IN 2023, we celebrated members of our St Helens Star Camera Club – some talented amateur and professional photographers who enjoy capturing magic moments and perfect spots around St Helens.
In our Behind The Lens features, we shine a light on their work and share their photographic journeys, highlighting how and when their passion for the art began, their favourite subjects and locations and what ambitions they have for their future photography.
The Camera Club is a fantastic mix of amateur and professional photographers who share their favourite images each week providing inspiration – and advice – for members.
We also have weekly challenges that allow members to share photographs based on a themes like frosty mornings, parks in autumn and colours as well as birds, old and new, and spooky streets.
If you would like to appear in Behind the Lens, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk
Click here to join St Helens Star Camera Club.
Taylor Park by Jennifer Hill
Jennifer Hill
Jennifer Hill takes photos in Taylor Park, where she spends much of her free time.
After buying a camera at the start of the pandemic as a way of distracting herself from a new job and easing her worries, Jennifer, who lives in St Helens, enjoys escaping from everyday life, taking photographs and revisiting them again once she’s home.
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“Being part of St Helens Star Camera Club gives me inspiration”
The Mersey Gateway Bridge by Suzy Makin
Suzy Makin
We looked at some of Suzy Makin’s favourite photographs.
Suzy is originally from Worsely in Manchester but after marrying someone from St Helens, she has lived in the town for several years.
Her interest in photography started during the Covid-19 pandemic when she was furloughed from work and she started taking pictures in her back garden.
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“Photography reminds to appreciate the simpler things in life”
A faint glow of the sun at Carr Mill Dam by Karen O'Dowd
Karen O’Dowd
Karen lives in St Helens and likes to take pictures around Carr Mill Dam and at Sankey Valley Park.
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Amateur photographer loves spotting elusive kingfishers by the water
An owl at Gauntlet Birds of Prey by Ann O'Donnell
Ann O’Donnell
Ann O’Donnell lives in Newton-le-Willows and likes to take pictures locally at Carr Mill Dam and Taylor Park.
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I love the challenge of taking a picture of birds in flight
St Helens Chantry at St Helens cemetery by Suzie Remadems
Suzie Remadems
Suzie Remadems shared some of her favourite photographs.
Suzie, who is originally from Australia and now lives in St Helens, loves taking photos at St Helens Cemetery using the dark shadows to create some moody shots.
Her ultimate ambition is to travel to New York and photograph some of the city’s skyline.
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“Photography helps me tell a story and use my mind creatively”
A heron and its reflection by Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw, who lived in Whiston before moving to Sutton Leach, developed an interest in photography during the Covid-19 lockdowns when he and his wife would take their dogs for walks.
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It’s never too late to start taking photos – I wish I’d done it sooner!
Sir Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen at last year's Glastonbury by Alex Cropper
Alex Cropper
Alex Cropper, who is 34 and lives near Sherdley Park, first took up photography during the pandemic and he enjoys capturing live music performances, having seen Sir Paul McCartney on stage with Bruce Springsteen at Glastonbury last year.
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Music legends are in the spotlight for St Helens photographer
Clock Face Colliery Country Park at dawn by Alan Holland
Alan Holland
Alan Holland 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.
READ MORE:
Behind The Lens: ‘I’ve been taking photographs since I was a toddler’
Knowsley Safari Park's popular members of the pride by Hilary Bradshaw
Hilary Bradshaw
Hilary Bradshaw, who is 64 and has lived in St Helens her whole life has been interested in photography for the past 15 years and she loves the social aspect of taking and sharing images.
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“St Helens Camera Club is a wonderful place meet like-minded people”
World of Glass by Claire Rigby
Claire Rigby
Claire Rigby, who lives in St Helens town centre, has always taken pictures of interesting and unusual things and her love of photography grew during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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“I love photographing buildings that have been forgotten by history”
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