The Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club has more than 1,100 members and we regularly feature their pictures both in the paper and online.

For this Behind The Lens feature, we meet Les Lockhart of East Cowes, who is an award-winning photographer.

Scroll through our gallery of photos above to see more of Les's work...

His picture of Newtown Nature Reserve (main image above) graced the cover of the National Trust Members’ Handbook 2020.

The handbook sent out to 5.6 million National Trust members and the photo was chosen from thousands of entries by a panel of five judges which included wildlife cameraman and presenter, Simon King.

Simon said Les’s photo stood out because of the beautiful composition and the way it captured a moment in light that was ephemeral.

Why did you take up photography, Les?

I started taking photos purely as a general hobby to get out and about and meet other like-minded people.

Why do you love taking pictures?

As a challenge to get the picture I want, but also because I like trying to capture images which other people will like.

Where is your favourite place to take pictures?

Anywhere on the Island, we are so lucky to live here.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ventnor Bay.

Here Les has captured Ventnor Bay at night.

What equipment do you use?

There’s quite a range of items! A Nikon D850 body, Pentax K1 mk 2 body, Tamron 15mm to 30mm, Pentax 15mm to 30mm, Nikon 18mm to 35mm, Tamron 150 to 600mm G2, Tamron 70mm to 200mm G2, Samyang 14mm, Tamron 24mm to 70mm, Nikon 24mm to 120mm, Sigma 24mm art.

What is the favourite picture you have taken?

The Newtown Nature Reserve sunset.

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

Just to share my pictures and see other members’ photos.

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

I would like to visit some tropical islands to take pictures.

Anything else you think we should know?

No, I just love photography.

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

Just do it! Start off with a point and shoot camera, then maybe join a club to see what other people do. Try and always go out and about with someone else and make sure you stay safe too.

Are you a fan of our Behind The Lens feature? If so, have you read these...

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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!