WELCOME to Behind the Lens, a new feature shining a light on the talented photographers in our Guardian Camera Club group.
First up is Brooke Ponitz.
The 25-year-old is from Florida but has fallen in love with Cheshire, especially the Northwich Woodlands for its abundance of wildlife.
When and why did you take up photography?
I began taking photos a little under a year ago.
I was gifted a small point-and-shoot camera for my first solo trip abroad to England back in May.
I took photos of everything with it!
Birds, plants, insects, landscapes, I became completely addicted.
After that, I upgraded to a mirrorless camera and came back for an even longer visit.
When I started taking pictures, so much of the world opened to me that I have never seen before. On one particular trip to a park, I saw five different species of wasps that I never knew existed!
It was incredibly eye-opening and has become something that I am pouring my heart into.
My hope is to go and get a long-term visa when I head back from my visit so I can stay here longer.
What do you love about taking pictures?
Getting to bring wildlife to others.
I have such a strong love of animals, and when I get to go out and capture images of animals others may not get to see and share it with them, it is such a rewarding feeling.
I have family that haven’t gotten the chance to travel the world, and with my lens I am able to bring the world to them.
Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?
Right now, my favourite place is the Northwich Woodlands.
I have gone there a few times already and have been treated to an abundance of wildlife.
I’ve gotten to see rare animals and meet some lovely people while visiting there.
Plus, the lakes and canal make for lovely scenery shots and a chance to snap shots of passing boats.
What is your favourite subject matter and why?
Anything birds - they have been the one thing I generally try and capture the most, especially with how varied they are with the many species and being able to get a shot with how often they fly or hide among branches.
I have been a birdwatcher since I was a toddler, and that has not changed now that I am grown.
If anything, photography has increased my love of them even more.
I think I have at least a hundred shots of robins now and I don’t think I will ever be bored of them!
What do you enjoy about being part of the Guardian Camera Club?
It has been nice getting to see the work of others, share my captures, and partake in the themes that are requested.
Because of the group, it has given me an idea on places to visit and things I need to see in the surrounding areas.
It is also a great way to get some of your work out there.
If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?
If I could photography anything, it would have to be exotic birds in the rainforests of Africa or Costa Rica - their colours, the mating dances, their tails are just vibrant and beautiful.
I would give anything to get there with a lens and see the beautiful birds.
Hopefully I can make that a reality in the next coming years.
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