A wife pays tribute to Norfolk photographer John Gittens, who died of a heart attack aged 84.
He captured the life of Norfolk during the 1950s and early 1960s and even submitted his work to the Eastern Daily Press.
Originally from King's Lynn, Mr Gittens documented the lifestyle of local people and events shortly after the Second World War.
He captured the moment 23 unexploded bombs were detonated on the banks of the River Ouse and of crowds gathering outside the former Jermyns department store in the High Street.
He showcased his collection of photographs in a studio in Norfolk Street, before he moved to California in 1962 with his wife Elaine.
'We had been married for 64 years, but had been together for 67,' said Mrs Gittens, 82.
'We had three children, twins Victoria and Lesley and then a third, Christine. When they were six and five, John decided he had enough of the wet and cold weather, he thought there had to be somewhere warmer and settled on California.'
Mr Gittens worked for various newspapers and TV stations in Ventura and Santa Maria, doing mostly news photography as well as weddings and commercial work.
Mrs Gittens added: 'John was very precise in his work, he enjoyed making the end product a quality one. It was much more involved then than it is now, he was not a point and shoot person and he spent hours getting it right.'
'He really enjoyed motor homing and especially if we travelled to the Alabama hills, located just outside of the town of Lone Pine, towards Northern CA.
'Many happy hours were spent there, taking photographs of the scenery and walking before he got unable to hike much, due to his arthritis.' Mr Gittens died on May 17 of a heart attack, leaving behind his wife Elaine and his children Victoria, Lesley and Christine.
'He is sorely missed,' Mrs Gittens added. 'At his request there were no services and we celebrated his life at the home of one of his daughters and said goodbye.
'His favourite pastimes were spent with family, at get-togethers and celebrations. Memories are all good ones and we have to rely on those now to carry on.'
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