Brian Swinyard 'Personal Identity'!

10 February 2010

Brian Swinyard travelled all the way from Gloucester this week to make a presentation to Dawlish and Teignmouth Camera Club. This covered his life as a photographer from a teenager to the present day.

Mr Swinyard’s parents were both involved with camera clubs and he took and developed his first print of the family car as a thirteen year old. Photography took a back seat during his early career but he took it up again in his forties when he combined overseas postings as a civil servant to photograph more exotic surroundings.

On retiring he decided to take photography very seriously and took a part time course to become a Master of Arts in photography. This opened his eyes to all aspects of the craft as well as enhancing his ability to act as a professional.
The presentation was by way of digitally projected images which showed the transition from that first snap of the family car to recent images, many of which were highly manipulated in the computer to dramatic effect. Others were shown as taken ‘in camera’ but the main aspect of the transition was that he took many images as part of projects to illustrate emotions. You can view some of Brian's work at RPS Creative Group.

Mr Swinyard’s next aim is to gain a PhD in photography by researching its benefits as a therapy during and following mental illness.

Next Wednesday the Club holds its annual ‘Panel Competition’ when members each submit five images to illustrate a common theme.