Behind The Lens: ‘I’ve been taking photographs since I was a toddler’

This week, Alan Holland shares some of his favourite photographs.

Alan was born and raised in St Helens and has always had an interest in photography, receiving his first camera when he was just a toddler.

After moving away to Cardiff and to attend university in Manchester, Alan has been back in St Helens for the past 12 years.

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St Helens Star Camera Club member Alan Holland on Crosby Beach with his wife Stevie and their dog Max

When and why did you take up photography?

I have been interested in photography for my whole life. One of the earliest presents I remember getting as a toddler was my very own camera, although my dad tells me I had a habit at the time of covering the lens with my finger while taking shots! Thankfully my skills have improved in adulthood, particularly over the last 4-5 years as I have started to take photography more seriously.

What do you love about taking pictures?

Capturing memories is the main thing for me whether that be a family moment or a spectacular scenic view. I enjoy looking back at photos from months and years gone by and remembering where we were and what we were doing at the time.

Dream on a spring morning

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Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?

Locally, it has to be Billinge Hill or ‘Billinge Lump’ as it’s perhaps more well-known. I enjoy the climb and of course the views of St Helens and beyond are amazing, particularly in clear visibility. It makes me appreciate how lucky we are to have so much stunning countryside within eyesight of our home town. Further afield, Anglesey is a big favourite of mine. My wife Stevie and I regularly holiday there as the mix of beautiful coastal views and proximity to Snowdonia/Eryri takes some beating.

Clock Face Colliery Country Park at dawn

What is your favourite subject matter and why?

As you can probably tell by my previous answers, I’m a fan of landscape photography, particularly from the top of a big hill. My family, friends and colleagues would tell you that Max, our springer spaniel is another favourite subject with all the photos I share of him on our regular adventures.

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Crossing the fields in Billinge

What do you enjoy about being part of our Camera Club on Facebook?

Sharing and learning with other local photographers is fantastic. It feels like a great community with many regular contributors. It has also been brilliant for discovering local places I was previously unaware of, as others share their favourite places to photograph.

If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?

I really enjoy live music so I’d love to explore live concert photography a little more as it’s something I’ve never done beyond a quick phone snap here and there. Further afield, with my daydreaming head on, I’d love to photograph the Himalayas. Being such a fan of landscape photography, it would be amazing to see and take photos of the world’s highest mountain range.

The farm track between Garswood and Carr Mill