Neil Wildin In Focus

While Tewkesbury-based amateur photographer Neil Wildin is lucky enough to travel the world with his camera at the ready, it’s right here in Gloucestershire that he’s captured some of his most awe-inspiring shots. SoGlos.com finds out more.

So tell us about yourself
I’m Neil and I’m two months away from turning 30! I grew up in Burnham-On-Sea in Somerset and then went to the University of Gloucestershire and have stayed around ever since. I work for L3 Communications in Tewkesbury which is a defence company. My job gives me the chance to see places in the world you wouldn’t normally visit.

Where in Gloucestershire do you live?
I live in Tewkesbury. I am a previous incumbent of Cheltenham, but have been here now for over two years so it’s starting to feel like home.

How and when did you first get into photography?
Thinking about it, it was as a kid. I remember having a camera at an early age, but I didn’t start taking ‘proper’ pictures until about a year ago when a friend of mine was talking about the Nikon D40 and I had a look as well. I decided on a whim to buy it, and then obviously had to go out and use it! I’m glad I did as I haven’t stopped since.

What camera and other equipment do you use?
As I have only just started to do this seriously I have the Nikon D40 which is a great entry level DSLR and to be honest I am still learning things on it a year on. My tripod is just a basic Jessops job and it hasn’t failed me yet. I only have two lenses; the standard 18-55mm shipped lens and then the 55-200mm Nikkor VR zoom lens. I use a Lowepro sling bag to cart these around. I think my next addition is going to be a wide angle lens, though I haven’t decided which yet.

Gallery of pictures from Neil Wildin

Out of the 10 photos you picked for the gallery, which is your favourite and why?
Hmmm, my favourite is usually the last one I took! I like each image for different reasons but am really into shooting HDR shots right now. so I’m particularly keen on these. I think at a push I’ll say my Tewkesbury Abbey one as I love the colours produced. Noticeable recognition though I think should be made for the Tewkesbury Flood image (‘Broken Banks’) as this was one of the first pictures I ever took with the D40 and I think I was fairly lucky that day.

Do you use any image editing software?
I do indeed. I use Photoshop CS3 for all my image editing and also Photomatix Pro for creating HDRs. There are two schools of thought regarding post processing and I am for it. I don’t think you can manipulate a bad shot into a good shot, but why not enhance a good shot into a great shot? Where’s the harm? Half the fun for me is pulling the image off my camera and then playing around to see what I can do with it. HDRs would not be possible otherwise and look at the stunning images created using the technique.

Are you a film or digital advocate?
Digital. It’s made it possible for thousands of people to buy a camera and snap away without any restrictions.

Do you have any formal training? How did you develop your skills?
Nope. I have just read magazines and websites to pick up tips and then tried them. The beauty of digital cameras means you can afford to be experimental and try things you wouldn’t with film. I do think though that you have to possess an eye for a shot. You can have all the training in the world and still take bad pictures without it.

If you could photograph anyone who would it be?
I’m not into portraits so have never thought about it. I would purely be giving names here of some people I would just like to meet, and I’m keeping that list to myself in case anyone I know reads this!

What’s your favourite Gloucestershire location?
Well, Tewkesbury Abbey is great inside for some interesting captures. Other than that anywhere in the countryside really. I’m not really a big town/city man so I like just driving around and looking for interesting things to take pictures of on a nice day. You’ll notice there are not many shots taken in autumn/winter for this very reason, but I’m aiming to change that soon.

Do you have any tips for budding snappers?
Well, I am still one of these so not sure whether anyone will pay attention. But I think the biggest thing I have found useful is to just experiment. Get your camera manual out, look at all the functions and try them until your finger is sore. I was going to say listen to others feedback, but then I realised that honestly as long as I’m happy with a picture, then it doesn’t matter.

You can see more of Neil Wildin’s photos on his Flickr profile, flickr.com/nwildin.

SoGlos.com
6 November 2008