In The Spotlight
Olga Gunn
My passion for photography has started since I've joined Instagram. I was taking photos of nature and editing them with different apps. I love the idea to create a completely different mood in my shots by adding some extra images like rain or a silhouette of a person. I've tried to tell a story with my work. The story which the viewer can complete with their own imagination.
Janice Gardner
I have always been passionate about photography and love clicking away whenever I can. We’ve travelled to many places, and I love having a record of where we’ve been and what we’ve seen. There’s always something new, something different, something refreshing ready to have its photo taken.
Deb Ball.
I started taking photographs, with a box camera and b/w film , 55 years ago at the age of 12, encouraged by my uncle.
I moved onto a Kodak Instamatic with colour cartridges, which I took to Nigeria with me, and bought my first SLR at 24.
I’ve been a member of Wifie for many years and loved using the darkroom.
This selection of photos is limited to what’s on my iPhone as I’ve been away from home and my computer for lockdown. As there are over 6,000 photos on it, this has been a challenge - but less than if I had had access to both my computer, which has 60,000 images on it, and the huge collection of negatives and photos I’ve taken over 40 years of pre-digital work.
None of the photos I’ve selected have been digitally edited - ( it’s possible that you might think they need it! ) - but I try to take the photo as I see it.
My subject matter covers a large array of topics, but distills down to 3 categories:- the spontaneous capturing of whatever catches my eye, the deliberate documentation of a process or event and those that fall into both.
Starting off with my first action shot, with the box camera, of my two brothers on a hot day in 1969...
I moved onto a Kodak Instamatic with colour cartridges, which I took to Nigeria with me, and bought my first SLR at 24.
I’ve been a member of Wifie for many years and loved using the darkroom.
This selection of photos is limited to what’s on my iPhone as I’ve been away from home and my computer for lockdown. As there are over 6,000 photos on it, this has been a challenge - but less than if I had had access to both my computer, which has 60,000 images on it, and the huge collection of negatives and photos I’ve taken over 40 years of pre-digital work.
None of the photos I’ve selected have been digitally edited - ( it’s possible that you might think they need it! ) - but I try to take the photo as I see it.
My subject matter covers a large array of topics, but distills down to 3 categories:- the spontaneous capturing of whatever catches my eye, the deliberate documentation of a process or event and those that fall into both.
Starting off with my first action shot, with the box camera, of my two brothers on a hot day in 1969...
Jane Ross.
I grew up in the 70’s Liverpool with ‘pictures’ playing a part in documenting a busy family life. Dad had an old Kodak instamatic camera with a rotating 4 sided flash bulb. I had a Fisher Price version that I snapped away on at the same time. It didn’t give me real images but I loved to mimic the way he captured our inner-city life. I remember the excitement of taking his 12 or 24 film reel to be processed in the local Max Spielmann shop. The mystery of what was actually in the envelope on collection, the excitement of the big reveal. Then finally placing the chosen pictures together, carefully in our hard backed photograph album, embossed corner anchors and tissue paper between the pages.
Today I’ve not really developed beyond the snapper I was then. Using my phone rather than a camera, still documenting life at every opportunity.
I have my own albums now where I collect my memories. Pictures still printed at a local store, this time chosen from a digital image with less luck involved in the end reveal.
I have my own albums now where I collect my memories. Pictures still printed at a local store, this time chosen from a digital image with less luck involved in the end reveal.
I love to capture an image that really moves me. A sunrise or sunset, a buildings with a story or piece of nature that stirs an emotion. People do not feature as a central theme but part of the piece, often in reflection or silhouette.
PEOPLE IMAGES
If I try and pose the image it doesn’t seem to work as well. They appear staged and rather formal. Most images are stolen as I pass by.
I particularly love layering, playing on reflections and light, historic industrial backdrops and quirky angles. If you need to look at an image twice to see what it is, then that’s it, you have been caught.
