A LOCAL photographer who appealed for members of the public to pop along to the Town Square in Crediton to have their photos taken last Sunday says the shoot went really well and 31 people went along, thanks, she added, to publicity from the Crediton Courier.

Karen Sanders, a former QE student, is studying for a BA (Hons) in Photography at the University of the West of England and has lived in Crediton all her life.

For a project for her final year, which she has called the "Crediton Portrait Project", she asked people to take part in it by being in her collection of photos.

Karen explained: "For my final year project I decided that I want to explore how and why we represent ourselves when a camera is pointing towards us.

"We all have so many different sides to us and choose when we let them show.

"I'm hoping this project will allow me to explore the way in which we choose to represent ourselves when we know the photograph will be shown in many places.

"Basically, being yourself in a photograph was what I wanted to capture!

"This summer my aim is to create a large archive of portraits which I can study and develop when I get back to university in September."

Karen, with her camera and tripod, positioned themselves in the square and some people even dressed up especially to have their photos taken.

"The total of 31 people was much more than I expected and the images look really good.

"I've got plenty of work to show when I get back to uni!

"I would like to thank everyone that came down and got involved. All the portraits will be sent to them very soon so they can have their own copy!"

She added that she hopes to organise a similar shoot towards the end of the year!

Alan Quick