Meet Our Volunteers: Gail

How did you get involved with Clydesider?

I was initially involved with other community projects (The Leamy Foundation, Loch Lomond Food Bank) back in 2016 and was introduced to Amanda and Charlie through those.

I took part in my first workshop in July 2016 in Benview Centre in Dumbarton and have been involved on and off since then.

What do you enjoy about being part of the camera club?

I like that thereʼs often a message or theme to follow, which can lead you to look at your surroundings in a different light.

You also learn a lot about the others in the club and itʼs a great way to get people to open up and talk about themselves in a completely pressure free environment.

Itʼs a great resource for people who would like to be more involved within their community.

When did you become interested in photography?

I canʼt pinpoint when I was first interested, as it feels like something Iʼve gravitated towards for my whole life.

From Polaroids and disposable film cameras when I was younger, to my dad buying me my first digital camera in Glasgow in my early teens, to now owning my DSLR (plus a Polaroid and a film camera too), Iʼve always had the means and the drive to document things through images.

My phone camera roll is full to the brim as well – I just love being able to look back at a moment captured and have the memories of that time come flooding back in.

Do you have any advice for people thinking about volunteering?

Do it!

I know it can seem daunting to go for these things when youʼre not sure of the people or the work expected of you, but my experience of the last 10 years (off and on) has only been positive.

Everyone Iʼve come into contact with who has been involved with Clydesider over the years have been nothing but lovely and positive and will make you feel welcome and at ease.

You really will get a lot out of it, and Iʼd recommend it to anyone.

What's your favourite biscuit?

I try not to eat too many, but Iʼll never turn down a Viscount and on the odd occasions I have a cup of tea instead of a coffee, Iʼve got to have a Hobnob to dip!