Steven Beard, MCC Chair – I first started in photography in 1972 when I was given a Kodak Instamatic camera. Then at University I was introduced to the 35mm camera and in 1980 bought myself a Minolta SLR. My highlight with this camera was a visit to the Grand Canyon in 1994, where I stood at the edge of the rim and made a gigantic panorama using an entire 36-frame roll of colour film. I was fascinated by the images of Arizona taken by the professional photographers of the day and published in “Arizona Highways” magazine. In 2002 I decided to join the 21st century and bought myself a Panasonic digital camera. It wasn’t as good as the Minolta, but it let me take an unlimited number of photos for my wedding. Then, at last, digital cameras began to challenge the quality of film cameras, and I bought a Nikon D70 ahead of another visit to the Grand Canyon in 2008. I now use a combination of a Nikon D610 DSLR and Canon G7X point-and-shoot. I joined Musselburgh Camera Club in 2011 and learned a lot about photography from other members and the many speakers who came to visit. I joined the club committee in 2013 and became club chair in 2015. We are a small club with a wide mix of members. Some like the opportunity to submit their work to competitions and win trophies and others like to socialise and take part in photoshoots, but the club provides lots of opportunities to improve your photography and have fun.

Elaine Gilroy, MCC Webmaster – I have taken photographs for as long as I can remember, often turning them into photobooks, montages, calendars and audio visual, all with point and shoot cameras. Was keen to learn more about photography so purchased my first DSLR in 2015. Took an online course to help me understand the camera and followed up by joining MCC. Although I was still learning how to use the camera, I found the way to improve my photography was to enter the club competitions.

MIke Clark – I am an underwater photographer and photograph marine life and shipwrecks all around the UK. Ten years ago I decided I wanted to rekindle my interest in Topside photography. I decided at that point to join Musselburgh Camera Club and I now also really enjoy capturing landscape and wildlife images. Joining the club also gave me experience of portrait and street photography which was right out of my comfort zone at that time. I now really enjoy this too and embrace all the challenges to capture different photographic subjects for our set subjects competitions. Ultimately I now enjoy all types of photography and value it as an enjoyable hobby.

Stephen Williams, MCC Treasurer – i have had an interest in photography from an early age, although for many years I only took photos of family & friends and when on holiday. I bought my first digital camera in 2013 and joined Musselburgh Camera Club the same year to help me understand more about the camera functions and how to take better photos. Through the club I also got introduced to photo-editing and printing & mounting my own pictures. I enjoy taking landscape and wildlife/nature photographs, but I am keen to try other things, too. The club is a great place for people of all abilities to meet and develop their skills, sharing their interest in photography.

Jim Innes – I suppose I became interested in photography when the children were born, first with a Kodak Brownie 127 and then a Boots Beirette 35mm rangefinder. With my first SLR camera (Pentax ME Super) I began photographing Badminton, and I still turn up at the larger tournaments in Scotland. After viewing an exhibition of Musselburgh Camera Clubs’ pictures in the local library, I promised myself that (as a keen amateur photographer by then) I would join. Twenty years later I finally got round to it. I found it friendly and informal with people from all walks of life with a common interest in taking their photography to a higher standard.  So, inspired by speakers and fellow members, I am definitely taking more photographs and the more you take, the more you learn. Digital has made a big difference to photography, so while the camera never lies – Photoshop tells whoppers!

Karen Woodcock – I joined MCC in September 2023 after trying out a couple of free taster sessions. I was looking to join a local friendly group of likeminded folk to help keep me motivated in my photography. After enjoying taking photos with my iPhone for years I wanted to try a DSLR then found it all a bit too confusing. I almost gave up! I like that the group has such a mix of members here at MCC. There are incredible, inspiring photographers with all the kit and others, like me, who are very much the enthusiastic (but often perplexed) beginner using entry level DSLRs or iPhones. Everyone generously shares photography successes, fails, advice and tips at our Thursday meet ups, MCC social events and fun themed group photoshoots out and about in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Derek Muller – What do you like about photos? For me it’s about capturing a moment in time, Once you press that shutter, Boom. That very moment is gone but recorder in the wee box you are holding in your hand. I have always marvelled at this and have loved preserving moments Click – a family event, Click – a record of that motorbike I love to ride, Click – that view of a sunset watched with friends.

Photography can be so different for so many people. I really have enjoyed getting involved with the camera club and have organised a few events where members can come together and can capture moments in time……. Squeezing different shades of light onto their sensors and marvelling at the images coming out the other side.

I have always liked people and taking a photography reminds me of the conversation we have had or the relationship we have. As a new member of the club I have loved connecting with like minded people and learning how to take more interesting or challenging photos. While on a club photo outing the guy standing next to me can be pointing their camera at the same scene but because they press the shutter before or slightly after they have captured different moment and do not have the same image ……… amazing.

So I think I was meant to tell you a little about myself and if you read between the lines I’m sure a clearer image will develop of me and my photography.

I took my photo as a self portrait challenge and on that day in that moment it was me.