a group, Mr Moles launched Butterknowle Photography Club Within a matter of hours more than 60 people had signed up on social media. He added: “When I was asked to set up a photography club, I could never imagine ten people would be interested let along 63.”
For the time being, the group will meet virtually to share photographs, techniques and tips, but there are plans when restrictions ease to organise meetings and trips.
“Mike Ollier is helping run the group on Facebook,” Mr Moles said. “He will be setting up a monthly photo competition with a theme.”
Since launching the club Mr Moles, who has travelled all over Europe and Russia taking pictures, has also come up with a model for teaching basic photography as well.
He added: “I seem to have spent a lot of time answering questions about how to use a camera.
“Lots of people do spend a lot of money on cameras and just set them to automatic, without really exploring or reading how to get the most out of them.
“I’m putting together a format for classes to teach the basics of photography. I’ve got a number of meetings online set up already to discuss how this could happen. Whether that’s classroom based or in the field, the idea is it would help people get the most out of their camera or phone.”
For more information on the Butterknowle Photography Club visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/790736088183281.