If I try and pose the image it doesn’t seem to work as well. They appear staged and rather formal. Most images are stolen as I pass by.
I particularly love layering, playing on reflections and light, historic industrial backdrops and quirky angles. If you need to look at an image twice to see what it is, then that’s it, you have been caught.
BUILDING IMAGES
Recently I’ve noticed how often my eye is drawn to parallel lines in nature or man-made and how it can pull you into it. Drawing your eye upwards or along to a fine end point or an invisible horizon
Recently I’ve noticed how often my eye is drawn to parallel lines in nature or man-made and how it can pull you into it. Drawing your eye upwards or along to a fine end point or an invisible horizon
Parallel IMAGES
Joining WIFIE as with all great things in my life was completely by accident. I was welcomed immediately and love the bond. I’ve been introduced to so many wonderful women who have shared honestly their images and themselves. Attending workshops, galleries and spending times over coffee and more recently zoom.
It’s the connection and learning with amazing challenges and assignments I enjoy! No skills necessary, expensive kit or joining credentials. As a self-proclaimed snapper WIFIE has helped me feel that I might be getting better at something I can do whenever and wherever I am that I absolutely love.
Joining WIFIE as with all great things in my life was completely by accident. I was welcomed immediately and love the bond. I’ve been introduced to so many wonderful women who have shared honestly their images and themselves. Attending workshops, galleries and spending times over coffee and more recently zoom.
It’s the connection and learning with amazing challenges and assignments I enjoy! No skills necessary, expensive kit or joining credentials. As a self-proclaimed snapper WIFIE has helped me feel that I might be getting better at something I can do whenever and wherever I am that I absolutely love.
NATURE IMAGES
At some stage I may invest in a camera. I have borrowed several and wandered around trying to feel the freedom I have with my phone. Somehow, I feel slightly more conspicuous and that second of hesitation breaks the spell……though, never say never……..someday perhaps.
At some stage I may invest in a camera. I have borrowed several and wandered around trying to feel the freedom I have with my phone. Somehow, I feel slightly more conspicuous and that second of hesitation breaks the spell……though, never say never……..someday perhaps.
Ursula Mueller
I was about 10 years old when I got my first automatic camera and started snapping on outings, holidays and at home. This didn't stop me from pestering my father to teach me the ropes of taking pictures with his SLR which he then handed down to me when I was 18. From there it was a journey from prints to slides and back to prints in black and white, learning how to develop photographs using a dark room. My favourite subjects have always been travel and landscape photography and, in terms of photographers, I particularly like the work of Ansel Adams, Fay Godwin, Eugene Atget and Robert Doisneau..
I still have my analogue camera but I now use small digital camera that I can effortlessly carry everywhere with me. Being largely self-taught, I felt kind of stuck and was in need of inspiration and learning. Two years ago I discovered Wifie and joining the group has been very inspiring as it has given me space to learn new things and exchange ideas within a very supportive and diverse group of women photographers. Going to exhibitions has been a great chance to get to know the works of other photographers and taking inspiration from them. I particularly enjoyed the Robert Bloomfield and the Amberside photography exhibition, which have led me to focus more on people in my photographs.
Workshops help with technical aspects and practical learning as do the recent “assignments” that have kept our group going since lockdown. There is a lot of freedom to experiment and I have become more confident in trying out different approaches in terms of perspective and point of view, aspect ratio or the use of movement, for example.:
I feel that with more awareness of photographic techniques and skills, I can gradually move away from the use of photography as a record, towards creating photographs which may tell a story or give a more layered and sometimes ambiguous view of the world. To achieve this I am working on a more discerning use of perspective and composition as well as making use of post production tools.
Margaret Munro
I was given my first camera when I was about 11 years old. It was a kodak Brownie 127 and I still have it. Since then I have been interested in photography. I have various film cameras, which I loved, but now use a digital camera and my phone. My particular loves are nature in all its forms and the wonderful ever-changing light we have in Scotland, particularly in the north-west, as can be seen from my photographs. I hoped Wifie would help me learn about 'proper' photography, which it is. Everyone is very helpful and supportive and technical terms are explained in easy to understand ways. I enjoy being part of the group, while discovering ways in which to improve my photographic skills.
