2:56pm Thursday 18th February 2010
TURNING a lifelong hobby into a commercial venture is something many people can only dream about, but not for David Benardout.
The Stanmore resident’s love of travel and photography has now resulted in his first exhibition, containing some striking images from around the world.
“I’ve always been interested in photography,” says David who has now retired.
“When I was 13, I joined the school photographic society and it grew from there.”
David’s holidays have taken him to some far flung locations, as a glance at his website reveals. Among the places he has captured on camera are Alaska, Argentina, America’s Wild West and Curacao.
“Everywhere I have been I’ve wanted to go back to,” he adds. “I like the States and we go over there once a year. We take a car and go through Monument Valley.”
David says he photographs anything, not just grand vistas.
“I love going into a marketplace and taking pictures of people’s faces,” he says.
David spent 45 years in the carpet trade as a professional cleaner and restorer. An expert in the field, he has lectured on the subject, and has been an assessor and valuer of fine oriental rugs. Retired for eight years, he says he is enjoying new opportunities.
“I bought an A3 printer and printed some of the photos out, and people said I should sell them and put them on show,” he says. “It’s the first time I have done anything commercial. People convinced me that I should show my work and this is my first step to doing it more commercially. I have a lot of time on my hands.”
Photographic Art by David Benardout is at Stanmore Library, Burnell House, Stanmore Hill, Stanmore, from February 20 to March 5. Or visit: www.justmyphotos.co.uk
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