Argus Camera Club member Kyle Bolter's six best pictures

Kyle Bolter

I live in Crawley with my beautiful fiancée and two girls, the oldest is nine and youngest seven, and I must include my furry friend border collie. My place of work is Bishops Move – you have most likely seen the big bright yellow lorries on the road (you cannot miss them).

When and why did you start photography?

I started doing photography in early stages on first lockdown back in March 2020 just using my Samsung galaxy s9+. This was just taking pictures of flowers mainly and the odd landscape while I was doing daily exercise or walking the dog. I was then put on furlough for three or so months and this didn’t help my mental health nor my ADHD – I needed to do something.

I was taking more pictures with the phone and uploading to social media and the responses I was getting were very overwhelming and made it all positive. I then made my first purchase of a camera – a B500 which is a bridge camera. This was awesome and the zoom incredible.

I loved it, my photography went up a level to a point where I wanted more.

‘March early birds’ was taken at Worth Park, Crawley, during the second lockdown. Below is ‘Only way is up’ which was also taken at Worth Park

What do you love about taking pictures?

The fact you are capturing a moment that will only happen once. You catch that moment that no one else has seen and to me there is something quite special about that. Before I started photography, I would not think twice about looking at tree and stopping to take in the nature and views about me. Now everything in my head is beautiful, I look at things in a completely different way and a different perspective to the common eye. Nature is positive and we as people need it, especially in these strange times. Taking that picture is so exciting, you look through that view finder but don’t know how it’s going to come out on the back of that camera and getting that final outcome makes all the research and sleepless nights thinking about an image worthwhile. Photography is so rewarding in so many different ways and I am glad to have taken it up as a hobby and hopefully a profession one day.

‘Feeling reflective’ was taken at Tilgate Park, Crawley, during the first lockdown

Where is your favourite place to take pictures?

That’s a tough one. I love Tilgate Park for the lake and wide variety of wildlife and the forest But I think on a more personal level it’s got to be Worth park in Crawley – my childhood haunts as I used to live there with my mum and dad when I was a nipper before their divorce. Walking round the gardens I can see a baby me running around the place. The gardens are stunning and incredibly photogenic. I go there a number of times in the week and there’s always something different to see even if it’s the same subject, if that makes sense?

What equipment do you use?

I am still in early stages of my photography so my equipment is pretty basic to others but, hey, you have to start somewhere right? But as I said, I took photography to a new level so here we go. The camera is a Nikon D3500. I use two lenses, one being my recently bought 50mm f1.4 prime lens and can I just say I recommend this lens for anyone wanting portrait or even a bit of landscape. Great all rounder really. And my other lens is my 70-300mm Tamron telephoto lens with 1.2 macro built in. Brilliant lens for wildlife and those nature photos.

I use a Zomei tripod (beginners) this was a gift from my auntie who lives in Brighton and is a real supporter to my photography.

‘Always light at the end of the tunnel’ , taken at Worth Farm. This is Kyle’s favourite picture

What’s your favourite image you have taken?

This image I took while out with the dog on a frosty Sunday morning around 6.45am, the sun was just starting to come up so it had that golden glow. As I came up the pathway, I noticed this stunning view as the light was lighting the fence and the ground which then took your eye into this gorgeous natural arch way. I call this image (light at the end of the tunnel). With my mental health and with the current times it is only fitting.

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Why did you join The Argus Camera Club?

That is a good question!

I saw people posting on to the page who are friends of mine and thought I would check it out. I noticed how people were friendly and incredibly helpful. The page is full of inspiration and its lovely to talk photography with people who share the same passion.

I love the fact that you can have your images selected for the paper too. I have been in twice and it is an awesome feeling, one of success and that you have done something right with something you enjoy.

‘On track’ was taken on the Worth Way, Crawley

What tips would you give people who want to get into photography?

If you want to take it up as a profession I suggest you find your topic and research around it. Find what camera ticks boxes for what you want to do. Watch plenty of videos and read books. Once you have your equipment you go out on the field and have a play (that is the best bit).

‘Only way is up’, taken at Worth Park

I wish I done more research and I am still trying to find what works for me as I am wanting to take this up as a profession. The most important tip I would give anyone though is HAVE FUN and keep it simple, do not over-complicate things.

As I keep mentioning, I want to take things to a new level and want to do this for a living. Any advice or opportunities would be highly appreciated.

I wish everyone success in their venture whether amateur or pro and that you stay safe.