26-07-2025
'I like to capture the beauty of where I am especially if it makes me smile'
WELCOME to Behind the Lens, a feature that shines a light on the talented photographers in our Warrington Guardian Camera Club group.
This week, we're talking to Carolyn Danson, who is originally from Colwyn Bay in north Wales but has lived in Lymm for most of her life.
She was given a camera as a birthday present when she was a teenager and her father's amateur photography had a big influence on her life.
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Warrington Guardian Camera Club member Carolyn Danson
When and why did you take up photography?
As a teenager, I was given a camera for a birthday present and my interest began from then. It was helped by the fact my father was very interested in photography and would talk about it. He did wedding photos on an amateur basis when we were children and developed his own films. He would talk about apertures and speeds and regularly bought amateur photography magazines. He had a creative leaning which I hope I've inherited to some extent. So, he was a big influence.
Disappearing sun
What do you love about taking pictures?
I like to capture things that make me smile and I like to capture the beauty of whatever it is I am looking at, so that it is kept in a physical way. Light changes so rapidly - the image in front of you can go away quickly and taking a photo keeps it as it is, in that moment. Taking photos makes you look at things more closely and makes you more aware of your surroundings. Taking the monthly pictures for the One Photo A Month Challenge in the Camera Club made me realise that the places I saw frequently changed so much throughout the year without me realising. I do still get my photos printed so have a lovely physical reminder.
Water reflections
READ MORE:
'I love capturing the mood and I love the memories that photographs evoke'
Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?
I like to take pictures when I am out with my dog Stanley, usually of him having fun. I like to photograph a variety of views and natural things such as plants and trees etc. I do like to consider light and framing. Lymm Dam features a lot as does the Trans Pennine Trail. I love snowy and frosty shots too.
Looking up
What is your favourite subject matter and why?
My dog Stanley because he's special! He cheers me up and I can catch the look on his face which has many different expressions. I also love views, as nature in all its forms is beautiful.
In full bloom
READ MORE:
Every picture you take tells a story and helps keep memories alive
What do you enjoy about being part of our Camera Club on Facebook?
I enjoy looking at others' photos and sometimes working out how they have been taken. I like the fact posting a photo is a positive experience and enjoy the comments others leave. I've enjoyed doing the monthly photos as they've made me even more aware of my surroundings. I enjoy having a picture of the week to focus on. I think it all helps to encourage you to be more mindful.
Along the canal
If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?
I enjoy historical buildings, castles, churches and abbeys etc and art as well as culture so a historical city appeals, such as Rome.
Florence and Tuscany for similar reasons and beautiful landscapes.
Carolyn's dog Stanley
