John Siddle

John Conley Siddle was born in 1946 and is one of our newer members. He was born in Edinburgh, and is married to Gwen for 12 years, with two step-children, Joe and Amanda. They currently live in Ferryhill, Co. Durham.
Now retired, John has worked at many things: electrician, typewriter mechanic, computer engineer for IBM, graphic artist and designer (he had his own business, ‘Siddle Graphics’ for ten years), professional musician (drums and vocals), chimney sweep, financial advisor, salesman, factory worker, and more!
John is a member of the Royal Photographic Society and gained his LRPS in 1984 and ARPS in 2007.

John says “There are many aspects to membership of DPS that I have not yet explored, but I fully intend to”.

MY PHOTOGRAPHY

Due to my graphics background my photography usually features strong shapes or textures. I had an Agfa A1 sized process camera when I was running the business and was always trying to work out how to achieve a particular effect for some job – it has become a habit. I love digital because what used to take me half a day to achieve, I can now usually do in a few minutes. I shoot whatever I see that interests me with no particular preference for landscapes, portraits, etc.
 

THE  BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Again, no particular favourites. There are very many photographers whose work I admire and I am always impressed by quality, no matter what the genre.

MY FIRST CAMERA

My first camera was, (guess what), a Kodak ‘Brownie’. My first SLR was a ‘Zenit’ (remember those?) there was no metering, no auto focus and not even the “sunny/cloudy” control I had on the ‘Brownie’! My favourite film camera was a Canon AE1.

MY FAVOURITE CURRENT KIT

I now use a Canon EOS 600D with an 18mm-55mm zoom and a 55mm-200mm zoom. I would also include as part of my favourite kit, Adobe Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5 because to me, although they are not part of ‘field’ equipment, they are vital in producing the images I want.

MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS

I am intrigued by the work of Calum Colvin and impressed by the portraits by Damien Lovegrove.

ME AND THE DPS

I have been a member of DPS for a year, having joined in January 2009. I have already entered competitions. My tally to date is one 5^th place and two highly commended.

THE THINGS I ENJOY MOST BEING A MEMBER OF THE DPS

I like the general high standard and the variation of photography within the society.
Members are generally knowledgeable and prolific within their individual styles and so there is a wealth of experience to draw upon. Meetings are always enjoyable and informative and competitions are well organised.

THE PEARL (Advice to budding photographers)

For me, it is the final image that matters; any method, medium or manipulation that is used in achieving that image is valid.