Local lad, Andrew Jacklin has been a photographer for a while and has shared some of his work with us in the past, here is he to talk about him and his hobby 😌

I'm Andrew Jacklin, I grew up in Trimley St. Mary and have remained in the area for most of my life. 

I currently work at a traditional hardware store "Underwood Hardware & DIY" situated on Hamilton Road. If ever you need one screw for a certain job we will happily provide you one! It is nice to serve the friendly faces in Felixstowe and from afar, for any need they may want to query upon.

In my spare time I like to step foot into the rural areas of what Trimley St. Mary/Trimley St. Martin has to offer throughout any season with my camera. This could be photographing the local protected wildlife, to the most stunning sunsets beside the marshlands, which is parellel to the River Orwell. I feel quite lucky that we have all this scenery pretty much right on our doorstep. These peaceful walkabouts do so much for my mental wellbeing and I call it a natural stress reliever. I do recommend visiting Trimley Marshes if ever you may feel under the weather.

As well as photographing sunsets and wildlife, my main topic I like to set focus on is aviation. From a young age I developed an interest in aviation, having visited the Imperial War Museum at Duxford Airfield with my family in the early 2000s. I would always be keen on identifying the several static aircraft on display and picking out and naming what is flying overhead. My Dad also booked me and my siblings a short-flight in a helicopter at a local country show in Eye, Suffolk. From there onwards the interest of aviation has never left me.

By merging my photography hobby with one of my main interests since childhood, it feels like a dream come true. I am always practicing new methods to get that perfect capture at various airshows across East Anglia. My photographic work has also caught the attention of a TV media researcher working for a live plane-spotting documentary in July 2019. I gathered with fellow aviation enthusiasts to capture commercial airliner arrivals at Heathrow Airport in west London at sunset. It’s not every day you get to spend four hours with a TV presenter you have known for years because of his documentaries on various channels to discuss your interests about flying and photography, it was a real 'pinch yourself' moment that evening.

When it comes to the world of aviation photography, as with all photographers you always feel there is competition on who will get that best capture. My top tip is - do not worry, you do not need to have an expensive lens or camera and people do take on an interest to any photographic material you wish to upload on social media groups/ aviation forums. 

Whether you are an amateur photographer or have taken it to a professional level, every photo does count. I would love to see them! It is a great hobby of mine and have gained new contacts from across the world.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and found some use for it. 

All the best, 
Andrew