Berwick photographer John Hompot has been taking photos for more than 25 years. 66638
By Danielle Galvin
BERWICK photographer John Hompot will display the best of his artwork at the Chit Chat Café from Saturday.
Ask John how long he’s been taking photographs, and he’ll say it’s been a little over a quarter of a century. The Berwick man enjoys taking photos of ordinary, everyday people.
“I have a soft spot for young people. I know it can be tough going being young,” he said.
John regularly speaks at high schools in the south-east to promote the industry, but he’s more interested in making it fun. “I take my guitar along too, just to break it up a bit,” he said.
Over the years, John has taken a variety of photos, from wedding shots to portraits.
“I like taking family shots, where I capture half an hour of a family together. The shoot is always fun and that’s my favourite kind,” he said.
Through his church, the Casey Christian Outreach Centre, John met the owner of Chit Chat Café.
“I asked him about the new artwork, after I noticed he kept changing it,” John said.
About half of the photos will be available for sale. But John has his own reasons.
“I want to give back to the community. If I had one message that I always tell people, it’s that you should love what you do. Helping people to find and develop their creativity is important,” he said.
John has put together a CD with questions young people have asked him over the years.
“I enjoy talking to and working with people. When I go to high schools, there are seven questions I ask them to consider before they have sex before marriage.
“My parents passed away when I was young, and I wished they had been more involved. I talk about that on the CD.”
John’s photography can be seen at Chit Chat café from Saturday for eight weeks. The café is shop 34 High Street, Berwick.
