Photographer Matthew Usher stages exhibition at venue near Swaffham

Photographer Matthew Usher is preparing for an exhibition of his landscape photography which goes on display next week.

The scenes of Norfolk will be on display at the Westacre Theatre gallery from July 11 to September 1.

The Archant photographer's collection will be available to the public during performance nights at the theatre or by appointment.

Matthew, 35, who lives in King's Lynn, has worked for Archant for 10 years and has previously had his work on show for an exhibition at the King's Lynn Arts Centre during 2005.

He started taking pictures aged 15 when he began by processing his own black and white film to make prints - long before the arrival of digital cameras.

He took a GCSE in photography before completing an A-level in art and then enrolling at the College of West Anglia as he decided his future lay in photography.

He studied for a national diploma in photography at the college before starting his career as a press photographer.

'The college is where I met my biggest influence on my work – tutor John Hansell, who is sadly no longer with us,' he said.

Norfolk has some fantastic scenery and is a county known for huge skies and great light - making it a magnet for artists and photographers.

'I love its solitude and its beauty. I like the stark contrast between the sky and land and I visit different locations at all times of the day. The light can have a dramatic effect on how you view the landscape in front of you. Early morning and late evening light makes such a difference,' he said.

'Go out at different times of the day to learn how and where the light falls on the landscape, and what effect it has on your photos. Light is the medium of a photographer and how you manipulate that light effects your pictures. Take your time when taking landscape photo and be aware of different angles – high and low. Take note of the sky and clouds – especially when doing coastal work. Small details can make or break and image – look at your framing and check what you are photographing.'

For more information on performance nights at Westacre or to make an appointment to view the exhibition, contact 01760 755800 or see www.westacretheatre.com