Teacher's hobby photographing waves and coastlines lands him his first exhibition in Emsworth

Keen surfer and paddle boarder Sam Rogers from Waterlooville has been exploring photography techniques since around 2013 - and his efforts have paid off, with 11 of his images now on display at The Deck in Emsworth Yacht Harbour.

Sam, who teaches reception pupils at Southbourne Infant School in Emsworth, started honing his skills using a GoPro while travelling throughout the UK and Europe so he could share images and memories on social media.

He went on holiday to Greece and took some really nice photos at sunset, which encouraged him to buy his first DSLR camera and develop his simplistic style which captures the sea and sky.

After seeing his photos on the walls of The Deck, 26-year-old Sam said: ‘It was really weird to start with, it was only when I put them up that I thought it’s just amazing.

‘It was a bit nerve-wracking when The Deck first asked me, it’s a bit of a surreal feeling to see the photos I have taken all over someone’s walls.

‘I am so excited and can't wait for people to see my take on the local coastline.’

Sam’s hobby keeps him busy during half term breaks and the summer holidays when he goes away in his camper van, and a friend is so impressed with his skills that they have asked if he will photograph their wedding.

He recently took on an online photography course during lockdown to brush up on his skills and learn some new techniques.

Sam, whose photography account has amassed more than 10,000 followers, said: ‘I just do it because everybody gets stressed at work, and for my mental wellbeing to go out on a paddle board and take some pictures, it keeps me grounded, relaxed and chilled.

‘I love being in the sea and surfing, I love taking photos so I can look back at them and reminisce.

‘It’s like a complete escape and makes you feel so much better - there’s something about being in the sea.’

To see more of Sam’s work, visit his Instagram profile @ssamrogerss

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