Member Profile: Danielle Watson

About me:

Do you consider yourself a Professional/Semi-Pro/Amateur/Beginner photographer?

I would consider myself as an amateur photographer but only a year ago I would say I was a complete beginner.

Who are you?

I am Danielle, I am in my 40’s and a wife and mum to 3 children. I used to run my own business until our third child came along when we decided it would benefit us all for me to be a stay-at-home Mum.

Tell us about your photography journey.

I have been interested in photography for the last 3 years. I’m not counting the endless photos you take of your children when they are little. I started to take photos of mainly landscapes, especially sunsets. Eventually I got a canon r8 in February 2025 with a 24-105 Len’s. I love the beauty of nature and capturing moments, moments that perhaps most people don’t see.

How did you find TSOP?

TSOP popped up on Facebook feed. I started to join photography groups so I could see how to progress and enjoy other artists work. I’ve got to admit that I’m still on the beginner’s course. Sometimes I go back over chapters and sometimes life gets busy and I can’t always take the time out to fully concentrate on each video. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed the videos I have watched so far and I also have the book. However, once I finish this course I hope to take a landscape, night photography, flower photography and perhaps street and portrait, oh and Lightroom and Photoshop.

What is your preferred genre?

Hmm my preferred genre, that is a tough one. I do love Landscape, but I also love night photography and wildlife. I have learnt you really need a tripod for night photography. Lightroom is my go-to editing software.

What inspires you to create photography?

I feel I get inspired by most things to go out and photograph. If I’m able to I like to travel and capture the delights of the place I’m visiting. I like to see others work and then I think, ooh I would like to try that.

Who are some other photographers you’re inspired by?

I look up to the likes of Jack Lodge; his photography skills and photos are phenomenal.

What Is your most recent photo?

My most recent photos are of London at night and taking some photos of Hares and Foxes. I can tick foxes off my bucket list.

Describe the first photo you took during your learning journey.

One of the first photos I took was at sunrise. No editing was done because at that point I had no idea about it. I feel like I have come a long way. I have more eye for detail. I have bought various lenses and another camera. I still have plenty to learn! But at least I’m out of auto mode. I’ve learnt about composition which I feel is an important element to photography.

What is your favourite photograph that you’ve taken?

My favourite photo- I’m not sure I have one! I think I have 4. The first being a long exposure of the Millennium Bridge (this was a monthly challenge) then a light trail long exposure of St Paul’s. This was the first time I had really done this type of photography. Then a ballerina. I did a workshop in London. This is another one off my bucket list and finally a photo of a fox.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from TSOP?

The most valuable thing I have learned from TSOP is get yourself out there with your camera. Practice is key. It doesn’t matter that half of your SD card is full of blurry images. The main thing is you are having a go until you get the image you are happy with. With their monthly challenges it takes you out of your comfort zone but that is ok. I feel very lucky that I have come 2nd in the water and woodland challenge.

What’s next for Danielle?

My next challenge is learning more about key basic skills. Trying to remember all the knowledge so I don’t have to keep looking it up. To keep travelling if I can and to just keep snapping away.

Conclusion

One day I think it would be lovely to see my work on somebody’s wall.

Where can people follow you?

You can find me on FB Danielle Watson’s Photography and Insta: Daniellewatsonphotography and

TikTok as Danielle.