EACH week we are going to profile a member of The Northern Echo's burgeoning Camera Club.

This week we speak with George Hodgson of Peterlee.

Who or what inspired you to take up photography?

I have taken family snaps and record photographs at work for many years. I have always appreciated good photography but never had the time to take it seriously and looking back I don’t know why!

My inspiration was Don McCullin’s style of photo journalism and his later work of Landscapes “open skies” I particularly like.

However it was opportunity more than anything that was the driving force.

I took early retirement and needed a hobby so my interest in photography filled the gap.

I went to college and completed a level 1 & 2 in photography and then joined Durham Photographic Society.

What was your first camera?

I am disregarding all those point and shoot with all sorts of film formats in cassettes of which I had several. My first real camera was an Olympus OM30 film camera which I never really got past the auto setting.

Is there anything in particular you enjoy photographing most, and why?

I prefer street photography especially street portraits because it is different and current.

It should be real and not contrived and it requires the photographer to be observant and ready.

If you aren’t ready you miss the shot and the moment, once gone is gone.

Of all the photos you've taken, which has been your favourite, and why?

Bringing in the nets was one of the first images I felt really worked and for this reason it has a special place in my images.

What's your go-to kit at the moment?

Cannon D600 with 18 x 200 Sigma 3.5/6.3 Lens.

Do you spend much time in post-production and what software do you use?

Yes always! I shoot all my images in RAW only; this makes me process all images. I use Camera Raw and then Photoshop to complete my post production. Some images I will spend hours on and may produce several versions to ensure I get the best out of it.

Do you have any advice for budding photographers?

Don’t fall in to the trap of spending a fortune, you really don't need to!

Top 3 tips are:

  1. Understand the exposure triangle.
  2. Learn about composition.
  3. Practice. Take plenty of shots and look at them critically be honest with yourself what works and what doesn't.