Welcome
This season’s Annual Exhibition kicks off in Macclesfield Library’s gallery on the 19th May 2025. This includes a great selection of images from the club’s members. All our members are encouraged to submit images so that we can share all our enthusiasm across skill levels and interests.
If you would like to find out more about the club you’ll find plenty of links from our home page or if you would like to contact us or ask a question please feel free to drop us a note via our contact page
To provide some background to the images displayed in the library we’ve included some details alongside each image (below), these include the name of the author (photographer), a bit of background information on the subject as well as a few technical details so that the authors can share their knowledge, skill and experience.
Each set of details along with the image is accessible via a QR Code displayed next to the image in the library.
Our contributors are:
- Alex White
- Dave Tolliday
- Denis Jones
- Ian J Simpson
- Kevin Blake
- Jeff Dakin
- Martin Pickles
- Martin Welch
- Rob Carrington-Porter
- Vince Sparks
Alex White
Winter in Saltburn-by-the-sea
by Alex White
Taken in Saltburn-by-the-sea on a winter’s morning. A single exposure processed in Lightroom Classic.
I was attracted by the reflections and the people milling around doing “seaside stuff” in a Lowry-esque manner.
Nikon D850, Tamron 24-70 F2.8 Di VC – 46mm, f/8, ISO 400, 1/400s.
Sunset on the Fun Ship
by Alex White
A photo of the Duke of Lancaster ferry, which once carried passengers to the Isle of Man and then was repurposed as the “Fun Ship” (an amusement arcade) and is moored permanently near Holywell.
This is a vertical panorama of 11 individual frames that was merged in Lightroom Classic and processed in Photoshop (mainly tonal adjustments and some tidy-up).
Nikon D850, Tamron 24-70 F2.8 Di VC – 11 exposures at 24MM, f/8, ISO64, 1/15s
Pointless Ayr
by Alex White
Taken at the Point of Ayr (Talacre Beach) in Wales. This uses “Intentional Camera Movement” (ICM) to isolate the tones and colours of the scene without any additional distractions.
It is a single exposure processed in Lightroom Classic and mirrored at 50% opacity in Photoshop to provide exact but almost intangible symmetry.
Nikon D850, Tamron 24-70 F2.8 Di VC – 70MM, f/8, ISO64, 3s
Mysteries of the Clyde
by Alex White
This is a photo of a structure that retains the rear of the new Govan-Partick swing bridge in Glasgow when it is locked in the open position.
When combined with mist it looked “otherworldly” and quite mysterious.
A single exposure with light post-processing in Lightroom Classic.
Nikon 16-35 F4 G AF-S ED VR – 30MM, f/8, ISO64, 3s
Defenders of the Revetment
by Alex White
Taken at Moreton / Leasowe embankment (revetment) sea defences on the Wirral.
A blend of several exposures between 1 and 25 seconds in Photoshop with a mono conversion and split toning to finish.
Nikon D850, Tamron 24-70 F2.8 Di VC – 50MM, f/11, ISO64, 1 to 25s
Big Wall, Small Child
by Alex White
Taken in Whitby on a winter’s morning. A single exposure with the anorak colour changed in Photoshop and some minor tidy-up.
I was attracted by the composition and with a little luck got the timing right.
Nikon D850, Tamron 24-70 F2.8 Di VC – 70mm, f/8, ISO 400, 1/400s.
Roaches to Hen Cloud
by Alex White
Taken from the Roaches upper tier looking toward Hen Cloud one Septembers’ day. Not for the faint hearted as this is a very, very precarious position – take care!
The Roaches! A stunning gritstone ridge in the Staffordshire Peak District. It’s a paradise for hikers and climbers, offering breathtaking views and rugged rock formations. The area is steeped in legend, including tales of a mermaid haunting Doxey Pool. It’s also famous for its wildlife—there were even reports of wild wallabies roaming the area after escaping from a private zoo in the 1930s
Nikon D850, Nikon 16-35 F4, 16mm, F16, ISO 125, 1/30s
Wildboarclough in Autumn
by Alex White
A simple long exposure of Clough Brook near the bridge to the A54. Lovely spot which is enjoyable to photograph.
