Written by Who are you?
Graeme Webb
When did you first get interested in photography?
My interest in photography, for photography’s sake, is a fairly recent addition to my life. I have had a variety of cameras over the years but just used them for photographing holidays, our children/grandchildren and motorsport.
In about 2015 I started occasionally take my camera with me on one of my business trips, and if I had time, take a few snaps of this and that but not with a great deal of thought.
The interest slowly grew from there. But primarily my major photographic interest was (and still is) taking images of motorsport. Mainly just because I like the cars and bikes.
What was your first camera?
My first camera was a Pentax MX bought in 1978
What camera do you use now?
About a year ago I bought a Canon R7 mirrorless. I have four lenses, a 10-20 Sigma bought for £50 from Ebay, a Canon RF24-105 f4 L, a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and Canon 100-500 f5.4 L.
Do you have a favourite photographic subject?
Motorsport. Mainly because I have been a motorsport enthusiast for over 60 years. Enjoying the DPS’s days out though. New challenges are interesting.
Who inspires you?
I cannot answer that. I do not have a great interest in who photographed what nor when.
When and why did you join Dunchurch Photographic Society?
2022. Two reasons, firstly to see if photography was my ‘thing’ and if it was to learn techniques and experience new genres of photography. And secondly the social aspect. My career took up a lot of my time so I wanted a hobby in my retirement. By the way DPS has fulfilled both of those aims.
What has been your most memorable or challenging project?
The last one. Whatever it was. Memorable because it was the last project. My next project will be my most memorable and so on.
What is your editing workflow?
I quite enjoy the editing process. I primarily use Luminar Neo so the first thing I do is transfer my images from the camera to Neo and then start editing the first image and work my way to the end in the order taken. I have looked at using presets but did not find much advantage. I often crop the image to size then use the ‘Enhance’ button which does a best guess improvement. What comes next depends on what the individual image requires. Mabe pop up the colours a bit and/or add some contrast. Cloning out some bits and bobs as necessary. I also use, on occasion, Affinity, a sort of Photoshop, but normally only for fun pictures such as 50 Shades of Bray. Currently using Affinity now for Tryptic competition which will be three composites, hopefully telling a story, a fun story.
To be honest as my experience grows and as my kit get better I find that I need to do less editing than in the past.
Do you have anything on your photographic Bucket List?
Nothing specific in regards to a ‘Bucket List’ just to take on new venues and enjoy new challenges. I have ticked so many boxes since I joined and hope to continue the trend.
What do most enjoy about Dunchurch Photographic Society?
To be honest I enjoy the social aspect of the club the most. A friendly bunch indeed. As for the Wednesday meets I do like it when a new member gives a presentation of their work,. Competition’s I am ambivalent about, but do enter most of them, mainly because it’s what the club does. As I said earlier our outside get togethers are great fun. With good company and the ‘walkabouts’ are different and challenging photographically.
I love the fact that we at the DPS are growing membership wise. Especially when you hear about other clubs are struggling for members. Long may that continue.
