Behind the lens: 'Freeze that memory forever'

But we thought it would be good to find out more about the people who make up the club.

If you are a member of the club and want to be part of the our Behind the Lens feature go to www.southwalesargus.co.uk/behindthelens and fill out the easy to use Q&A.

Today we meet Jaynie Eccles, 27, of Newport, who is currently unemployed.

When and why did you take up photography?

I had my twin daughters in 2011 and had newborn photos done professionally of them. Upon seeing these images I wanted to create this for other people. A friend let me borrow her DSLR and it took off from there, I discovered new ways of taking image, different effects - endless YouTube and workshop tutorials. Trying everything possible with the camera, getting to know what I can do with it.

Sunset on The Grand Canal, Venice

Why do you love taking pictures?

Since then I have loved taking pictures, whether it be people and their families, landscapes, the sunrise and sunset and pets. It has quickly become like my right arm. I don't leave the house without it.

Where is your favourite place to take pictures?

At the moment finding beautiful spots that are close and local has been fun. I found the pandemic has made this a good challenge. We like to head to certain spots at each time of year - March/April we go to Cardiff/Wentloog for bluebells, April/May - Pontypool Park for the blossom trees. Then the Gower/Swansea for the sunflowers.

What equipment do you use?

DSLR camera - Nikon D7200

Grandparents, forever in love

What is the favourite picture you have taken?

I have so many from The Grand Canal in Venice to snowy scenes at the local pond. But at this current time my favourite image is of my grandparents. This shows them at their best, shows their personalities. This picture was taken not long after my grandmother won her battle to cancer and her hair grew back so thick and shiny. My grandfather was at his best, could walk for long times and drive. I sadly lost my grandmother last March and my grandfather spent a few months in hospital over Christmas due to dementia and falls. He is home now and is back on the mend. But this picture will always make me smile, bring me happiness. It was an autumn, almost winter's, day and we decided to meet at Tredegar House for a walk with my grandparents, myself, my sister-in-law and our children. It was a slow walk but we all enjoyed ourselves because of the children, looking at the ducks, playing and hiding behind the trees, pretending to play golf with Grandad's walking stick. Because of this picture I will always have this happy memory. That's why I encourage all to take a picture. Just take it. It's all we will have left. Pictures and memories.

Why did you join the SWACC?

Can't remember when I joined, but I think I saw the Argus share a local person's print and wanted to see if I could get a picture of mine published. The feeling of your photography being shared with many is an indescribable feeling. Letting people see what you see, capturing the beauty. I love being part of this group, everyone is kind and always helping to lend advice when it's needed. The inspiration and talent in that group is beyond. Such a great community to be a part of.

Hungry heron - Lliswerry Pond

If you could photograph anyone or any place who/what would it be and why?

This is a difficult question, ideally I would love to visit Iceland and capture the northern lights, in the winter - just seems something that would be amazing to see.

What advice would you give anyone who wants to get into photography?

Whether it be a phone, a basic bridge camera or a DSLR, get out there and capture the beauty, step into nature. Capture pictures of loved ones, just freeze that memory forever. Something to look back on and feel how you felt when you took that image.