Get in the picture

4:35pm Wednesday 16th January 2008

THE image a photographer sees behind the camera is the most important part of a photograph.

This is the opinion of Chigwell Photographic Society President, Jawaed Badr, who has been enjoying life behind the camera lens for a number of years.

Amateur photographer Jawaed said: "That is when it all starts. When you are behind the camera a part of your soul connects with an idea and you see what is worth recording.

"I enjoy taking portraits and landscapes and movement in motion such as runners in a marathon.

"Others prefer to take still life, spending hours getting the lighting right."

The Chigwell club, founded in 2002, helped give retired professional photographer - the late St John Holmes - a few happy years.

"Mr Holmes had destroyed all his photographs, but within two years of joining the club, he was happily taking pictures again."

Chingford Photographic Society, which was founded in 1951, and two of its founders -Bernard Lawrence and Malcolm Goodwin are still members.

"Using a camera club photographer makes you more aware of the world around you, it focuses your mind as well as your eye.

Jawaed and George agree that digital cameras and computers have revolutionised photography.

George said: "The art form has taken a giant leap forward. We don't have to wait for the finished result to emerge from the developing dish, it is there on the back screen of the camera to see."

For further information contact Jawaed on 8501 0272 or email him at Jawaedbadr@aol.com

Around the site