The Kelpies.
Nature in the wild and in local parks
Capturing the Light in Scotland
Laima Zubkevič
My love for photography started to develop a few years ago when I moved from a city to a more nature like environment where I was always surrounded by forests, meadows, fog, amazing sunsets, morning dew, first frost and snow. I began to perceive nature as a constant movement, a life cycle. I was full of happiness because the search for spectacular shots in nature put me into a relaxed and calm state. I am now studying the secrets of photography at the West College Scotland and I am very happy to be part of “Wifie", where I spend my time meaningfully, acquire knowledge about photography and share my experiences with others.
Meg Walker.
I grew up helping my Dad take photos of buildings and he introduced me to "real" cameras pretty young. However, it wasn't until I was in my early 20s that I became actively interested in photography.
I think anyone who has dabbled with cameras for a period of time will have discovered that there are certain types of photograph that they particularly enjoy taking/creating. Personally I always come back to photographing birds.
I think anyone who has dabbled with cameras for a period of time will have discovered that there are certain types of photograph that they particularly enjoy taking/creating. Personally I always come back to photographing birds.
For now, I'm enjoying practicing and playing with compositions and panoramas, including a little fun I have with a perspex sphere. I've also just upgraded to a full-frame DSLR, which I'm immensely excited about spending time with.
The only advice I would give is: if you enjoy taking photographs - make the time and get out there and do it (whether on a fancy camera or just a smartphone). Learn about what images you like creating and have fun creating them!
Oh and it's always good to actually USE the photographs you're most proud of - a printed calendar or framed print can be a lovely personal gift and also a nice little confidence boost.
The only advice I would give is: if you enjoy taking photographs - make the time and get out there and do it (whether on a fancy camera or just a smartphone). Learn about what images you like creating and have fun creating them!
Oh and it's always good to actually USE the photographs you're most proud of - a printed calendar or framed print can be a lovely personal gift and also a nice little confidence boost.
Caroline Armstrong
I have always liked photography but the first time I tried it properly was through a B&W photography class run by Edinburgh Council. It was a great chance to learn the basics of photography. I loved developing my own images and seeing them come to life on the paper. Later I did an online diplolma in photography where I learned more about composition.
Here are some the early B&W images I developed myself.
Here are some the early B&W images I developed myself.
Finding access to a dark room and having the time to process images is hard though, and I now use a compact mirrorless digital camera. There are better cameras available but a smaller one is much easier to carry around so I end up using it more.
Here are some images I've taken while out and about.
Here are some images I've taken while out and about.
But my favourite types of photography are street photography, social documentary and portraits. I like pictures that tell a story about an individual's character or a culture, something that captures a specific moment. I have been practicing these styles of photography and WIFIE gives me the chance to explore different techniques with others.
Here are some of my street photography images.
Here are some of my street photography images.
There is no right or wrong with photography. If you like it and feel proud of it that's all that matters.
Margaret Drysdale
Nature and its wonderful diversity always attracts me when out with a camera. I have also always enjoyed experimenting with ways of creating unique images so the selection that I have done for the Wifie web ' In the Spotlight' combines these two passions.
Margaret Thomson
I have been a member of Wifie for a while and enjoy the challenges that it brings. I have exhibited regularly with other members and, for 'In the Spotlight' I have chosen a selection of images that I am very proud of. These photographs include landscapes, wildlife and nature because these are the things that I enjoy photographing.
Fi Phillips
I started out taking photographs as a hobby but this soon escalated into a great passion, where I could explore the things in life that captured my attention and a desire to be creative. Using my digital SLR camera I found I could capture what I was seeing in new and exciting ways and have used this passion to develop my interest in portraiture and creating abstract images.
