Psychedelic Alstroemeria. All photos by Steve Aldred. Photos: Supplied.
FROM REDLANDS CAMERA CLUB
I have had an interest in photography since I was a child. I got my first digital camera in 2003; it had a very flexible fixed lens. I discovered both macro and the increased shooting opportunities from instantly switching to a longish zoom. I also discovered software could do radical things like make an image into a kaleidoscope.
At some stage I realised that the internet was also a great resource for learning assorted photographic techniques. I started thinking more on how to take better photos.
My partner bought me an online masterclass course in 2019. It was nothing like I expected but was a fantastic eye opener about how to think about and create photographs. It also re-spawned my interest in doing ‘arty’ things. Things I would never have thought of in the past. More powerful software has made experimentation easier too.
Now some photos I would have discarded get rebirthed as artworks. While some others that I already liked I turn into something quite different. It’s very much an evolutionary discovery process. I still get surprised when other people really like what I’ve created.
Only two years ago I joined the Redlands Camera Club, my first ever camera club. How I wish I’d done that before. The people and the support they give is great, as is the access to photographic workshops and outings. Seeing what these photographers of all levels produce is really inspiring – and you can talk to them!
