Page of pictures

John Phillips

PHOTOGRAPHER Colin Page has unveiled hypnotic urban shots for his first solo exhibition at Barking Learning Centre.

Colin, 42 of Winifred Road, Dagenham, has captured gritty views, wondrous scenery and architectural delights since the age of 13 when he learned the art through a Duke of Edinburgh extra-curricular programme.

His new show, Picture Perfect, features nearly 50 striking images (four shown right), including an imposing night-time view of Ceme, Marsh Way, Dagenham, a child shooting at a makeshift basketball net on Thames View Estate, Barking, and a picture of a lonely tree on a snow-blanketed hill in Green Lane, Dagenham, in February.

Photography has been an enduring passion for Colin. He completed a four-year Higher National Diploma at Barking College, Dagenham Road, two years ago.

He has also had shots published in the specialist weekly magazine the British Journal of Photography.

He said: "This is my first solo exhibition. I'm looking forward to it, for the public feedback if anything."

He revels in the east London urban scene, including in his collection a picture of an underground boxing bout taken at a disused Barking warehouse.

Although he prefers black and white, he occasionally uses colour.

The set includes an almost monochrome Covent Garden image featuring striking red umbrellas, somewhat reminiscent of the memorable Schindler's List girl-in-the-red-coat scene.

There is also an awe-inspiring skyscape at Hainault Country Park, a black-and-white photo enhanced digitally.

He explains: "I used to do sketches, black and white pictures. I just try to keep it black and white, there's more tones involved."

The photos are for sale.

Picture Perfect is on at the learning centre in Town Square, Barking, until Friday, April 17.