EVERY week we profile a member of The Northern Echo Camera Club. This week it's the turn of Neil Wayper, who was born in Wolsingham but now lives in Crook.

The Northern Echo:

Who or what inspired you to take up photography?

SEEING wildlife cameramen on TV taking wonderful images inspired me to have a go.

What was your first camera?

A CANON film camera about 30 years ago.

What do you most enjoy photographing and why?

MY main interest is wildlife but will have a go at anything – I always have a camera wherever we go. My shots are mostly of the local area, with Low Barns nature reserve being visited regular.

Your favourite picture?

I DON'T really have any favourites but love the hares as they are such docile animals – and those ears.

What is your go-to kit at the moment?

I'VE just moved up from a Canon 5d to a Canon 1dx and range of lenses from 600mm to a 100-400mm.

Do you spend much time in post production?

I DO very little editing as not really good with computers. A little cropping and that's about it really.

Do you have any advice for budding photographers?

GET out there and take photographs. Learn as you go, listen to others and enjoy. If the image pleases you then you have been successful. Also it can get very addictive so be careful!