AN artist is getting ready to showcase his photography work in his first exhibition showing.

Neil Hulme, of Durrell Way, Lowton, will have his minimal black and white long-exposure photography art on display at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead.

His work includes shots from a range of places such as gondolas in Venice and Antony Gormley’s statues on Crosby beach.

Dad-of-two Neil, 53, said: “I used to coach junior rugby when my son was younger, but when he went into open age I stopped and found myself with some spare time.

“My wife works shifts and I wanted to get into something new so I decided to join an eight-week photography course.

“I was hooked straight away and soon I was taking a range of different shots.

“I really enjoy the niche style of minimal long-exposure black and white pictures because it takes me into another world with its zen feel. Water looks silky smooth and clouds have a nice movement.”

Neil’s work at the Wirral Festival of Firsts will be unveiled on June 28 and will run to October, along with the work of five other artists.

He also runs workshops across the North West and is taking a few keen photographers to a trip in Venice to teach them some skills.

Precision engineer Neil added: “Some people can take photos while others are good at editing them.

“In between that you have to have the vision on how you to perceive the image to look and that is what I like to teach.”

For more information about Neil visit neilhulme.smugmug.com.