I am a retired pharmacist now in my 70s, live in the UK with my 4 dogs. Photography has been my main hobby since I was given a 'Box Brownie' when I was 10. I bought my first 35mm camera in 1958 when I had managed to save the necessary £8 from my £3 per week salary (how things have changed!) Over the following years I had many cameras including 8mm cine and 12 on 120 medium format, but always preferred 35mm transparencies. The advent of digital was a godsend - take as many shots as you like and don't have to wait for them to be processed to see them - magic!

I have at least 7 cameras - and use them all for different things.

The Sony DSC-HX50 lives permanently in my bag and goes everywhere with me. If I am going on a photoshoot with definite subjects in mind I will load myself up with a tripod and the heavy Sony Alpha 100 with its assortment of lenses. The bridge Sony DSC-H400 Cybershot with its fantastic zoom does a good job for the birds in the garden while the Fuji X100 takes me back to 1958 with its feel of the original 35mm - but with the convenience of the digital. The NEX is lighter than the Alpha but I don't like it so much as it is too slow for action shots.

I do not photograph people - have no family nearby - but I do take good dog portraits and action shots of dog agility! I also love nature in all its forms - flowers, insects, birds, skies etc but will take pictures of anything that catches my eye.

I am looking forward to joining in the Flickr community but have to be careful not to spend too much time browsing as I am currently studying for a Masters in English with the OU (having done two BA(Hons) degrees since 2003 - I love studying!)