My name is Darrell Oakden and I have been a keen amateur photographer over twenty years. I joined Alsager Camera Club in 2011 and it really improved my photography and took me in many different directions artistically.
I currently operate a Photography based Youtube channel that can be found at www.youtube.com/darrelloakdenphotography
I have only ever used a digital camera and photoshop has always been a big part of my photography. Sometimes my manipulations are subtle and at other times I like to stretch reality by forming composite images. Some will argue that true photography should be ‘out of camera’ and I respect that point of view. There is no substitute for good camera technique and Photoshop works better with strong source material. However, I am very much of the opinion that the final image is the important part and the methods to get there should leave the photographer free to be creative. I have a personal code of conduct that I only use images that I have personally photographed. However, I want to set myself challenges to focus on straight photography to master getting images in camera.
I have had a good amount of success in the club circuit. I have had 302 images accepted into national salons gaining me my BPE5*. I have also gained my EFIAP accreditation 1st June 2017. I gained my DPAGB in April 2014. I am an accredited L&CPU club judge.