Ray Hadlow - The man behind MIP

Seeing You, Hastings Pier

After his retirement Ray Hadlow moved to Shropshire and settled near Oswestry. He then sought out like-minded local photographers and became the driving force to develop the Marches Independent Photographers Group – the group first got together in 2007 to share interests (and enjoy a pub lunch). They continue to meet monthly to discuss their work, all things photographic, have outside speakers and hold exhibitions. Until his death last year Ray was a very active member of the group, contributing both in print and digital format. He never lost his vision for the future of the group.

Whinlatter Tree Ancient chestnut, Chirk



Lower Antelope Canyon, USA
Ray was an artist since childhood – at the age of 14 went on to study art at Canterbury Art College, first fine art, then illustration and graphic design. He gained NDD (National Diploma of Design – an art/design degree these days).

After National Service, there was further study at Canterbury in wood and metal engraving, graphic design, typography and illustration. He then went into advertising, working for Sainsburys as their art director.


Courtyard entrance Natasha with my sculpture
After several years there he started up his own design group based near Sevenoaks in Kent, working with a team to produce graphics for big corporations. His work also involved finding photographers and assisting them to achieve what he needed for his design work.

Ray always had an interest in photography – he just didn’t have the time or the money to pursue it as a hobby when young. Eventually he bought a film camera (indeed several film cameras!) and set up a darkroom to produce his own black & white prints. He joined the local camera club, went on workshops and photographic holidays and had his work in various local exhibitions.
He helped a group of photographers set up IPSE (Independent Photography in the South East) and always remained a member of that group.
His photographic work reflected his creativity and design background when working in B&W (his preferred medium) or in colour. He regularly exhibited both with MIP and IPSE.

The images here show just a small range of his diverse works and have been chosen for MIP to exhibit by Jane – his wife.