29/07/2026
This month we meet member David Sneyd
1. How would you describe your photography style in a few words?
‘If it moves, shoot it’. This is with a camera of course, and not necessarily moving objects. Generally I’m pretty ‘open’ about what I take a picture of. This can be landscapes, portraits, architecture, flora, wildlife and even decaying trees benches and gates!
2. What or who encouraged you to start photography
This started many years ago probably when I was in 6th form in the early 80’s. A lot of my friends at the time all started to buy SLR’s and an interest grew from there.
I had a practice with my dad’s old 35mm Halina. I finally bought my first camera from a shop in Halesown called Bell and Howell and that was a Konica FP1 with a 50mm Hexanon f1.8 on the front. In todays terms this was basically a point and shoot but had the option to change lenses.
I simply grew from there, wanting to take better more adventurous images. I moved onto digital Canon bridge cameras later in life before making the step to Nikon. Learning to shoot in manual was a steep learning curve for me, something that I’d started on some 7-8 years ago before moving down here to beautiful Devon. It was when I was here that my wife Helen, came across some photography courses with the RSPB.
The first course was for beginners. I was the only one who attended and where I first met Mr Stephen Edwards! I came out of that course happy that I was doing things correctly, but far more importantly understanding as to why this was happening. It was a sharp lesson about exposure and focusing and basic camera use that was a fantastic foundation to build from.
3. What camera/lens (s) do you use the most?
I moved up to a Nikon D750 at the end of last year from a D7200. This was my first FX so meant getting some new kit. I currently love my 70-200 f2.8 VR2. It’s such a versatile, fast focusing sharp lens with a great bokeh.
4. What subject matter do you love photographing?
This is where it gets tricky! As I said earlier I will photograph anything really. That said I tend to find myself given the chance to photograph architecture, especially churches and their surroundings. Back in 6th form all those years ago I took ‘A level’ Art History.
A large part of this was looking at Ealry English Architecture, understanding how these builds were constructed and making field trips to various cathedrals. If I see a church now on my travels I will have a walk into and around the churchyard. I think a lot of these shots come over as being quite atmospheric.
My other great love are lines. If I can get an image with a great leading line in it I’m a happy person. When I’m out I enjoy taking pictures of passageways that maybe lead to a potential vanishing point. I think it makes the viewer wonder where maybe these lead too.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your photos?
From all around me really. That can be from flora and wildlife in the garden, to walking across headland and through woodland. I originally had a great love for wildlife photography, but since joining PPC you have definitely stretched my horizons with some of the images that are shown on competitions and on members nights.
Only this week I did a woodland walk and decided to try some ICM, something I had never really tried in the past. Again a new learning curve and something that ‘makes you think’ about the image you are taking and what is in front of you.
6. What is the favourite photograph you have taken?
Really difficult question! I suppose I have a number of them if I’m being fair. My first one would be of my Cockapoo Ted, who we very sadly lost earlier on this year. I have one of The River Dart at Totnes in Autumn which was a competition winner, and also a series of Torquay Bay of Lights, just to mention a few.
7. What editing system do you use?
This is an easy one to answer. It’s Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. For me, well worth the subscription fee and your product is always up to date, even if some of the updates do drive you a little potty!
8. What has photography has taught you?
Patience… Many years back I was a very keen golfer and that was a game that just when you thought you’d conquered it, the game would throw you yet another curve ball. You never stopped learning. For me this is very similar to photography in many ways.
There are always new techniques you can try, new ways of looking at scenes and objects. Adjusting angles in which to shoot an image, looking at light, shadows and reflections. Is it better with a person in or out of a particular shot? All of these things take time and patience to, I would like to say perfect. I still have a long, long way to go with this as I’m sure many of you have.
The rule is, never give up on it, ask colleagues how they might tackle a particular thing and most importantly don’t be afraid to try something new. The chances are first time out the shots will be pretty awful, this is where you come back again and try once more.
David Sneyd
