Last night Dawlish and Teignmouth Camera Club enjoyed its first visiting speaker of the new season.

Teignmouth photographer John Baker entertained members with a talk entitled "Pushing the Envelope". His aim was to encourage photographers to step outside their comfort zone and attempt new techniques and consider new subject matter.

With expertise, enthusiasm and humour John explained his great love of Astrophotography. As well as images from around the world, many of his photographs were taken within a few miles of his home town. Subject matter included the Milky Way, eclipses and trails left by traffic and trains. Using projected images, club members were treated to a thrilling display of colour and shape. He also shared his camera settings with the club and many of the apps that he uses to track the Milky Way and other stars to help plan his astro photography.

After the break, John showed a varied selection of photographs illustrating Air, Water, Earth and Fire. John's obvious photographic skills were shown with his high quality images: these included birds, air shows, motorbikes, insects, underwater, fireworks, paragliding, trains, hill climbs and a roller derby. John explained how he was trying to break away from the obvious approach to these subjects and was attempting something new. He encouraged members to do the same.

John was warmly thanked for his efforts.

Dawlish and Teignmouth Camera Club meets every Wednesday evening throughout the winter season at Holcombe Village Hall at 7.30pm. New members are always very welcome.