Club News: Royston Photographic Society: Photographer Spotlight: Tim Somervell

September 22, 2026 / Community News, Loving Local Living, Organisations, Royston Photographic Society

This month we take a closer look at photographer Tim Somervell

Tim Somervell’s photographic journey began in the 1960s with an Instamatic 100. By the early 1970s, photography had become more serious, with Tim developing his own pictures in the cellars of his prep school. His interests have remained remarkably consistent ever since: countryside, wildlife and, particularly, motor sport.

The 1980s brought another photographic obsession when Tim discovered video. Motor sport featured again, along with skiing holidays, but it was photography that ultimately became the enduring passion.

In the early 1990s, a good friend introduced Tim to Royston Photographic Society. More than 30 years later, he is still very much part of the club. Over the years he has served as Vice Chairman, Equipment Officer and Competition Secretary, and in 2001 he even won the Society’s Club Championship.

Now winding down from work, Tim has more time to devote to photography and travelling. His camera has accompanied him on adventures across Africa, South America and the Falkland Islands, as well as Canada, Europe, Scotland and closer to home. He has recently upgraded to the latest Canon mirrorless equipment and is enjoying taking more photographs than ever.

There is, however, one drawback to all this enthusiasm. Tim admits that sorting out the resulting mountain of images is “not my forte”.

Photography has clearly been a constant throughout Tim’s life, but so has the Society. He is one of our senior members and a familiar presence at virtually every club event. His experience and wise counsel are valued, while his contribution to the social life of the club includes hosting our summer barbecue.

For Tim, the attraction of the Society is perhaps best summed up by its enduring ability to provide something simple but increasingly valuable: several opportunities each week to meet friends, share an interest and talk the same language. After more than three decades, that seems a pretty good reason to keep coming back.

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.