“Wirral seldom disappoints when it comes to taking photographs”

This week, we’re looking at Dan Bentley’s favourite photographs.

The Camera Club is a fantastic mix of amateur and professional photographers who share their favourite images each week providing inspiration – and advice – for members.

Dan, who grew up in Parkgate but now lives in Heswall, developed a loved for photography and the arts when he was at school.

If you would like to appear in our Behind the Lens feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

If you would like to join Guardian Camera Club, visit facebook.com/groups/wirralglobecameraclub

Dan with his daughter Freya

When and why did you take up photography?

I discovered a love for the arts thanks to the enthusiastic and brilliant art department at Neston High School. I went on to study a foundation year at Sheffield Hallam University in design, media and art and followed that up with a degree in Photography.

What do you love about taking pictures?

Capturing an image may only be a split second however photographs can last a lifetime. The fact that they’re seen differently over time is incredibly exciting.

I take photographs for a living now and what keeps me motivated is the idea that it’s positively impacting people’s lives. Whether it’s for business, a product or service they sell, or simply a photograph for someone to take some time to reflect.

Portrait of football legend, Robbie Fowler at Melwood Training Ground, Liverpool

READ MORE:

“Photography is a record of life as it flies past”

The beauty of nature inspires amateur photographer’s favourite images

Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?

This question is too hard – it all depends on what time of day it is and what time of year it is, for example, mid-afternoon in mid-winter, I would go towards Hilbre or neighbouring coastlines. Wirral has the most incredible sunsets with ever-changing tides, skies, light, and nature so it’s never the same. It seldom disappoints.

Autumn vibes in Eastham Country Park, Wirral

What is your favourite subject matter and why?

Lakes, trees and birds would be my usual go-to as I like to get outside, but my favourite subject matter is people. I find people fascinating and a challenge to best represent everyone I photograph.

What do you enjoy about being part of our Camera Club on Facebook?

Civic pride. Good people are getting out and capturing something that they want to share with the community and that is something to be proud of and celebrated.

Winter swim with Rebecca, New Brighton, Wirral

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

Where is the 900-year relic Wirral Horn located? I would like to photograph that artefact. Not a single day will pass without me saying, “I would love to photograph…” and it’s always somewhere different. If he was alive today, I would like to go for a walk and take some pictures with photographer Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park in California. Or ask him if he fancied popping over to Parkgate for a mint choc chip. I have a huge list of people I would love to sit and talk to and then photograph. Ross Edgley and Miriam Margolyes are near the top of the list – maybe not together but I’m sure there have been stranger shoots.

Pair of Mandarin Ducks, Royden Park, Wirral