SNAPPING pictures of family and friends on Walney Island was always a favourite past time for Carol Scarr but she never imagined her hobby would result in her securing her very own exhibition.

The 47-year-old is displaying a collection of her work at the Forum in Barrow inspired by her love of nature and wildlife.


Big break

After years of practising the craft and searching for her own niche style, Carol's big break came in 2011 when Falmouth university offered her a place on their Marine and Natural History photography degree programme.

She moved her life down south and became one of only three mature students, determined to develop her skills.

Carol said: "It's important to have dreams and don’t forget, you’re never too old to live them."


Early days

The mother-of-one first began taking shots of beaches, fields and ponds across Walney and other parts of Cumbria with a basic instamatic film camera she was given for Christmas.

She said: "I remember going mushrooming, blackberry and elderberry picking, rabbiting and tramping the fields being shown and told what this was and what.

"Both my parents are great lovers of wildlife programmes and I too have been influenced by such icons as Sir David Attenborough, Tony Soper and Jonny Morris of Animal Magic fame."

When she felt confident enough to capture the incredible Northern Lights on a trip to Norway in 2009, Carol decided to trade in her Canon compact camera for a digital SLR so she could accurately convey the beauty and splendour of the experience.

After graduating from Falmouth university in 2014, Carol moved back to Barrow and continued to take pictures of rural landscapes and various wildlife animals.

With an ambition of becoming a full time, professional wildlife photographer, time is apparently of the essence.

"They say if you haven't made it in five years time you won't make it", said Carol.


Inspiration

As well as seeking inspiration from places around Cumbria for new photos, Miss Scarr also works for Continental landscapes and embraces the outdoors.

She is happy to juggle work and her art and said: "You can go to take a picture but it's a seasonal thing and it might not look right, or I know I can do it better and have to wait another year to go back and take it again.

"I like critiquing my work and looking at how I can improve."

Former administrator Carol is keen to boost her profile as a photographer and has greetings cards and canvasses on sale across the region.

The exhibition is her first solo one and will be displayed at the Forum until July 31.

Her work can be seen on Facebook: CarolScarrPhotography