“I love the changes of the seasons - watching the colours of autumn”

This week, Ann-Marie Taylor shares some of her favourite photographs.

Ann-Marie, who lives in Rudheath, took up photography about six years ago and found it helped with mental health and wellbeing.

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Guardian Camera Club member Ann-Marie Taylor

When and why did you take up photography?

I took up photography around 2018 due to struggling with anxiety and depression. I found that picking up a camera helped me to focus on other things for a few hours and helped me forget my worries. It also put a smile back on my face looking back at the photos I had taken and reliving that time. Receiving some nice comments from people on social media made me feel that I was good at capturing moments in time and sharing them with others who may not be able to get out and explore.

First signs of spring

What do you love about taking pictures?

I love exploring new places and taking photos is a keepsake of that moment. It has made me look at things differently, finding a way to make a picture more interesting, looking at different angels and perspectives of how that moment can be captured. Being a nature lover, I enjoy trying to find things that are different and it inspires me to get out more even if it’s just walking the dog. I'm always looking for something to capture.

A madarin in Middlwich

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“Taking and editing photographs is great for my mental health”

Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?

I love exploring the Peak District. It was a place I began to explore with a friend when I was struggling. Those few hours away stopped me thinking about my problems and helped me to focus on the now and enjoy the moment. Life’s too short to spend too much time worrying about things you can’t always control and photography helps me with this. It helps me find solutions in a more positive way.

As the sun goes down at Shakerley Mere

What is your favourite subject matter and why?

I love taking photos of nature, wildlife and cemeteries and I have a love of Highland Cows. I love the changing of the seasons especially autumn with the colours and the morning mists add for atmospheric pictures. So whenever I can, I’m out with either just my phone camera or my Nikon.

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“Photography helps me notice the beauty in everyday places”

As time goes by

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

I enjoy being part of the camera club as I find it a very welcoming group. It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur or a more professional photographer, everyone is kind and friendly to each other. Members are positive and are always happy to help if you need advice.

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

If I could photograph a place, I think it would be Highgate cemetery, not to be morbid but for the history and architecture. I love how nature can take over the gravestones and the grounds. From the ivy to the gnarling trees, they give a more interesting perspective to capture a unique image. Overall, I just enjoy taking pictures of anything that helps me create memories of a moment in time and then share them with others.

Spring is in the air at Wolfecote Dale, the Peak District