Meet the biologist turned photographer putting nature in the frame

© Provided by Wirral Globe
Let’s go fly a kite at Leasowe Beach

WELCOME to Behind the Lens, a feature that shines a light on the talented photographers in our Wirral Globe Camera Club group.

This week, we’re looking at Heather Garland’s favourite images that she’s captured in Wirral and further afield.

Heather, who lives in Heswall, loves to be outside taking photographs and recording special family events but is currently exploring a new-found interest in underwater images.

When and why did you take up photography?

My mum bought me my first camera when I was nine years old and I’ve enjoyed capturing candid family moments as well as beautiful landscapes on family holidays ever since.

My husband is an accomplished underwater wreck photographer and he sparked my interest in this branch of photography.

What do you love about taking pictures?

I love recording special family events and nature as well as people and places while I develop my creativity skills with photography.

READ MORE:

Wirral Globe Camera Club member Hugh McLaughlan loves to showcase the beauty of the local area

Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?

In the great outdoors, whether it’s at the coast or under the sea, deep within a thick forest, on a lakeside or riverbank or up high on a mountainside. I am a scientist and love capturing the awe and wonder of places and the nature that can be found there.

What is your favourite subject matter and why?

I don’t think I’ve developed a real niche in terms of subject matter but having been a recreational scuba diver for more than two decades, I’m currently enjoying being a novice underwater photographer. It’s testing both my skills as a diver and as a photographer. As a biologist by trade, I have a keen interest in natural history especially marine life, so capturing images of wildlife and their behaviour really excites me.

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Wirral Globe Camera Club member Neil Gillingham used photography as a way to rebuild his life and his self-confidence

What do you enjoy about being part of the Wirral Globe Camera Club?

I’ve enjoyed being part of the Wirral Globe Camera Club as it’s developing my creative skills as I try to photograph familiar scenes but in an artistic way, that is both unique and exciting. I also think it’s a friendly supportive group of like-minded people.

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

I thought of numerous answers to this question ranging from bringing back my late parents and taking the photographs I’ve been unable to take of them with my children, especially as my sons reach new milestones in their lives. Alternatively, travelling back to my honeymoon destination and photographing the beautiful shipwrecks and reefs of Chuuk Lagoon would be wonderful. However, I eventually settled on travelling back in time and joining Jacques Cousteau, as one of his underwater photographers, when they first ventured into the big blue.

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