AMATEUR photographer Caroline Johnston, who is from Monea but currently lives near Letterbreen, has been honing her photography skills over the past five years.

A beautician by trade, she enjoys taking photographs in her spare time, finding inspiration as she wanders her rural homeland, her camera always at hand.

"I love to go on long walks in the countryside and take photos of the things I see; landscapes, wildlife, flowers, old houses etc," Caroline told The Impartial Reporter.

A few years ago, Caroline started sharing some of her photographs on social media and was surprised at the interest and nice comments she received.

This positive response inspired her to set up a social media page dedicated to local photography.

"I set up a Facebook page where anyone can send in their photos of the local area. It's called Fermanagh photos and now has more than 17,500 followers from all over the world," said Caroline, who, following the success of her photography page, decided to set up two Facebook groups; 'Ireland's flora, fauna and landscapes' and 'Fortnightly photo challenge'.

"Both are doing well," she added.

Talking about the equipment she uses, Caroline explained that she got her first DSLR camera about four years ago.

"But I could only use it in auto [setting], so I joined the camera club in Enniskillen to learn more about it," she said, adding: "I soon learnt how to use manual settings, and saw my photos improving.

"I started off with a Nikon d3200 camera, but now I've advanced to a Nikon d750 with various lenses."

Commenting on the benefits of being part of the camera club, Caroline said: "The club is a good way to meet other photographers, share tips and take part in competitions.

"Now I'm on their committee, and help to run their Facebook page. I loved it so much that I joined the Maguiresbridge club too."

Although Caroline enjoys photographing a range of subject matters, wildlife is her favourite.

"It's a real challenge to find them [wildlife] and get close enough for a good photo," she said.

Noting that photography is a great way to get out in the fresh air, she added: "I could return to the same destination over and over and find something different to photograph every time, with the changing seasons or at different times of the day."