Wildboarclough is a charming village nestled in the Peak District National Park, within Cheshire, England. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and the legend that it was the site where the last wild boar in England was killed. The area offers breathtaking views, especially from Shutlingsloe, a nearby summit that provides panoramic sights stretching across the Cheshire Plain and beyond.
It’s a fantastic spot for hiking, with trails leading through Macclesfield Forest and up to Shutlingsloe Hill. If you’re into scrambling, Wildboarclough is considered one of the best scrambling routes in the Peak District, offering exciting rock steps and scenic terrain.
Nikon D850, Tamron 24-70 F2.8, 26mm, F11, ISO 64, 2s
Dave Tolliday
Pentre Ifan and the Northern Lights
by Dave Tolliday
This chambered tomb/portal dolman was constructed in the Neolithic age approximately 5,000 years ago. It is an 8ft high structure with a 17.5 ton capstone supported on three uprights. Was it originally a burial chamber (excavations haven’t revealed any burial remains) or was it the local people showing off their building skills? Fortunately, when this image was taken on 26 March 2025 at 2.36am the Northern Lights were displaying.
Canon EOS R6, Sigma 20mm lens, F2.5, 32 seconds, ISO 1000
Rottingdean Windmill, Perseids Meteor Shower and the Northern Lights
by Dave Tolliday
The Preseid Meteor Shower peaks around the 11/12 August each year. It is the result of the Earth passing through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Also showing in the sky is the Plough asterism that is a prominent feature in the northern sky. It is part of the Ursa Major constellation The Northern Lights were also visible after midnight on 12 August 2024. Beacon Hill Windmill, Rottingdean is in the foreground.
Canon EOS R7, Canon 10mm-22mm zoom lens at 10mm, F3.5, 21 seconds, ISO 2000, 89 images of which 5 had meteors
Rottingdean Windmill, Wind Farm and the Milky Way
by Dave Tolliday
Beacon Hill Windmill, Rottingdean, Sussex was constructed in 1802 to grind corn. It ceased to operate in 1881 and has had various restorations since then. Out at sea is the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm that was commissioned in 2018. It has 116 turbines which can provide power for 350,000 homes. Rising above these structures is our galaxy, the Milky Way, which is 13.6 billion years old and contains between 100 billion and 400 billion stars, including our Sun.
Canon EOS R6, Sigma 20mm lens, F2.8, 21 seconds, ISO 32000, Five images stacked in Deep Sky Stacker
Rottingdean Windmill, Star Trails and the Northern Lights
by Dave Tolliday
Star trails show the apparent movement of stars around the North Star (Polaris). It is not the stars that are moving but the rotation of the Earth that causes this effect. Each trail represents the apparent movement over a 71 minute period. The colours of the trails show the different types of the stars. Hot stars are blue or white, cool stars are red or orange and mid range stars like our sun are yellow and white. The extra colour in the sky is caused by the Northern Lights and in the foreground is Beacon Hill Windmill, Rottingdean.
Canon EOS R6, Sigma 20mm lens, F2.8, 20 seconds, ISO 1250, 214 images combined in StarStaX
Denis Jones
Grandpa’s Oil Can
by Denis Jones
The photograph of the ‘heirloom’ oilcan was taken in a darkened room using the technique of ‘light painting’ using a light from a diffused torch over an exposure period of 30 seconds.
Pentax K5iis, Pentax 16-45 Zoom lens at 38mm, aperture f11.
Higher Lane Kerridge
by Denis Jones
Taken to show the picturesque terrace of stone-built cottages and cobbled lane.
Olympus OM1n with Zuiko 28mm lens, yellow filter. Kodak TMAX 400 35mm B&W film. The developed monochrome negative was scanned and the digital image processed in Adobe Lightroom to produce a duo-toned result.
