The Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club has more than 1,100 members and we regularly feature their pictures both in the newspaper and online, as well as in our sister publication, Isle of Wight Living magazine.

For this Behind The Lens feature, we meet Douglas Cox of East Cowes, who is an accredited photographer with the Royal Photographic Society and the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

Scroll through the gallery of pictures above to see more of Douglas's work... 

Why did you take up photography?

I guess my interest in photography started at a very young age thanks to my mother. I was one of five children and mum was always taking photos of us as we grew up. The camera was a Kodak Box Camera which I still have today. In those days the unprocessed film was taken to the chemist for developing, either 24 or 32 black and white prints. How times have changed; today if I go out specially to photograph wildlife I can take 1,000 shots and get to see what I have taken within a few minutes of arriving home.....How good is that!

Isle of Wight County Press:

Sunset over the Needles. Picture by Douglas Cox.

Why do you love taking pictures?

I love trying to capture something special. I'm sure this is always the drive within most photographers. I always plan ahead, watching the position of the sunset or the height of the tide. I can be out well before sunrise or well after sunset, time is never an issue. When you happen to capture that special shot, you get a real feeling of satisfaction. and this is what makes it all worthwhile and keeps you striving to better yourself.

Where is your favourite place to take pictures?

There are many places around our beautiful Isle of Wight to capture those special shots. I guess for me it has to be the West Wight. The wonderful Needles, Compton Bay, Headon Warren and Alum Bay. They all allow for those special shots.

What equipment do you use?

I use mainly Nikon equipment. The camera is the D850 and I have an array of Nikon lenses. I usually would only buy Nikon lenses, however the new Sigma lenses are truly outstanding in quality. I have two Sigma lenses 24mm f1.4 Art Lens and the Sigma 150mm - 600mm f5.6 sports lens.

What is the favourite picture you have taken?

As you can imagine, I have many favourite photos. If I were put in a position to make a final choice it would have to be the photo recently taken of the two hares. I say this because it has taken me a lifetime to capture a shot like this. It is so difficult to find a suitable field and then when you do, you have to obtain the owner's permission. I am so grateful to the owners of the farm.

Isle of Wight County Press:

"Are we being photographed?" Two hares captured by photographer Douglas Cox.

Why did you join the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club?

I joined the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club some time ago. The quality of my photography today is because people inspired me along the way. I hope my photography is an inspiration to other members.

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

I have loved photographing my six grandchildren as they have grown up, especially when I can capture all six together. I try and do this at least once every year, but this is made so difficult since four are now at university. As a family we are very close, even though we are scattered all over the UK we do try and meet up as often as possible.

Anything else you think we should know?

I am a retired Aerospace Production Supervisor with 30 years at GKN. The Merlin helicopter was just one of my projects. I chose to retire from this at the age of 55 but always knew I was going to do something else. For the past 16 years I have been premises manager at Queensgate Foundation Primary School. I will retire from this position this coming January. My intention then is to travel around the UK, Scotland and Wales. My wife Rosemary, who I have been married to for 52 years, is thoroughly looking forward to this too.

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

I would encourage anyone to get into photography. It is a wonderful way to see the world in so many different ways. It will bring out the very best in you. Join a camera club like I did, for me it was about 15 years ago, There you will find so many people willing to offer advice. I knew nothing about long exposure photography at that time, now I can help other people.

Also take the time to have your photography accredited. I achieved this through The Royal Photographic Society and the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

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Are you a keen photographer who likes taking photos of our lovely island? If so, why not join the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club? Simply click here to visit the Facebook group!