Amateur Photography Homepage
My name is Paul and I've been a keen amateur photographer since I was
a child, using a Box Brownie loaned to me by my grandparents to take
pictures during a school outing. My enthusiasm was fired somewhat by at
least one forward-thinking schoolmaster who considered it to be part of
a science lessons to engage in the chemistry, almost alchemy to my young mind,
of transforming the flimsy celluloid contents of a black leatherette-covered
box into tangible images of objects and things past. I've dedicated a
page to my worthy mentors in my personal website
www.paulcooper.me.uk and hope this website salutes their success.
Over the years I've seen many advances and changes in both the art and science of
photography and embraced them all, often with complete ambivalence towards accepted
ideas about what photography is, or at least
should be according to
those who can see nothing beyond tradition. There have always been
those who would take something interesting or challenging and try to
make it exclusively their own, pouring scorn upon anyone who doesn't see
it in their terms or do it by their methods but I have no time for
such views. If there is a better way of doing something, I'm all
for it and if it's fun, even better that everyone should have the
opportunity to enjoy it freely and in whatever way that suits them.
As it happens I still like to play with my collection of 'old' cameras,
the most senior of which is a 1920s Thornton Pickard Junior Special
press camera, then through the Olympus 35mmm SLR; a Vivitar digital
camera with a resolution that doesn't even come close to most modern
webcams or mobile phones; and ultimately my 'wish-list' camera is the
latest Canon digital SLR with interchangeable lenses. Meanwhile
I'll manage with my Olympus 410 digital until such time. Anyway,
my interest in all aspects of photography continues apace and I am equally
at home with glass plates, roll-film, 35mm slides but best of all, the latest digital
imagery techniques. Digital photography has opened up a new universe of
possibilities, ideas and techniques that are no less worthy because they are
'modern'. With the use and assistance of a modest computer, it is now possible
for everyone to enjoy the art and produce results that are far superior to
anything ever to emerge from a film camera.
Unless otherwise stated, every image on this website was originally produced using a digital camera and although I've no wish to compare my work to that of the many great artists and professionals who continue to push back new frontiers and inspire people like me, I do claim some artistry and declare an eye for a picture that few possess.
Photography and the Internet
For me the Internet has become another facet of the fascinating hobby of photography. It has provided the means to exhibit my art to the world, or at least those who are interested. It has also provided the challenge of how best to exhibit since this medium is nothing like the mounted 'hard copy' images of local libraries and photographic societies. There is so much more that is interesting and challenging about digital photography and creating a website such as this just adds to the fun. Try it and see but if you're unsure where to start just ask and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction - we all have to start somewhere!