Hoare Frost
by Denis Jones
The ice crystals formed on the skeletons of the umbrellifer seed heads in the hedgerow stood out against the overcast sky. I concentrated on a single head to simplify the composition.
Pentax K5iis, Pentax 16-45 Zoom lens at 21mm, aperture f8.
Steps
by Denis Jones
Taken at the Glass Museum in Tacoma USA. The ‘brutalist’ external hard landscaping gives an interesting composition against the cloudy sky.
Pentax K5iis, Pentax 16-45 Zoom lens at 21mm, aperture f8.
Temple of Justice
by Denis Jones
Taken in the USA at the Washington State Capitol Campus the building houses the state’s Supreme Court. My intention was to show the formal symmetry of the neoclassical architecture.
Pentax K5iis, Pentax 16-45 Zoom lens at 21mm, aperture f8.
Waiting for a Ride
by Denis Jones
An urban scene taken in Seattle USA, two of the electric scooters for hire seemed to stand lonely on the empty sidewalk with downtown Seattle beyond.
Pentax K5iis, Pentax 16-45 Zoom lens at 16mm, aperture f8.
Urban Canyon
by Denis Jones
This area just north-east of Manchester Piccadilly station with tram lines and new high rise buildings has a rather bleak vibe.
Pentax K5iis, Pentax 16-85 Zoom lens at 23 mm, aperture f8.
The Royal Naval College Greenwich
by Denis Jones
Pentax K5iis, Pentax 16-85 Zoom lens at 16 mm, aperture f6.3
Ian J Simpson
Three Shires Head
by Ian J Simpson
Early morning at Three Shires Head, Peak District in March 2025.
Three Shires Head is a stunning spot in the Peak District where the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire meet. It features a picturesque waterfall and a historic packhorse bridge, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The area is known for its natural beauty, offering scenic walking routes and even opportunities for wild swimming in the pools beneath the waterfalls. If you’re planning a visit, be prepared for rocky terrain and some steep ascents, but the views are absolutely worth it.
Nikon D750, Sigma 10-20mm, 10mm, ISO125, f/11, 4sec. Lee 100 Little Stopper 6 stop filter. Processing in Adobe Lightroom (crop, tone, curves, etc)
Tree
by Ian J Simpson
Tree near Wetton, Peak District in October 2024
Nikon D750, Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm, 80mm, ISO125, f/11, 1/500sec. Processing in Adobe Lightroom (crop, tone, curves, etc). Monochrome editing in Silver Efex Pro 3
Three Trees
by Ian J Simpson
Three trees in the hills above the Manifold Valley in October 2024
Nikon D750, NAF-S Nikkor 70-200mm, 200mm, ISO125, f/8, 1/1,000sec. Processing in Adobe Lightroom (crop, tone, curves, etc). Monochrome editing in Silver Efex Pro 3
Wyming Brook
by Ian J Simpson
Wyming Brook Nature Reserve, on the edge of the Peak District, on the western edge of Sheffield, UK. It features a picturesque stream flowing through a wooded ravine, with moss-covered rocks, waterfalls, and wooden footbridges. The area is part of the Eastern Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to diverse wildlife, including birds like crossbills and pied flycatchers. The image beautifully captures the tranquillity of Wyming Brook, showcasing its lush greenery and cascading water.
If you’re interested in visiting, there are walking trails that offer breath-taking views of the Rivelin reservoirs and the surrounding landscape.
Nikon D750, Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm, 44mm, ISO125, f/4.5, 3sec. Lee 100 Little Stopper 6 stop filter. Processing in Adobe Lightroom (crop, tone, curves, etc).
Kevin Blake
Capercaillie – Crazy Charlie
by Kevin Blake
This was a solitary male capercaillie nicknamed Crazy Charlie which had been ostracised from the other birds but would still call. He was known to have a bit of a temperament.
