Biddulph Nub News is proud to introduce Up Close - a new interview series talking to local people about their businesses, hobbies, or anything else they want to chat about!

The first instalment of Up Close sees Biddulph mum Kayla Powell, 32, discussing her passion for photography.

Kayla moved to Biddulph from Congleton 11 years ago with her partner, but only took up photography recently after setting up her Chasing Rainbows Facebook group, which aimed to help local children get through the boredom of lockdown.

Speaking to Biddulph Nub News, Kayla spoke more about her love of photographing Biddulph, especially its beautiful nature and wildlife. Through her photography, she also wants to send a message - if you love your hobby, then carry on no matter what!

Read the interview below...

How long have you been interested in photography, has it been a lifelong hobby or something you've recently developed an interest in?

"I've always had a love of art, crafts and creative media. I'm a very creative person. I have always liked photography but until recently I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I still don't really but I've started to read up on angles, editing and how to place subjects."

What sparked your interest in photography - did anything in particular inspire you to pick up a camera?

"I have always liked photography and recognised good pictures. However when lockdown happened I started to help run Chasing Rainbows Biddulph, a Facebook page helping young children to get through lockdown. For part of the page, I put pictures up along the Biddulph Valley tracks to create a hunt, I loved being on the tracks so much I started to try and take better pictures, trying harder to frame and keeping an eye out for something special."

What do you use to take your pictures, do you have any professional equipment or do you just use your phone? Are you looking to invest in any equipment soon?

"I haven't had the equipment to be able to take quality pictures until recently, and even now it's not ideal. In lockdown I was using a Samsung Galaxy S7 phone and then I upgraded; I now use a Samsung Galaxy S20, but I'm hoping to be able to purchase a digital camera eventually when I am in full time work to get that extra detail that phones just don't pick up. Phones especially aren't fantastic on zoom, so if there is a bird far off I struggle. There are so many shots I miss because I can't get close enough. We recently saw a rare bird and couldn't get close enough for the picture to be clear. I'd love some decent shots of wildlife - that's my new target I've set myself, but I don't think that will happen until I get a proper camera. Also, I'd like to take a short photography course to help me really understand how to edit properly. However, as long as you're having fun and you like the pictures that's all that matters really."

What do you like taking pictures of best? You seem to enjoy taking pictures of nature, is there something about being out and about that you particularly enjoy?

"I love nature - the colours and shapes that nature provides are amazing. My nana Betty, who I was very close to, used to take me on walks when I was little for miles. She used to point out the names of flowers and animals. She sadly passed away during lockdown so my photography of nature means more to me now than ever. I'm drawn to butterflies at the moment, and Robins, both of which were her favourite. My family have fallen in love with nature too. My eldest son Kieran is six and suggests going for walks now, and will even point out shots he thinks might be good or gets excited if he finds something like a grasshopper or butterfly for me to snap."

Is photography your profession or just a hobby at the moment? If it's just a hobby, what is your day job, and would you like to make photography your job one day?

"Photography is very much my hobby. I am currently studying for a qualification in Early Years and I am a full time mum. I also helped to care for my nana during lockdown when she was very ill, up to her passing away. Photography and a few other bits of craft I do are what calms my mind from my busy days of being a mum, being on placement at school, caring for family and all the paper work that comes with studying for a new qualification."

Is Biddulph your favourite place to take pictures of? If so, why?

"I love Biddulph, I have ever since we moved here. I am very passionate about the local area and try to make a difference whereever I can. I think we are extremely lucky to be surrounded by so much nature and most of it is free to explore. The Biddulph Valley tracks, Biddulph Country Park and Biddulph Moor are my favourite places to shoot. The residents are amazing too; I'm hoping once I get a digital camera I can do some free portrait shoots of residents in nature. That would be amazing."

Tell me more about your Chasing Rainbows project - what is it, why did you set it up and what are its aims? How is it going so far?

"Chasing Rainbows Biddulph is a page that myself and my friend Laura set up during lockdown. It started as part of the national push to put rainbows in windows. The page was just somewhere to post your picture to show people where you were and help children count rainbows. However, myself and Laura quickly realised that lockdown was going to be around for a while so we started window decorating competitions, Biddulph Valley picture hunts and fancy dress Fridays. We also put craft ideas on the page too. We gave out certificates and prizes for winners. We made sure no-one won more than once so each child had a fair shot. We did it all to give children a purpose, something to look forward to, and to give the adults something to focus on and be able to do with their children. We were also keen that children got out and had the exercise they were allowed for their mental health. We've taken a short break while everything got busy with lockdown easing and my nana passing away, but I've started the page up again and I'm hoping to get a competition going next week and a new hunt."

Is there anywhere that people can access your work, do you have a website you'd like to include in the article or anything photography related you would like to highlight?

"I post my pictures of Biddulph to the Facebook group Biddulph in Photographs (Past and Present). I am looking at having a Facebook page just for my photography but I'm not sure if anyone would be bothered with it."

Do you have anything else to add, or anything I might have missed in my questions?

"I think it's important it doesn't matter what other people think about your photography, or any hobby you have for that matter. If you enjoy it and it makes you happy then carry on. I had a comment from a family member that my rubbish tree shots on Facebook were boring. I nearly stopped posting pictures as it really knocked my confidence. Then I discovered the Biddulph in Photographs page and the same pictures my family member said were rubbish, people on Biddulph in Photographs really appreciated. It just goes to show, don't give up if something makes you happy, carry on no matter what others think!"

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