FROM underwater pictures to a seven-year-old photographer, the West London Photo Exhibition will return to West Drayton this May. 

The Southlands Arts Centre will be hosting the exhibition, run by Southlands Photo Club, between May 7-May 14 from 12pm-6pm every day and is expected to display up to 200 photos.

It will centre on the theme of ‘Exposing the Talents of Local People’ and aims to retell the personal experiences of contributing photographers from the nearby area. 

Rory Hassett, who runs Southlands Photo club, said: “Like the Hillingdon community our club has a diverse group of local people, with many genres of photography.

“Lots of people who I didn’t know before know me now and they say it’s just great.

“It’s bringing in everybody.”

The exhibit, curated by Mr Hassett and assisted by Arthur Rocks, will feature a wide range of genres, including underwater photography, nature and the work of a seven-year-old photographer.

There will also be more than 50 photography books and vintage cameras for visitors can use.

Frasier Fenton, a volunteer who designs for the centre and the photo club, said: “We are all very excited about the photography exhibition.

“Based on the superb quality of photos from 2015, expectations this year are high.  

“Our club has also doubled in size, and expect to have even more exhibitors for 2016. 

“So watch this space.”        

Mr Fenton’s son was the youngest photographer at last year’s exhibit, aged just 16.

He added: “Both my children love coming along, and they can both participate just as much as I do, so not only do they also gain experience, share a great hobby, but also get the support from other club members.  

“Southlands Photography Club is like one big family.”

The opening day, which coincides with West Drayton’s The May Fair on the Green festival, will be attended by some of the event’s contributors with homemade cakes, fresh coffee and teas available in the centres’ tea house.

All the proceeds from the funds raised from the tea room and the exhibit will be donated to The Southlands Arts Centre.

The centre will be dog friendly for the exhibition week and is open to non-members although space is limited.

Last year’s 2015 exhibition held 125 photos by 25 photographers and had 600 visitors.  

The Southlands Photo Club, which welcomes new members, meets on the first Sunday of every month between 2pm – 4pm at the Southlands Arts Centre.

You can see last year’s photos here: http://www.southlandsarts.co.uk/photography-exhib-/index.html