The Western Capercaillie thrives in old coniferous forests with a rich interior structure and dense ground vegetation, particularly those with Vaccinium species like bilberry. These forests provide essential cover, food, and open spaces for flight. In the UK, they are found only in the pinewoods of northern Scotland, though habitat loss has made their population vulnerable.
Taken in Finland in 2024 near Kuusamo. Unlike the UK there are reasonably good numbers of capercaillies in Finland.
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400 F4.5, 1.4 Extender @ f8.0, ISO 2500, 1/000 sec, Handheld, Stop +2/3, focal length 520mm
Ural Owl
by Kevin Blake
Taken near Kuusamo, Finland on a recent trip with Kuusamo Nature Photography in Spring 2024 although it was still just above freezing.
The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large nocturnal owl belonging to the true owl family, Strigidae. It has a broad, rounded head with a distinctive facial disc and lacks ear tufts. Its plumage is typically pale greyish-brown with streaked underparts, giving it excellent camouflage in forested environments.
This owl is known for its long tail, which has a wedge-shaped tip, making it stand out among other owls. It primarily inhabits taiga forests across Europe and Asia, ranging from Scandinavia to Japan. The Ural Owl is a territorial species, often nesting in tree cavities or old nests built by other birds.
In terms of diet, it is a generalist predator, mainly feeding on small mammals, particularly voles. It hunts primarily at night, using its keen eyesight and silent flight to ambush prey. Despite some local declines, the Ural Owl is considered a species of least concern by conservationists.
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400, F4.5, 1.4 Extender @f8.0, ISO 2000, 1/400 sec. Handheld, Focal length 560mm
Whooper Swan
by Kevin Blake
Taken on a frozen lake near Kuusamo, Finland. Spring 2024, The snow and ice had just started to thaw. The image was taken from a hide.
The whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) is a majestic bird known for its striking white plumage and distinctive yellow-and-black beak. It is larger than the Bewick’s swan and has a long, elegant neck that it typically holds upright. These swans are powerful fliers and are known for their deep honking calls, which resemble those of geese.
Whooper swans breed in the subarctic regions of Eurasia and migrate long distances to their wintering grounds in southern Europe and eastern Asia. In the UK, they are mainly winter visitors from Iceland, with a small number of pairs nesting in the north. Their winter population and small breeding numbers make them an Amber List species, meaning they require conservation attention.
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400 F4.5, 1.4 Extender @ f8.0, ISO 320, 1/1250 sec. Handheld, focal length 560mm
Dead Vlei Sosssuvlei, Namibia
by Kevin Blake
I spotted this person resting in the shade of one of the dead trees in Dead Vlei. I waited for about 10-15 minutes in 30 degree temperature for other folks to get out of the image before I took a series of photographs. I’ve no idea who the person was but it just made a great composition and added to the scene.
Dead Vlei is a striking white clay pan located in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft Park, near the famous Sossuvlei. The name means “dead marsh” in Afrikaans, and it’s known for its eerie, blackened camel thorn trees that died around 600–700 years ago. These trees remain standing because the arid climate prevents decomposition.
The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded, allowing trees to grow, but shifting sand dunes eventually cut off the water supply, leading to their demise. The surrounding dunes, including “Big Daddy,” are among the highest in the world, reaching up to 350 meters.
Dead Vlei is a paradise for photographers, with its stark contrast between the white clay, red dunes, and deep blue sky. It’s a surreal and breathtaking place!
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF 16-35, f16 @ ISO 800, 1/100 sec, +1 stop, focal length 35mm
Elephant Parade
by Kevin Blake
On a recent trip to Namibia and Etosha National Park in September 2024 at one of the waterholes near Okaukuejo we arrived about 5pm and only had until about 6pm before we needed to leave in order to exit the park. Nothing happened until 5:45pm but as we were preparing to leave the elephants arrived very silently lead by the matriarch. It was one of the best experiences of the trip.
