We focus on keen amateur photographer John Chadwick, from Belper, a retired former Royal Mail manager and retained firefighter who has a passion for capturing the landscape of his native Derbyshire
Tell us something about yourself.
I am 76 and married to Eileen, and we have three sons and two grandchildren. Although born at Ashleyhay, I grew up in Wirksworth and attended the Anthony Gell Grammar School.
My first job was in textile engineering and during this time I had two years and six months of National Service, mostly in Germany. In 1966, I joined the GPO (Royal Mail) and during my career covered all head office jobs in Derby up to middle management. At the same time, from ages 18 to 55, I was a retained firefighter, firstly at Wirksworth when the station was in the Town Hall. Then I served 26 years at Ashbourne, where I retired as station officer. In semi-retirement, I was fortunate to be able to combine nearly six years in Community Fire Service, mainly giving talks in schools, and driving for the Derbyshire Mobile Library Service part time for 13 years.
In 1994, I had the honour of "turning up the ball" to start the game of the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football. I was also honoured to receive an MBE from the Queen, for services to firefighting, in 2001.
How did you first become interested in photography?
As a teenager, I spent a lot of time cycling around Derbyshire with friends, enjoying the fantastic views and thought it would be good to show others – even though the photos were in monochrome and about two inches square.
What was your first camera and what is your equipment of choice now?
My first camera was an Ensign Fullview that had a large convex two-inch square view finder on top of the camera that could be easily used at ground level or upside down at arm's length above one's head, which was quite useful in a crowd. Next up was a Dacora Digna complete with a leather case that was purchased in Germany while in the Army. For quite some years, I used to take many cine films from my first wind-up standard 8mm to a digital video camera. I renewed my interest in photography with a Panasonic digital, upgrading to the Lumix DMC-TZ6 that I still use today. My latest acquisition, in 2014, was a DSLR Canon EOS100D with a Canon EFS 18-55mm lens and a Tamron AF 70-300mm lens.
Does the Derbyshire landscape inspire you and what are some of your favourite locations?
Working for Royal Mail, Derbyshire Fire Service, as a relief driver for the mobile library service in my retirement and also leading a walking group, I have travelled extensively in the county. I never cease to be inspired by the Derbyshire landscape. There are so many interesting locations, such as Padley Gorge from the Longshaw Estate, following the Burbage Brook to Grindleford; Lumsdale, near Matlock, for its history; and the views from Edale and Castleton. As a child, I was fascinated with Alport Stone and the panoramic views from Alport Heights.
What would be your dream photo commission, destination or subject?
Last year, I partially realised one ambition and that is to photograph the "Big Five" wild animals on safari in South Africa – the elephant, rhinoceros, leopard and buffalo, though the lion proved too elusive for a good 'shot' (maybe if there is a next time). I would be delighted to catch a swan at the point of touch down with the reflection on smooth water. Destinations I would like to photograph include Sydney Opera House, the Taj Mahal and Mount Cook, New Zealand – on a bright, clear day next time.
Any advice for your fellow amateur photographers?
As an amateur, I am not qualified to give anything other than basic advice. Consider the composition of your picture; is there anything that you would not want to see in it, such as a hat stand sticking up behind someone's head, telephone wires obscuring the subject or waste bins in the background? Just moving your position a few feet can make all the difference. Avoid your own shadow showing up in view in bright sunlight. It is not always necessary to use a flash indoors – using modern cameras with automatic focus can result in interesting effects without the danger of overexposure of the subject. With birds and animals, if possible, try to focus on the eye for the best effect.
Any ambitions for your photography?
I just want to enjoy taking photos of any interesting subject, whether it be wildlife, landscape or buildings, to share with friends or as a record of a family growing and a reminder of our travels.
Where can people see more of your work?
I have been fortunate to share some of my pictures with readers of the Derby Telegraph on the Opinion page. I have displayed photos as a "Know your Derbyshire" quiz and entered competitions at some local rural shows and Hazelwood Annual Fete. This year I also produced a small calendar with 12 images for my walking group and friends. I hope that these might inspire anyone to go out and enjoy the beauty of Derbyshire.
