As you might expect of a small club we have a fairly fluid set of roles the members take on. We’re not rigid in who does what and always welcome those who want to help, be it an organiser or simply to make the tea on our club nights. So please don’t be shy about offering help.
That being said below we have our current set of superheroes.
President and Programme Secretary: Vince Sparks & Martin Pickles
I joined Macclesfield Camera club in 2008 and been a keen photographer from a very early age. I enjoy both the artistic and technology aspects of photography and digital imaging with an interest in the progress of mobile device photography. I have a wide variety of photo equipment from vintage film cameras to the latest DSLRs, Mirrorless, compact and mobile phones. In terms of genres I prefer street, urban, architecture and abstract photography.
Club Secretary and L&CPU Representative: Martin Welch
I joined the Club in 1967 and spent much of that time on the committee in various capacities. My interest in photography is pretty general. I use photography extensively for my work as a civil engineer, recording the works I have been involved with over the years. I am a little bit of a transport nut, particularly railways, canal, ships, aircraft, bridges and industrial archaeology . I also enjoy photographing landscape and people doing things, particularly the unusual. Possibly I am the only member left who has a darkroom, although I switched from wet photography to digital generally in 2008.
Treasurer: Denis Jones
A long term resident of Macclesfield, my interest in photography started young with the present of a Kodak Instamatic and progressed via the school darkroom and the home processing of 35mm B&W film. I joined the camera club about 4 years ago after buying a digital SLR and taking an evening class through Macclesfield College. I have a long standing interest in landscape and urban photography and have more recently acquired a macro lens which I am still learning to use. I am also fascinated by the opportunity which digital post-processing provides to get the best out of a photograph.
Competitions (Internal and External) : Alex White
Professionally, Alex is an IT consultant working in Smart Grid and low-carbon innovation in the electricity industry. Personally Alex is dad of two and husband to one, a lapsed rock climber who loves the outdoors and is desperately trying to use photography as a vehicle to drive that passion. Alex has had a digital camera since 1998, and has been happily snapping away since then. By chance in 2013 he got his hands on a Nikon D300 and some camera magazines, in 2017 he joined MCC and suddenly realised how much more he had to learn!
Jeff Dakin
I have lived in Langley for most of my life with an interest in UK wildlife. From our own Peak District to the peaks of Scotland and our amazing coastline. Having the skills and field craft needed to photograph a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. I am keen conservationist and volunteer in different animal welfare groups.
My Journey into photography started early in my life, keen to gain new skills I joined Macclesfield Camera Club in 2019. I use Nikon DSLR with a range of lenses, my favourite a 300mm 2.8vr and process in Camera Raw, Photoshop and Topaz. I am keen to encourage and help others on their photography journey.
Technical Support & Equipment: Steve Gresty
I have lived in Macclesfield since the age of five. I am a relative newcomer to photography, having bought a Nikon D90 in 2009 after trying to photograph an air show with a point and shoot. Since then I have loved taking photos, mostly air shows, motorsport and wildlife. I’m especially keen on macro and dragonflies. Currently I use both a Nikon D810 and a Nikon D7100. I try to look after the club matters from a technical point of view, i.e. equipment, projection, etc. I am a self employed electronic consulting engineer.
