THE PROFESSIONAL’S PERSPECTIVE: JACK BOSKETT

WE DECIDED on Didcot Railway Centre for several reasons – mainly because it is a controlled site – but also because it offers a vast number of vantage points to capture some timeless scenes. On the day, it was obvious Gwion has some experience – he just needed to build his confidence. I worked with him to go through the settings on his camera – and to move away from auto and onto manual. I taught him skills and what to look for. We then looked for various compositions around the shed to capture. The first shot I saw involved the pit and a puddle of water – I noticed No. 6023 King Edward II was at the rear of the road and reflected in the pit puddle. I suggested to Gwion to get down into the pit safely with permission. Gwion could immediately see the front image I was referring to. It took several attempts to capture the desired result. He picked it up quickly and was busy suggesting compositions. During cab rides, I travelled with Gwion once. We discussed how to capture the footplate crew with a black and white image in mind. That will create a period feel. He successfully managed that whilst enjoying it. I gave him a challenge to put it into practice on his own. Later in the day, we set up some photographs of the crew doing the loco disposal and posing. GWS volunteer Grahame Dryden is an experienced participant in photo charters, so I took the opportunity to get him involved. We had posed Grahame in front of the locos and emptying pits. Gwion came up with his own ideas and set up his own photos – I was witnessing a youngster at work! It was great that everyone at Didcot was so friendly and accommodating – as they always are in my experience.