My Passion With Stacey Dobson

Stacey Dobson, sales and retentions manager at Sheffield-based Plusnet, on her passion for photography.

Photography, although quite a recently acquired hobby, is something I have had an interest in for a while.

After breaking my arm left me housebound for a few weeks I decided to take the plunge and buy myself a DSLR camera, thinking that I could always sell it on eBay if my hobby didn’t take off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I really love great pictures and I find it fascinating to think about how other people see things through their own eyes. Pictures, especially photographs, can evoke such strong memories and feelings, right down to tastes, smells and textures. Pictures of my husband and I’s wedding rings remind me of such a happy day.

In particular, I like to capture images of animals, particularly my mum’s working cocker spaniel, Tanner, who is always a willing model. Although his attention span is a little short and he often requires some bribery in the form of treats!

Living alongside Sheffield’s canal basin at Victoria Quays means that the area’s multitude of ducks and swans often become the objects of my lens. I’ve captured many shots of the birds that are just so beautiful in their natural environment.

Photography provides a great escape for me. I love my job but it means I’m on call 24/7 and can be quite full-on. I relish getting away from Sheffield city centre’s harsh lines and concrete buildings to head for the countryside; I always take my camera along and find it relaxing to just focus on what’s through the lens and getting the perfect picture.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I am very proud of having captured images of my friend Ian Ronald, who was selected to carry the Olympic Torch last summer after recovering from a brain tumour. It was lovely to be able to get the pictures to him really quickly afterwards so he could share these with those who hadn’t been able to watch him on the day.

Photographers I admire include Mario Testino and Frenchman Frank Fournier, although I don’t have any plans to take up photography professionally myself.

Digital cameras and great starter packs make photography so accessible and editing is made easier too with the great range of software packages out there.

I have, however, taken advice from my sister in-law Kate, from Sought After Photography, who as a professional provides hints and tips to help.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can only learn so much from a book. Having someone to ask specific questions is really handy.

We have a few pictures I’ve taken displayed in our home but most are stored online so that I can share them with my friends and family.

Photos framed or printed on to canvas make unusual yet personal gifts for special people.

Related topics: