04/06/2026
Our latest Meet the Member feature focuses on Club President Rodger Shearer.
Rodger how and when did you first get interested in photography?
When I was around ten years old, I was given a basic Minolta film camera. I loved using it and seeing the results coming back from Boots. Over the years I used many different cameras before settling on a Panasonic Lumix. This was enough for me at the time but my first “serious” camera was a Canon 1100 DSLR.
I took early retirement from a high-pressure sales job nine years ago and went back to college to learn my photography “properly’. I spent two years at West Lothian College gaining my SQA Higher Photography then NC Photography and HNC Photography. I then spent a further year at City of Glasgow College gaining my HND. Covid came along so I didn’t do the degree course.
When at West Lothian, my higher work, Abandoned Industrial Landscapes, was selected to appear in the Scottish Parliament Higher Vision Exhibition with four of my images hanging in the reception for two months. The college then put on a solo exhibition of the project and a local charity, West Calder and Harburn Trust also exhibited the work. I did a further two projects for the trust on local Co-ops and Witchcraft in West Lothian. Each of these had their own exhibition as well.
What is your favourite genre of photography?
My main photographic genres have always been wildlife and landscapes. However, I do still enjoy architecture and documentary photography. I have continued with my abandoned buildings project and recording old Co-op buildings and carvings. I’ll photograph most things but I don’t do people! Portraiture is not for me.
What kind of camera do you use?
I’m still using Canon cameras. My main camera is the mirrorless R6 mk II which I love, particularly the focussing for wildlife. I still use my 5D Mk III DSLR and the M50. I use a variety of lens from wide angle 17-40 mm for landscapes up to a 150-600 mm for wildlife.
How long have you been a member of Motherwell Photographic Society?
I was formerly a member at Livingston Camera Club for many years but when I moved back into the area, I found Motherwell Photographic Society almost five years ago and I’ve been a member ever since. I am currently President of the society which is a great honour for me.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Motherwell Photographic Society?
I enjoy the social aspect of the club, meeting like-minded people and seeing the work other photographers are producing.
Do you have a favourite photograph that you have taken? What is the story behind this image?
As for a favourite photograph, I have so many to choose from. I’ve been lucky enough in the past ten years to have travelled extensively to places like China, Alaska, Sri Lanka,
Africa to name just a few. Some have been holidays but some have been dedicated wildlife or landscape tours. My favourite is probably my bear cub image which won me a national award. It was taken in a hide on the Finnish/Russian border late one summer's evening.
The mother bear had four cubs around her feet as she fed. One little guy stuck his head between her legs as she stood side on to me. There were three of use taking shots but at just the right second, the cub looked straight at me and stuck the tip of his tongue out...luck as much as anything.
Last year, my photography interests were expanded in two directions. Firstly, I bought a drone and I’m still learning it I have to admit. The wet and rainy winters don't help! I also became involved in the Motherwell F.C. Heritage Society where I look after old photographs of the club and I’ve digitised some by scanning and also repairing damaged images.
A few other photographic highlights for me were when a couple of friends asked to use my photographs of them in magazines, a book cover and even a CD cover. It’s great to see your work in print.
Do you have any tips for your fellow photographers?
In terms of tips to pass on, for landscapes always wait for the right light but try and get your composition first. The light can be fleeting. For wildlife, it’s all about patience but knowing
about your subject, its habits, feeding patterns etc. I have waited in a kingfisher hide for four hours and no birds. When you least expect it, nature delivers something special!
Thank you Rodger for sharing your photographic journey and fantastic images with us. Your bear cub photograph really is a very special and unique image.
