Member Profile: Noreen Thorn

About me:

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

I am an amateur hobby photographer.

Who are you?

Hello, my name is Noreen Thorn and I am an amateur hobby photographer with so much to learn.

I currently live in beautiful unspoilt Mid Wales and have just had a milestone birthday of the big 70! I'm married with two children and have three lovely granddaughters.

When I'm not out with the camera I enjoy continuing with my original love of horses and horse riding (although I no longer teach) but do try to ride out at least twice a week if possible.

I belong to several local groups and clubs and help out whenever I can, also help run a monthly lunch club in the next village. Who said retirement was boring?!

Your Photography Journey

Mum and Dad bought me my first camera when I was about 10, a Kodak Brownie 127 which I still have!

I've always enjoyed taking “snaps” and over the years had several point-and-shoot cameras followed by a bridge camera. After watching videos and reading various photography books I then wanted to run before I could walk and ended up getting frustrated because I wasn't able to get anywhere near to capturing the amazing images I kept seeing.

After an enforced break caring for my elderly Mum, I decided that I wanted to develop my interest in photography and get a better understanding of how to use a camera and then be able to try and capture some of the beauty around us.

I looked around at online courses and after trying a couple I came across TSOP.

I started with the Beginners Photography Course and Marc's clear and concise way of explaining, along with the tasks after each lesson makes learning fun rather than a chore. I then went on to complete the Lightroom and Photoshop courses and although I don't use either for editing were invaluable in teaching me how to try and achieve the results I wanted.

I've since completed the Fine Art Landscape course, Macro, Long Exposure, Pro Landscape and Wildlife courses, but do often feel I could do with going back over them again!

All the courses are so well constructed with brilliant tutors and easy to follow. I love the fact that for a one-off fee, each member has full access to all the courses as many times as you need to look at them.

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

You never stop learning. Also, it has to be to get out there and practise, practise and practise some more! Light is so important which shows in some of the incredible images in the gallery but also not to be upset if I've had a bad day when nothing goes right. It happens to everyone!

I have learnt so much from the courses and being part of this amazing group.

What is your preferred genre?

With all the TSOP courses available I haven't really settled into a specific style or genre.

I love being outside in the countryside or on the beach, so landscapes/seascapes feature quite often but I also enjoy trying to capture some of the close detail mother nature has to offer. Following Trudy Kepte Fine Art course I like having a bit of fun trying to create “arty” pictures, some work, some don't!

The monthly assignments make me think out of my comfort zone and help me to explore new avenues and ideas along with different ways of editing. I shoot in RAW and use Affinity for editing and although I do try and get in right in camera this isn't always the case!

I just love taking photos!

What inspires you to create photography?

I love being able to record what I see, whether it is a beautiful flower, a landscape or just having a bit of fun with an item around the house.

All my shots are for me and if others like them as well then that's a big bonus as far as I'm concerned.

The TSOP members are so creative and I also belong to a few other groups which are all a great source of inspiration.

Who are some other photographers you’re inspired by?

Following the Q&A on TSOP by Jack Lodge I loved his editing style and down-to-earth attitude along with Nigel Danson and that shows in their images. I also really like Drew Buckley who is based in Pembrokeshire, a beautiful area and one I would love to spend some time exploring.

Describe the first photo you took during your learning journey.

©*Noreen Thorn* my early photo of Elan Valley.

©*Noreen Thorn A much more recent attempt at Elan Valley.*

One of my early photos was this one in the Elan Valley. No planning and the light is very harsh with shadows in the wrong places and the highlights on the rocks are blown out. A good example of me trying to run before I could walk as the camera was resting on the wall so I could try a long exposure! Basically, a snapshot of the straining tower.

I have taken a newer photo of the same straining tower, its early morning with the mist burning off and I really like the light and atmosphere. To me the composition is 100 % better as well, by coming back I've created a nice leading line to the tower.

My favourite photograph:

My favourite photo that I’ve taken ©*Noreen Thorn*

What is your favourite photograph that you’ve taken?

Hard to choose, but I think the tulip is one of my favourites. I love how delicate they are and really wanted to try and capture that. I think the soft light coming through the window has lit the flower perfectly and made it stand out against the black card background. I took it using a tripod and my then-new to me macro lens.

What’s next for Noreen?

I'm currently taking Marc's Photographing Cities at Night course which is something I would love to be more confident and able to do when we venture out of the sticks and into the big world of towns and cities.

When I've finished that I am going to do a refresher through the other courses before embarking on the Astro course.

Conclusion

I have learnt so much but now it is a case of trying to remember it all, especially on the spur of the moment. I definitely need to plan better and spend more time at the scene before taking the shots as I know I'm quite inconsistent with the quality of images. A case of less is better sometimes. My hope is that I can continue to improve and still enjoy this fantastic hobby for many years to come.

Where can people follow you?

My Instagram is @nalltphotography but it does need updating I'm afraid.