A radical change of career beckons for a weekly press photographer after 36 years in the business.

Suzy James has left the Southport Visiter after nearly four decades with the company to return to her roots near Perth, in Scotland, and run a hotel with her husband.

The 55-year-old began her career with the Visiter’s sister titles the Crosby Herald and Bootle Times in 1973.

She told the Visiter: “I’m a football fan and when I first started down here I used to cover the Liverpool and Everton matches.

“But I was also glad to photograph Marine FC, because no-one else would. I became quite a fan and I loved covering their matches.

“I have really enjoyed working here. The papers are such an important part of the community.

“When Sefton Council said Crosby wasn’t going to have Christmas lights any more, the Crosby Herald was instrumental in getting that decision overturned. Things like that show that what we do does make a difference and that’s lovely to be a part of.

“The thing I love about the career is that every day is different. You never know what you’re going to be doing next and you get to meet lots of people. I’m going to miss all the photographers.”

Southport Visiter editor Andrew Edwards said: “Suzy has covered just about everything there is to cover.

“There are times when being a photographer is incredibly rewarding, when you get that great picture and it gets a good show in the paper.

“There are also times when it’s incredibly difficult and you’re standing in all sorts of weather, frustrated and even threatened. My thanks to Suzy for everything she has given us.”

Comments

Alan Barton (09/10/2009 15:38:18)
Well done to you ! Time to get out I think. I assume that there will be special rates for photographers with appropriately adjusted receipts ; )
Alan B