and 500px.com/jvfry44

Getty Images - Jean Fry

21/11/12

It is now two years since I joined Flickr, so it’s time to update my profile and upgrade my membership.

Since joining I have been inspired by the wonderful photography I’ve seen on Flickr, and I like to think my own photography has improved as a result. Even so, I must admit that I’m never completely satisfied with the photos I take, but this is perhaps no bad thing as it makes me try even harder.

HISTORY (for anyone who might be interested)

My background in photography spreads over several decades using various cameras starting with a Kodak folding camera taking 620 film (I still have it), then a 35mm Kodak Retinette (non SLR , everything manual), followed by two Fujica and three Nikon 35mm SLR cameras (FM,FE and F801s), later adding a medium format Mamiya 645.

Before I went on to SLR cameras, I became pretty adept at judging exposure and distances etc - no built in meter or rangefinder in the cameras I owned then . It was a good way to learn the fundamentals of photography.

After purchasing my first SLR, I joined a camera club where there were many competitions, and advice was freely given by the more experienced members; this taught me a lot. During that period a darkroom was built in the loft of my house, and I spent many happy hours working there, often late into the night. Viewing the negatives on a newly developed roll of film and watching a photo develop in a dish was always an exciting experience, in a way that is not equalled in the digital age where everything is instant.

I worked as a part time photographer in a holiday camp, and progressed to working as a wedding and portrait photographer for a studio. I then went on to work for myself shooting weddings, portraits and social events until I retired after about 15 years.

My interest in photography waned after that, until I bought my first digital camera in 2007 - a little Fujica compact. A couple of years later, in 2009, I purchased my first DSLR – a Nikon D5000 – and my love for photography was reignited in the digital world!

In 2014 I decided I'd like a full frame camera so purchased a Nikon D610, but kept the D5000 which is lighter to carry on long walks.

NOW

So that brings me up to date. My interest, these days, is mainly in landscape photography - although I would like to do more ’people’ photography. I’m learning all the time and enjoying every minute of it. There is nothing I like more than to be out walking - alone with my thoughts and my camera in our wonderful countryside. And Dartmoor, a place I love, is my favourite area to walk, and I consider myself very lucky to live on its border.

To those who have taken the time to read this lengthy profile, I thank you. And for those of you who take the trouble to leave comments on my photos or add one of my images to your favourites, I thank you. I welcome constructive criticism. Your feedback is so very much appreciated as this gives me the encouragement to keep learning! In return, I try to leave as many comments as I can on your wonderful images on Flickr.