"The picture appeared, like magic, through the developing liquid"

Susan Lawless is in the frame this week as she shares some of her favourite images.

Susan, who was born in Warrington but has lived in Antrobus since 1978, likes to photograph sunrise and sunsets, wherever she is in the world, and loves to capture shots of her friends and family, especially on their summer holidays.

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Susan Lawless

When and why did you take up photography?

I’ve always had an interest in photography which stems back to helping my grandad, who was a very keen photographer. He had his own dark room and he used to let me help him develop the photographs. I loved watching the picture appear, like magic, through the developing liquid in the tray. I have a large collection of black and white family photographs taken by my grandad.

I’ve always taken endless photos over the years of my own family, mainly during our summer holidays, and would rush to post the film off. I couldn’t wait for the postman to deliver them back through the door.

I haven’t used a camera for a long time as I prefer the convenience of using my phone.

In 2010, I sent a photo of our grandson aged 18 months to the Northwich Guardian and it was the first one I had published. I have had photos used on a variety of weather forecast websites and I have had a couple of photos published in French magazines. The local pub is displaying some of my images of the village and I’m the photographer for our local village news magazine.

I’m a keen cyclist and just before lockdown in March 2020, I took delivery of a new bike. Since then, I have cycled over 3,500 miles, mainly around Antrobus and surrounding villages, jumping on and off the bike taking endless photos of the beautiful countryside. I then put my favourite photos on our village Facebook page and I’m always surprised at how well they are received. I get lots of thanks and comments for sharing these photos, especially from the people who couldn’t see our picturesque village for various reasons.

Susan Lawless' grandson Jake - Susan's very first photo featured in the Northwich Guardian more than 12 years ago

READ MORE: "I love seasons and watching how they change"

What do you love about taking photos?

I love capturing the moment and having a memory from each photo. I’m always looking for a photo opportunity wherever I am. We have a home in France, which is in a very picturesque region, and the scenery is stunning. This is another place where I can take endless photos. I take hundreds of photos of the sunset on Conwy Morfa Beach, in North Wales too.

Reflections on the Dordogne River

What is your favourite place to take pictures and why?

I love taking photographs of the village where I live. The countryside is ever-changing and I never tire of taking photographs of the same view, capturing the seasonal and agricultural changes. I love watching the changes in the hedgerows too. There always seems to something interesting to capture.

Snow on school Lane, Antrobus

What is your favourite subject matter and why?

As well as the countryside, I love taking photographs of sunsets, clouds and skies. Again, these are constantly changing and it amazes me how, for example, the sunset from the same view can look completely different within minutes. I love taking photos of old doors, shutters and farm gates as well as old buildings, chimneys and reflections. I try to never miss an opportunity.

READ MORE: "My camera phone is always there to capture special moments"

The big pond on the Arley Estate

What do you enjoy about being part of Guardian Camera Club on Facebook?

People share their photographs in the Camera Club and they’re always so different. There are some very talented local photographers and I love looking at their images. I particularly like the themes each week because it gives you something to really think about and focus on when you’re taking a picture.

Antrobus fields of rolled gold

If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?

I would love to capture the best sunset in the world, wherever that may be!