”I would not call myself a photographer as I haven’t been taught or studied, but I try to capture the beauty of nature and the lost memories that old buildings hold,” he explained.

He believes the Manning Valley offers countless opportunities for photographers like himself to be inspired.

“The Manning has some of the best scenic surrounds that not many people use or see.  Being in retail I see a lot of folk who are new to our town and are amazed by what we have when you tell them where to go.”

He also loves to travel and never leaves his camera behind.  On a recent trip to Caloundra he captured a very special moment (the photo is number two in the gallery above).

“I was walking along the board walk early in the morning, just after an early storm, looking at the Anzac plaques. I arrived on the shoreline with only one other person around – it was so serene and seeing this person meditating and seeing the reflection of the sky, it just made you feel for the Anzacs and what they did for our country.”

If you would like to be featured in our Behind the Lens series email janine.watson@farifaxmedia.com.au