Tom Heslop

Tom Heslop was born in Stockton-on-Tees in 1963 and now lives in Spennymoor with his wife Marie who is also a member of the Society. Tom says, “I have never studied photography formally, I’m pretty much self taught from books and magazines and, more recently, I’m learning a lot from being a member of Durham Photographic Society”.

MY PHOTOGRAPHY

My love of photography started in the early 1980’s when a work colleague showed me his SLR and said have a go, as soon as I looked through the viewfinder I was hooked, I had only ever seen and used instamatic cameras before then.

I pretty much enjoy all aspects of photography but lean more towards macro and street photography.

THE  BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Is probably joining DPS!

MY FIRST CAMERA

An Olympus OM-1n with 50mm f1.4

MY FAVOURITE CURRENT KIT 

Olympus E-1 5.5Mp purchased in 2005 ( the ergonomics and shutter sound keep me going back to it and also use it on assignment days with a 12-60mm zoom). I also use an Olympus E-3 purchased in 2008 with a 50-200mm zoom which is fantastic for getting candid portrait shots. My most recent purchase is an Olympus 35-100mm F2, stunning lens but worth the expense.

MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Gosling for flower photography and Rankin for his portrait work.

ME AND THE DPS

My wife and I joined the society in January 2010 following a chance meeting with member Jim Horne at one of his exhibitions in Spennymoor.

My biggest successes in photography to date are having an image published full page in the Olympus user magazine, and achieving a 3rd and a Highly Commended in club competitions. More to come I hope!

THE THINGS I ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE DPS

The people - everybody is so friendly and willing to pass on advice; The incredible amount of work the committee do in organising the club, a big thumbs up for that and  the assignment days are a fantastic idea and again very well organised by Colin.

THE PEARL

Do not be too self critical. I’m terrible for it and it definitely does not help!