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most unique wildlife reserves, located in northwestern Namibia. It spans 22,270 square kilometres and is famous for the Etosha Pan, a vast salt pan that covers about 23% of the park’s area. The park was originally proclaimed a game reserve in 1907 and later designated as a national park in 1967.
Etosha is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and over 340 bird species. The park is particularly known for its self-drive safari experience, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The dry landscape means animals frequently gather at waterholes, making for incredible game viewing opportunities.
It’s a truly remarkable destination!
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400 f4.5, 1.4 Extender, @ f8.0, 1/500 sec, focal length 504mm ISO 800. Handheld, Stopped down 2/3.
Etosha National Park – Wildebeests
by Kevin Blake
On a drive around Etosha National Park in September 2024 and near the Okondeka rest stop next to the Etosha Pan (salt pan) we spent about 45 minutes watching various bird species come and go and then a small herd of wildebeests marched across the pan. I just liked the contrast between the foreground, pan and sky.
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400 f4.5, 1.4 Extender, @ f8.0, 1/3200 sec, focal length 420 mm ISO 500. Handheld, +1/3 stop.
Plains Zebra, Etosha National Park
by Kevin Blake
On a second day in Etosha, in September 2024, we chose to drive to Sprokieswoud. We waited for the Zebras to arrive as they were a bit tentative due to the other animals at the waterhole. The day was very bright and the ground very parched reflecting a lot of white light, which made a great contrast against the stripes of the zebra.
The Plains Zebra (Equus quagga) is the most common and widespread zebra species in Africa. It inhabits grasslands and savanna woodlands, avoiding deserts and dense forests. These zebras are known for their bold black-and-white stripes, which vary among individuals and populations.
Plains zebras are highly social animals, forming harems with a single stallion, several mares, and their offspring. They often gather in large herds and mix with other grazers like wildebeests and antelopes for protection. Their primary predators include lions, hyenas, crocodiles, and wild dogs.
They rely on rainfall for food and water, sometimes migrating up to 700 miles in search of resources. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, bark, roots, and stems. Despite population declines due to habitat loss and hunting, they remain common in game reserves.
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400 f4.5, 1.4 Extender, @ f8.0, 1/3200 sec, focal length 420 mm ISO 500. Handheld, +1/3 stop.
Elephant Family, Etosha National Park
by Kevin Blake
This is crop of a larger family group, near Namutoni in Etosha National Park. It was fascinating to watch the whole herd work together at the waterhole. In particular the play between the younger elephants and the adults.
The adult elephant draping its trunk protectively over the two baby elephants really captures the deep familial bonds elephants share.
Elephants are known for their strong emotional connections and protective instincts, especially within their herds. This image beautifully showcases that gentle yet mighty presence they have.
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400 f4.5, 1.4 Extender, @ f8.0, 1/400 sec, focal length 420 mm ISO 500. Stopped down 2/3 Handheld
Leopard, Okonjima Reserve
by Kevin Blake
This image was captured on one of our ‘sundowners’ in Namibia where we were driven to a vantage point to watch the setting sun. As part of the drive we tracked a female leopard. Even though radio collared she was extremely difficult to locate, hiding in the scrub and bush. But once located she was a amazing sight coming within about 10 metres.
Canon EOS R5, Canon EF100-400 f4.5, 1.4 Extender, @ f8.0, 1/500 sec, focal length 520 mm ISO 2000. Stopped down 1/3 Handheld
Jeff Dakin
Blue Tit – I Can Do a Cartwheel
by Jeff Dakin
Taken in my garden during the snowfall of 2025. A rare opportunity to capture our garden birds.
Camera Nikon D500, Lens Nikon 300mm 2.8, F4 1/4000sec ISO 2000
Badger – A Wet Brock
by Jeff Dakin
Taken using 3 Nikon flash Speedlights and Camtraptions triggers. Many failed attempts before achieving this one.
