Friend’s death from cancer inspires a love of photography

Lee Mitchell started taking photos in April after his best mate Rod Cross died of cancer and left him his camera gear.

“He was always telling me to take up a hobby as I was always putting other people before myself and that I should take some time for me,” he said.

“After Rod’s passing he had bequeathed me all of his brand new camera equipment that he had bought to take to England – unfortunately he didn’t make it.

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“I have taken hundreds of photos since I got it and I am always taking it with me wherever I go just in case that special shot opportunity rises.

“I will be eternally grateful for my friendship with Rod and his gift to me that has and still is bringing so much joy and relaxation into my life.”

A carpenter by trade, Mr Mitchell has been married to Wendy for 19 years and they have two children, Caitlin (17) and Ross (14).

Photos he has taken since picking up photography have included one of a black shouldered kite on Pinjar Road in Tapping.

“It was just hovering around and hunting its prey so I pulled over, got out my camera and started snapping away,” he said.

Mr Mitchell also captured a motocross jump on August 21 at Pinjar Park Speedway and pictures of V8s in action during the Supercar Championships in May.