Vernon Brooke, president of the Oxford Photographic Society, has seen many changes in technology in his 60 years as a member.

He tells me: “When I joined, all photography was in black and white. Colour didn’t become common until much later.

“Even later came the gradual introduction of 35mm film cameras, which have been made almost obsolete by digital imaging.”

Mr Brooke, of Jackson Road, North Oxford, was introduced to photography by his father, a keen amateur.

He recalls: “I grew up with shutter speeds, lens apertures, lens designs, etc ringing in my ears.“ He worked as a full-time professional for 30 years, belongs to three professional bodies and has visited 67 photographic clubs as a judge or lecturer.

He calculates that he has taken pictures at 500 weddings as well as carrying out numerous assignments for businesses and other clients in the Oxford area.

He remembers the difficulties photographers faced when he joined the society in 1949.

“In the years after the war, photographic materials were in very short supply.

“Government war surplus 5in-wide film intended for military aerial cameras was available. Members would buy this film and with a home-made gadget, cut it down the middle, making two strips of 120 film.

“After cutting to the required length and fixing to secondhand backing paper, it was ready for use.

“One of the main problems was that there was no information about the speed of the film, so much experimenting was needed with exposure and development.

“All these preparatory operations had to be carried out in total darkness.”

It was a far cry from today’s digital age.

Mr Brooke tells me: “The rapid rate of digital technology has been staggering. One wonders where we shall have progressed in the next 10 years.“ The society welcomes new members, whatever their photographic experience.

For more information about the group and its activities, see the website oxfordphotosociety.co.uk