Camera Nikon D7200, Lens Nikon 50mm 1.8, Nikon SB-910 Speedlight, F8 1/250sec ISO800
Grey Seal Pup at Donna Nook
by Jeff Dakin
A trip in December to photograph one of 1,649 pups born 2024 /2025
Camera Nikon D500, Lens Nikon 300mm 2.8, F 2.8 1/200sec ISO 2000
Red Grouse from the Peak District
by Jeff Dakin
Taken During the snowfall of January 2025. Getting to the Moors was the biggest Challenge.
Camera Nikon D500, Lens Nikon 500PF, F 7.1 1/2000 ISO 500
Puffin – He’s Behind You !
by Jeff Dakin
Taken in June on the Inner Farne Island. With a menacing Black-backed gull in the distance, Puffins have such a tough life.
Camera Nikon D500 Lens 500PF, F 7.1 1/1600sec ISO 160
B-17 Bomber Flying Fortress Sally B
by Jeff Dakin
Taken at RAF Cosford Air Show June 2024
Camera Nikon D500 Lens Nikon 300mm 2.8, F11 1/200sec ISO 250
Guillemot Posing on the Farne Islands
by Jeff Dakin
Taken on a recent boat trip in March 2025 to the magical Farne Islands. They had just returned to there breading grounds
Camera Nikon D500, Lens Nikon 500PF, F 5.6 1/4000sec ISO 500
Sanderling on the Beach
by Jeff Dakin
Taken Lying down, camera mounted on a skate board. On a Northumberland beach as the tide was coming in.
Camera Nikon D500, Lens Nikon 500PF, F 5.6 1/3200sec ISO 1600
Curlew Wading
by Jeff Dakin
Taken in October on a beach in Northumberland as the sun was setting.
Camera Nikon D500, Lens Nikon 500PF, F 5.6 1/2000 sec ISO 500
Cormorant First Light
by Jeff Dakin
Taken early on a February morning as the sunlight partially flooded the reservoir in Langley.
Camera Nikon D500, Lens Nikon 300mm 2.8 plus 2X TC, F8 1/3200sec ISO 800
Martin Pickles
View from White Nancy
by Martin Pickles
19/12/24 – Fuji XT5
Taken late in the day on a bright and clear evening. The low light helps emphasize all the foreground detail in the Bollington Mill and also the individual buildings of Manchester’s city scape, with the Pennines providing the background. A special evening….
1/100 sec at f/7.1, ISO125 – Lens 75mm/1.2 XF
Macclesfield Canal and Train
by Martin Pickles
29/03/25 – Fuji XT5
Macclesfield canal. A contrast between the old and the new transport systems and the bridge that has stood the test of time. I don’t think when the bridge was originally designed that they would ever have envisioned today’s modern rail network infrastructure.
1/30 sec at f/8.0, ISO 250 – Lens 33mm (XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR)
Bramshill Motorbike Enduro
by Martin Pickles
02/09/20 – Fuji XPro2
An image capturing the essence and atmosphere of motorbike Enduro racing. The weather was particularly bad, the conditions were extreme, hence the very muddy conditions. Trying to keep my camera and lens clean was the main problem….
1/500 sec at f/4.5, ISO 4000 – Lens 50mm (XF50mmF2 R WR)
Waiting
by Martin Pickles
02/11/22 – Leica Q2 MONO
Taken on a winter’s evening at a street food market on London’s south Bank, behind the Royal Festival Hall. A capture of ordinary people queuing at a market food stall, just doing everyday things and hopefully making an interesting documentary photograph.
1/125 sec at f/5.6, ISO10,000 – Lens Summilux 1:17/28 ASPH
Macclesfield Canal & Mill
by Martin Pickles
05/01/25 – Leica Q2 MONO
Taken on a damp and misty day in January with the last of the snow on the ground, which all seemed to help emphasise the mood and atmosphere of the scene. I think it has a lot more atmosphere than if it had been taken on a bright sunny day. Most people will be familiar with this quintessential Macclesfield scene and I believe it captures the essence of Macclesfield.
