Over the past year we’ve brought you hundreds of photos from the near-600 members in the News Shopper Camera Club.

But what about the people behind the lenses?

In a new weekly series, we’re going to introduce you to a different camera club member and share some of their favourite photos.

We start with Mal Dawson, 47, from Plumstead.

Who or what inspired you to take up photography?

My wife inspired me to take up photography by buying me my first decent digital camera and encouraging me. I have been taking photos seriously for about four years

What is your specialty or what you do enjoy photographing the most?

I grew up on the Thames Estuary and came from a navy family so ships and the river is a natural viewpoint for me but I have always been a car and motorsports fan and love photographing performance / modified cars.

Are you trying to express yourself or make a point with your photography, or is it just for fun?

My photography is just to express myself but I do find myself trying to capture the whole impact of society and its effects on the river.

News Shopper:

What’s the story behind your favourite photo?

My favourite photo was taken on a foggy Tuesday morning as I made my way to work the sun was just burning off the river fog and it highlighted a Port of London barge and the top of one of the new buildings across the Thames.

What equipment do you use?

I use an old but reliable Canon Eos 300d and a more modern Canon 100D.

What post-production treatment do you give your photos?

I don’t use much post-production as I believe that photography should be about the photos not about creating an image unless the images required are impossible to capture in just one shot.

Do you have any advice for budding photographers?

Photography is not about having the best camera and software, it’s about what’s caught your attention and how it makes you feel. Never give up. Others will be critical but keep your head up and enjoy what you do. Trial and error is the best way to learn there is no such thing as a bad photo, just another learning experience. Find your strengths and enjoy them.

Is there anything you’ve not photographed yet which you’d love to capture one day?

I have so many photography goals but it’s impossible to choose just one. I would love to capture Manhattan’s skyline and the Grand Canyon. The northern lights is a massive must as well.

If you want to get involved you can request to join the News Shopper Camera Club on Facebook