Prints charming

A RETIRED pastor and budding photographer is a happy snapper after receiving his £300 top prize in a prestigious competition.

David Skinner, from Hollins, entered the “Picture Perfect competition” and was delighted that his image of Werneth Golf Club in the sun was chosen as the winner in the open category (over 18s).

The Chronicle teamed up with Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers for the competition, which saw snappers submitting pictures based on two themes — Town and Country Life in Summer and My Alternative Summer.

And now, after being presented with his prize, the 63-year-old said: “You always enjoy your own photographs but to have that confirmation that other people enjoy them is a great feeling.”

Mr Skinner has been taking pictures since his youth but it is only in the last three years that he has started to get serious about photography, joining the Oldham Camera Club and reading books about how to get the best shot.

His winning photograph, a striking image of the sun streaming through trees during a beautiful day in June, actually took three days to achieve.

“I was walking on the public footpath on the morning and I thought that it would make a lovely picture,” he said.

“But when I got home I wasn’t quite happy with the images, I either wasn’t in the right place or there was something missing.

“I went out again each morning for the next couple of days before I got the photo that I wanted.

“I really enjoyed entering the competition and meeting the judges. It is really great to know that your photographs give other people pleasure and that professional photographers are impressed.”
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