Today the Behind The Lens spotlight falls on Annette Mary Radford, 62, who lives in Woodingdean. Annette is now retired but spent her career in tourism, which included working in country houses, on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry, for the French government tourist office and in Ashdown Forest. She said these roles boosted her local knowledge and interest in local history. Her wide-ranging interests have clearly influenced her photography – hers is a most eclectic portfolio.
When and why did you get into photography and what equipment do you use?
As far back as I can remember, I have been interested in images and taking photographs. My earliest camera was given to me by my father, a simple silver and black Kodak Instamatic-25 with a spool to spool film cartridge. It would have been about 1968 and I was ten. I progressed to 35mm film cameras, a Pentax and an Olympus AF-1. Then with the great leap to digitalisation, I bought a Canon Powershot before embarking on trips to India, Nepal and Burma. More recently, I invested in a Fujifilm X-T3 with a 55-200 lens for landscape and wildlife, although I still often use my Samsung smartphone.
What do you love about taking pictures ?
I love the freedom and adventure this art form brings, enabling me to travel in search of serendipity; happy accidents discovering the extraordinary, or the unusual in the ordinary. The challenge is to successfully capture such fleeting moments. I like photography’s slick immediacy. Results are instantly rewarding or disappointing, so one is constantly experimenting, learning and improving. It has provided countless hours of enjoyment over the years. The practice I believe, also makes more keen the eye and sharpens the visual memory.
Where is your favourite place for taking pictures?
I love the open spaces of the South Downs Park and the Ashdown Forest, but also the majestic beeches and mature oaks on the Angmering and Petworth Estates and in Slindon woods. I am guided by our rich seasons and their transformative, light-altering effects on the countryside and the wondrous changing patterns in nature, especially in spring and autumn. I am drawn to the energy of water and light, so like to be beside the seaside, rivers and lakes.
What is your favourite picture?
“Meditation in a Buddhist Monastery” near Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma), 2016. This is my favourite due to the natural pose of its subjects, shot in a dimly lit ancient temple. A Buddhist man sits pensive by its unique oval windows as a cat naps nearby in a pool of sunlight. The exotic setting, composition and powerful quality of light made it an arresting study and immediately drew me in.
Why did you join the Argus Camera Club?
In 2015 and 2017 I had wins with portraits in the Argus “One Day In Summer Competition”. By late 2019 just before the pandemic, I joined the club, with the intention of taking more Sussex landscape and wildlife shots. Lockdown walks presented nature rejuvenating herself throughout 2020, thus providing many wonderful photographic opportunities. As a result, I nowadays find myself seeking inspiration for noble animal portraits.
Anything else?
There are some accomplished wildlife photographers in the club, so that is very inspirational. Sharing lockdown photos has been mutually joyful and hopeful throughout the pandemic. “Behind The Lens” too is really informative and I am happy and grateful to be included.
Any tips or advice for others?
I would reiterate the advice of other photographers – it is not all about expensive gear and lenses, smartphones can do the trick, so anyone can participate these days. I believe it is more about the operator, the opportunities created, the imagination, innovation, composition, employment of light, and the unique signature style they bring to photographic exercise. It is always worthwhile to have your camera at hand and to expect the unexpected. Where possible, ask permission if you are capturing other people.
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