CAPTURING the perfect image is every photographer’s dream – that image which has the wow factor, makes people stop and stare and admire the artistry.

Photographers paint with the lens, record the moment, and produce stunning pictures which people want to hang on their walls and look at again and again.

Today members of Felixstowe Photographic Society will be showing off their best prints and digital images from the past year at a four-day exhibition in the town.

The group take thousands of colourful and fascinating pictures each year – not just in the seaside town, but all over the country and the world.

Most of the photos never make it into the public arena, taken purely for pleasure or to be shared with club members, but every other year they hold the show at Trinity Methodist Church Hall to let everyone enjoy the fruits of their work.

“We have 28 members exhibiting their work on a metre square exhibition panel, with a number of other members showing individual prints,” said Barry Peacock, joint exhibition co-ordinator.

“On the panel, they could just show one large print and make a real dramatic statement, or they could put several photos. It is entirely up to each contributor how they use the panel.

“There is no theme, though some may choose to theme their work, but everyone is looking to show off their very best work from the past year – and we expect there to be quite a variety of subjects and styles.

“In addition, we will have a running show of digital images on a 19-inch screen with a small seating area so that people can sit and enjoy the photos. Members can submit far more photos for this part of the exhibition.”

It is the fifth time the society has held the free bi-annual print exhibition, and the wide range of subjects will include people, iconic landscapes, sport, still life, nature, animals and more.

Visitors will be able to vote for what they consider to be the best individual print in the exhibition.

“This is quite an exciting part of the event for us and I think the public enjoy the challenge, too, of making a real study of the pictures and deciding which they think is the best. You only get one vote and you can see people humming and hah-ing over which they should pick,” said Mr Peacock.

“We certainly know the children love taking part in this – it gives them a real focus as they go round the exhibition.”

Members of Felixstowe Guides will man the refreshments counter with bacon butties in the morning and homemade cakes in the afternoons, plus tea and coffee available – all proceeds going to the activities of the Colneis division.

Tell us what you think of the exhibition this year – E-mail starletters@archant. co.uk