This month we take a closer look at photographer Peter Baker.
After taking photographs for many years simply as a holiday snapper, Peter only discovered his real passion for photography after taking early retirement. In just eight years he has immersed himself in the craft, developing into one of the region’s most successful exhibition photographers.
Rather than specialising in a single genre, Peter enjoys photographing almost anything that catches his eye, from atmospheric landscapes and street photography to portraits and creative images. Peter sees photography as a lifelong apprenticeship. Competitions and exhibitions are not an end in themselves but an invaluable way of testing his work against the highest standards and discovering where the next improvement can be made. Entering exhibitions across Britain and overseas has provided a constant benchmark, and the awards have followed naturally, including Gold and Silver medals at prestigious exhibitions such as the London Salon and the Edinburgh International Exhibition. He is also working towards further distinctions from the Royal Photographic Society, seeing them as milestones in an ongoing journey rather than a destination.
Despite this success, Peter believes photography should always remain enjoyable. He still prints many of his favourite images, convinced that seeing a photograph on fine paper brings a quality that a screen can never quite match.
Royston Photographic Society has played an important part in that journey. From the warm welcome he received on his very first visit, he found a club where members generously shared their knowledge and encouraged one another to improve. Now he enjoys giving something back through mentoring, leading photographic outings and contributing to club discussions. For Peter, the Society is far more than a place to learn photography; it is a community of friends who inspire one another to see the world a little more creatively.
The club meets every Thursday, 19.45, during term time, at Icknield Walk School. Camera club season will finish in early May but a summer programme of activities is about to launch. Any photographers wishing to join our adventures should contact Andrew Gillborn at andrewgillborn@gmail.com.
Details of the society, club nights and membership are available from Andrew Gillborn andrewgillborn@gmail.com –
roystonphotographicsociety.co.uk | FB
All photographs copyright Peter Baker