1/30 sec at f/6.3, ISO400 – Lens Summilux 1:17/28 ASPH
Who’s Watching Who
by Martin Pickles
06/06/24 – Fuji XT5
A documentary street image taken just off Oxford Road in Manchester. The late afternoon light really helped to bring out the textures and colour in the scene and I had to stand and wait for about 10 minutes until the right person walked into the scene….. Hopefully a thought provoking image….
1/400 sec at f/4.5, ISO125 – Lens 42.7mm (XF16-55mmf2.8 R LM WR)
Martin Welch
M6, Bridges, Penrith – Prior to Sliding In – June 1967
by Martin Welch
Rolleicord, 2&1/4 Sq. FP3 Film, 1/500, f8, 200 ASA 55mm
Ladies Waiting, Euston, 1976
by Martin Welch
Rolleicord, 2&1/4 Sq. FP3 Film, 1/250, f5.6, 200 ASA 60mm
Winter in Macclesfield Forest
by Martin Welch
Digital, Nikon D60, 1/250, f5.6, 200 ASA 18-55mm 200m
The Modern St. Pancras Station
by Martin Welch
19th October 2010
Digital, Nikon D60, 1/100, f5.6, 200 ASA 18-55mm 200m
Winter in Gawsworth
by Martin Welch
Mamiya 645, 1/250, f8, 200 ASA 8mm
Fools Nook, Macclesfield Canal
by Martin Welch
Digital, Nikon D60, 1/250, f8, 200 ASA 18-55mm 200m
Rob Carrington-Porter
Hippos on the Zambezi
by Rob Carrington-Porter
In the soft glow of early evening on 2nd February 2025, this image from the Zambezi Queen boat captures the quiet majesty of the Zambezi River as sunset approached. There is interesting interplay of warm highlights and cool shadows that gently embrace the scene. Even with the dynamic movement of the boat, manual settings—ISO 640, a 400 mm focal length (800 mm full-frame equivalent), aperture f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/1600 s—ensured a crisp, evocative capture. Image stabilisation on both the lens and camera helped freeze this transient moment.
The hippo lounges gracefully in its watery domain, its textured skin catching the soft, dappled light, with gentle ripples in the backdrop accentuating the animal’s raw power and tranquil presence.
Zebras Playing
by Rob Carrington-Porter
I shot this in Pilansberg Safari Park on 5th February 2025, capturing a spontaneous wildlife moment. I used an Olympus OMDE M10 MKIV with m.Zuicko 100-400 mm telephoto lens at 200 mm, f/10, ISO 640, and 1/800 s. The image freezes an intimate interaction between two zebras. One zebra is captured mid-action on its hind legs—a bold, almost defiant stance—while its companion maintains a grounded, attentive posture. Their iconic black-and-white stripes contrast sharply with the soft, verdant backdrop of the grassy field, emphasising the dynamic balance between energy and tranquillity.
The subtle play of light across the scene, tells a story of nature’s raw spontaneity and the careful craft of photography.
Museum Peru
by Rob Carrington-Porter
At 13:22 on 24 March 2024, my iPhone 15 Pro Max caught a striking scene near Pisco, Peru, at the Museo de sitio Julio C. Tello de Paracas. The image is an example of contrast—the radiant shaft of sunlight pierces through, casting dynamic shadows over relics that echo a vivid past. The museum, a repository for the ancient Paracas culture (circa 750–100 BC), seems almost to come alive under the interplay of modern light and historic stone. The choice of a 24 mm focal length at f/1.78, coupled with an ISO of 100 and a rapid shutter speed of 1/2174 s, freezes that ephemeral moment. The contrasting colours invite the viewer to step into a narrative where ancient history meets the immediacy of the present.
