A PHOTOGRAPHER is all smiles after finding a way of getting her future in focus.

After eight years working for a top photographic studio in Manchester, Gilly Davenport has snapped up an opportunity to set up her own business.

Her company, Gilly Davenport Portrait Photography, was launched a few months ago from her home in Prestwich and is looking a picture of health so far.

Miss Davenport specialises in portraits and family shots but instead of working within the restraints of a studio, she encourages her clients to enjoy the great outdoors.

"I will ask my client to choose their favourite location, like a park or in the woods," explained Miss Davenport, "and we will spend a couple of hours taking photographs. That way the clients are relaxed and enjoying themselves. It works especially well with children, who would tend to get bored in a studio. In the outdoors, they can play games and if they have a cheeky smile, then that can be captured in the photograph."

Miss Davenport aimed to bring something different to her profession and her ideas have proved to be a success, although conventional indoor shots are also available.

She added: "Each photograph is a unique shot as each location is personal to the client. It is a completely personal service. The photographs are more contemporary and less formal and to see the look of fulfilment on the client's face, when they see the finished images, is worthwhile."

Trained at Wardley College, in Walkden, Miss Davenport (36) has 12 years experience behind the camera lens.

During her work in the studio she won awards for being best manager and her camera is never far away from her hand.

Currently, though, her main inspiration is her four-year-old son Dillon.

She said: "He's my main model. He loves the camera and is always trying to get his photo taken."

Miss Davenport is looking for studio space in Prestwich to complete her new business venture but in the meantime she is exhibiting some of her work at Prestwich Library.

The exhibition runs until the end of March and is open to the public during normal library hours.