Beauty of Shropshire caught on camera

This photograph by Howard Hilton, titled Salop Poppies near Bayston Hill, is one of about 40 pictures by members of Whitchurch Photographic Society, which will go on show at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn from Tuesday to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary.

The exhibition, called This is Shropshire, aims to show the various aspects of life, landscapes and wildlife that can be found throughout the county.

Paul Hayward, from the group, printed, mounted, labelled, framed and wrapped each of the pictures individually.

He said: "This is the biggest exhibition we have done for a while.

"It is difficult to get a place in the theatre so we are very pleased. It has been hard work and a lot of organisation but it will definitely be worth it. We have some stunning images on display."

Mr Hayward captured a number of the pictures in the exhibition.

Among his favourites is a shot of the pathway leading to the Iron Bridge.

He said: "I was very pleased because this was the image that staff from the Theatre Severn choose to use to promote the exhibition.

"The Iron Bridge is obviously an iconic Shropshire landmark but I managed to capture it on a really misty day.

"The cast iron almost appears soft which is a wonderful contradiction and I think the fence and the greenery around the bridge really add to the image.

"You're never 100 per cent satisfied with your work, but I do think this is an aesthetically pleasing image."

Mr Hayward also took close-up shots of Shropshire coffee beans and wine made with grapes grown in a county vineyard, which are all included in the exhibition.

He said: "These images were taken in my studio. The idea was to show the diversity of products that can be found in the county.

"There are actually not many people that know we have vineyards in the county but the wine they produce is delicious.

"The coffee beans represent all the coffee shops. I think more and more they are becoming a vital part of our community. They are the focal point for gatherings and many overlook some of the wonderful landscapes Shropshire has to offer."

Society chairman Malcolm Lander captured a stunning image of the Theatre Severn as well as a beautiful shot of a waterfall at Dorothy Clive Garden, in Market Drayton.

Mr Lander, who lives by the garden, said: "There are lots of beautiful gardens that people can explore in Shropshire and I'm very lucky to have been able to photograph this waterfall throughout the seasons.

"Shropshire is a beautiful county that really allows you to appreciate the beauty in each of the seasons."

Mr Lander was particularly pleased with his image of the Quantum Leap monument at the Theatre Severn which is dedicated to Charles Darwin.

He said: "I actually took that picture of the day we went to discuss opening the exhibition. We came out of the theatre and I saw the shot and just felt it was a picture that needed taking.

"It had the connection to the theatre and a tribute to arguably Shrewsbury's most famous son, Charles Darwin. It also captures the river.

"I like the contrasts between the soft willow tree and the hard gravelly look of the monument itself. It wasn't the easiest image to take so I am pleased with it."

Mr Lander's wife Barbara is also a member of the society.

She captured a beautiful image of a great spotted woodpecker in her garden.

She said: "I had to wait a long time to get this image. The bird was visiting the feeders but woodpeckers are quite nervous birds and very fidgety. I took quite a few shots but this one is my favourite and it's been accepted into an international competition in Scotland. He's a really attractive bird and I think he's perched on the branch beautifully, it's almost like he is posing."

Other Shropshire locations captured in the exhibition include Prees Heath, Clun, Ellesmere, Lawley, Hodnet Cricket Club and RAF Shawbury.

John Edge, who lives in Whitchurch, captured the town's Jubilee Park on a cold and frosty winter morning. He said: "This image was taken during winter last year. I walk through the park most days but that morning I hadn't taken my camera and had to dash back to get it. There was a really strong frost so I walked to the top of the park where I knew the view would be good and where the sun would give the correct light.

"I've taken thousands of pictures up there but this one is one of my favourites. It really is a beautiful area."

Mr Edge encouraged people to visit the exhibition. He added: "We are a small society but the images are of a very high standard and they really capture Shropshire."

The exhibition runs until September 14.

See more images at www.whitchurchphotographicsociety.org.uk/Theatre-severn.html