Photographer Stuart Wilde is enjoying a fresh challenge in a new role as picture editor of the Lincolnshire Echo.

In the newly-created post, Stuart, who was previously chief photographer at the Derby Evening Telegraph, will oversee the work of the Echo’s four staff photographers, as well as all photo sales and scanning at the paper.

Stuart will be more office-based than in his previous job, and is on hand to advise the photographers, make sure they are well-briefed and that the right pictures are taken.

He said: “It’s been a bit strange meeting new people and putting names to faces. I knew Lincoln a bit but I’m still trying to work out where various places are in relation to others.”

He said: “There is great potential. The photographers have responded very well and there has already been an improvement in the quality of the pictures in the paper – although I’m not saying that that is all down to me and I can just wave a magic wand.”

Together with getting used to a new job, Stuart is also trying to adjust to a new area. He is currently living in Lincoln in the week and in Derby at weekends while he tries to find something more permanent a little nearer.

He also admits to missing his old team (pictured at his leaving do above) at Derby, where he had worked since 1995 and been chief photographer since 1998.

Relaxing after the party

“I feel I left behind a better department than the one I found when I joined,” said Stuart.

“They are a talented bunch and I wish them all the best.

“They gave me a fantastic send-off – we went to a guesthouse and had a meal and drinks and they made me a video. We had a special relationship and they were all friends.”