EACH week we profile a member of the Northern Echo's popular Camera Club. This week it's the turn of Wendy Wilkinson, originally of Newton Aycliffe, now living in Middleton St George

The Northern Echo: WENDY WILKINSON headsot..

Who or what inspired you?

I'VE always loved nature and being outdoors and my husband and I love to explore. He encouraged me to take up photography as a hobby and now I'm hooked. I find it's a great way to relax and help cope with the stresses of a hectic life.

Your first camera?

I STARTED with a Sony Bridge camera about two years ago and upgraded to a Nikon DSLR last year.

What do you most enjoy photographing?

I ENJOY a variety of subjects – landscapes, wildlife, urban decay and graffiti – but my favourite is sunsets. I never get tired of watching and recording the changing colours.

Favourite picture?

THE Steetley Beach Sunset shot. I just love the colours and the symmetry of the sky reflecting in the wet sand. It reminds me a bit of some of Turner's paintings.

Your go-to kit at the moment?

NIKON D7100 and my 35mm Nikon lens are my most used combination, although I do like my sigma ten to 20mm wide angle as it allows a totally different perspective.

Advice for budding photographers?

READ as much as you can about photography and join as many photography groups as you can as they're full of helpful people who will offer support and advice on most subjects. Photograph everything and anything until you find your style then hone your skills.