Our Wye Life Photo Corner admins and contributors come from all walks of life. We have men and women of all ages taking amazing images every day, and kindly sharing them on the group so we can share with Wye Life readers. Today we’re finding out a little more about admin David Read. David has traveled the world during a varied life and career. Here he tells us more and shares his passion for photography.
Please tell us a little about you and your background…
I was born in May 1945 in Stoke Bliss near Tenbury. Mum and Dad both RAF. Moved to Kimbolton, Herefordshire same year. I attended Kimbolton ST James School then Leominster Secondary and left at fifteen. Two days after leaving I started work as an apprentice in carpentry at F. H. Dale, Leominster (my brother Paul is now CEO) and stayed there until I was nineteen.
I joined the Royal Engineers in 1964 and served twelve years, mostly in Germany, but went to nineteen different countries whilst serving including four tours in Northern Ireland.
I married in 1967 (sister of my best mate). I came home on leave with him, met his sister and the rest, as they say, is history.
We’ve just renewed our vows in Germany at a little church on a hill (she didn’t have a clue). I arranged a reunion out there, sorted her dress and bits n bobs. Took twenty-five guests; drove there, stayed the weekend (five days) arranged the vicar, new rings, our daughter did the flowers button holes.
In 1977 we came to live in Billingshurst (we’re still in the same house) joined a local garage as a technician and became the heavy goods recovery tech covering mostly south of London. During that time became involved with recovery of burnt-out vehicles from London during the Brixton riots 1981 and the Broadwater Farm riots of 1985.
Decked my manager at the garage in 1988 and walked. Set up my own vehicle bodyshop business the next day in Billingshurst. That lasted until 1991 when I was asked to go and work for BAA at Gatwick to set up a vehicle bodyshop at the airport – stuck with that for nine years.
Are there any photographers whose work you particularly admire?
No! Too many prima donnas. But, there are two young ladies whose images have come on in leaps and bounds on the Wye Life Photo Corner and they are Gill and Sara. They are so good.
What is your favourite subject matter?
Street. Macro. Birds. Animals (cows). Flowers at garden centres; I often ask management if I can take photos. Anything that makes me look twice and that I think will make a good image. If other people like it, that’s a result.
I enjoy playing with my images in Corel Paintshop Pro. Just bought Affinity and Topas Studio but never really publish them.
What equipment do you use?
I use Canon D90, Sony A77SLT V. On the Canon, the lenses are 150-600 Sigma 18-55, 18-135. On the Sony they are 75-300, 16-50, the Sigma 2.8-105 plus prime 2.8-30mm. I use a tripod, monopod and self-built rifle stock for the 150-600, and a self-built clamp for hide work. and a camo tent.
Is photography your hobby or your profession?
Pure hobby – so good for PTSD.
What do you love about taking photographs?
I like taking good images. It’s simple, getting out and about, meeting people in the street, asking for their image and chatting.
David Read
All photographs are copyright David Read 2020.
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Do you have a passion for photography?
Perhaps you’d like to share your interest with our members on the Wye Life Photo Corner. It’s very friendly and you’ll be made most welcome.
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