A Royston photographer says she wants to ‘capture the heart of the independent businesses’ still left in her beloved town.
The youngest of four, Rebecca Iles was born in Cambridge, but has spent most of her life in Royston and said it will always be her home.
After gaining a GNVQ in intermediate art and design and a BTEC ND in music technology in Stafford, she started taking pictures on her first phone, which had a basic five megapixel camera.
The 32-year-old said: “I just happened to capture some interesting pictures with a unique angle and when I showed people they would always say the same thing to me, that I had a real eye for it.”
Rebecca describes herself as a people person, and draws inspiration from others.
She said: “I have a genuine love and care for people and when photographing individuals I like to capture their own uniqueness and beauty that they might not be able to see themselves.”
Rebecca says she has seen a lot of change in her time in Royston, and has dedicated her time to capturing its independent spirit.
She said: “As time goes on I have seen the bigger corporate businesses are taking away the real heart and soul of the town which has been rooted there much longer, causing a lot of our much loved local businesses to close.
“I decided that I would try and use my photography to capture the heart of our independent local businesses we still have here, to help them stay alive and to help promote them.
“To be able to give something back to my hometown like that would be great.”
The photographer says she has always been creatively ambitious ever since she was a child.
She added: “When I was little I used to write stories and draw pictures to go with them.
“I still enjoy art and like to draw and paint when not spending time with friends and family.
“I also love to play the piano as music is another big love of mine.
“I have many favourite bands and musicians, and have seen some amazing live music and festivals with friends.
“I have experience in photographing live events and studio recording sessions, and want to help boost musicians self confidence by capturing their best moments whether by candids, or in performance at a Royston venue.”
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