Macclesfield Station
by Rob Carrington-Porter
This striking black-and-white capture from around 06:30 AM at Macclesfield Station blends soft early morning calm with dynamic urban elements. Shot on an iPhone 7 Plus with a wide-angle 28 mm lens at f/1.8, ISO 20, and a shutter speed of 1/1429 s, the image features expansive railway tracks leading into the distance, flanked by stately platforms and overhead wires. On one side, buildings framed by trees add a subtle architectural detail, while on the other, a clearly visible sign reading “Macclesfield” alongside the famous “ARIGHI BIANCHI” building grounds the scene in its unmistakable locale. The early light casts long, dramatic shadows, enhancing the textured interplay of modern infrastructure and the quiet ambiance of dawn.
Walking with Giraffes
by Rob Carrington-Porter
This image captures the essence of the “Walking with Giraffes” experience near Port Elizabeth, showcasing two of these towering wildlife giants in their natural habitat. Taken on 17th February 2025 at 15:11 with an Olympus OMDE M10 MKIV with telephoto lens at 349 mm, f/11, ISO 200, and shutter speed 1/320 s, the image highlights the giraffe’s elegant posture against the rugged backdrop of the bush. The warm afternoon light accentuates its distinctive patterns, adding depth and texture to the scene, while the careful composition creates a sense of intimacy, emphasising the remarkable proximity involved in this unforgettable encounter.
Jackal Buzzard – Addo Elephant Park Port Elizabeth
by Rob Carrington-Porter
In this striking capture from a jeep at Addo Elephant Park on 17th February 2025 at 11:44, a Jackal Buzzard perches regally atop a berried bush, its keen eyes surveying all below with an air of quiet authority. Shot manually using ISO 250, a 400 mm focal length at f/10, and a shutter speed of 1/320 s—with image stabilisation on both camera and lens and later refined through Raw post-editing—the image reveals every refined detail of the bird’s textured plumage and poised elegance.
Vince Sparks
Frozen in Time
by Vince Sparks
Picture taken at Rudyard Lake, near Leek Staffs, February 2025. It was unusual to see the lake completely frozen and the boats frozen in position. The freezing fog also added to the atmosphere and the small figure on the jetty added to the scale and overall composition.
Sony A7Cii, Sony 20-70G Zoom lens
Spellbound
by Vince Sparks
Picture taken at Trentham Gardens, near Stoke on Trent in Jul 2024. The image was taken from a low viewing angle to enhance the composition and include the moody and cloudy sky. The images was edited and processed using the Snapseed editor and filters.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple PRO RAW image processed using Snapseed
The Japanese Garden
by Vince Sparks
Picture taken at the Japenses Garden of Tatton Park National Trust near Knutsford, Cheshire during March 2025. I liked the tranquil nature of this scene and the mirror image of the pagoda and bridge in the lake.
Olympus EM5 mkiii Mzuiko 12-45 f4 Pro lens
Waiting In The Rain
by Vince Sparks
Picture of the Bundeshaus Parliament Building in Bern, Switzerland, following a thunderstorm. After a violent thunderstorm, the sun began to emerge and illuminated the lady with the umbrella sheltering from the storm.
Olympus EM5 mkiii Mzuiko 12-45 f4 Pro lens
The Reading Room
by Vince Sparks
Picture taken at Manchester Central Library in the circular reading room. I was drawn to the architecture and symmetry of the building and the reading tables which are laid out on a hub and spoke principle. I tried to reflect the building symmetry in the image.
Leica DLUX8 24-75mm zoom @ 24mm using 16:9 aspect ratio image
Silent Prayer
by Vince Sparks
Picture taken in Santander Cathedral, Norther Spain, Sept 2024. I saw the man waiting patiently to see the priest and noted the framing of the arch and the wonderful soft light that illuminated the scene
Leica DLUX8 24-75mm zoom
Canalside Walk
by Vince Sparks
Picture taken near Congleton Dane Valley canal in October 2024 as the final autumn leaves remaind on the trees. The picture was talk in the late afternoon as the low winter sun illuminated the amber leaves.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, using 5X (120mm) zoom lens. Image processed using Snapseed.