THE estuary and all its different moods and manifestations has long been something of a muse to photographer and gallery owner Simon Fowler.

So when White Wall Space – his gallery, in situ at Cafe Valise in Leigh Community Centre – had a space between exhibitions, he decided to indulge his passion and pick out four of his favourite shots of the Thames Estuary, which are currently on display.

The exhibition shows the familiar view over the water and Kent power station chimneys captured in different guises – a wave in mid-break or a clever, playful angle turning a rockpool at low tide into what looks like a high tide.

“I’m pleased with the result,” says Simon. “I picked one, which is in black and white, because everyone seems to like it. “But with the others it was almost a case of a lucky dip. I have so many and it was difficult to choose.”

Simon realised he was in love with the estuary almost by accident – after a youth spent growing up alongside its shimmering surface. “I love it,” he declares.

“I love it to bits. I’ve always been on it.

“Even as a lad, I used to go fishing on the pier and always loved being out there. It was by chance I started photographing it though. I’d never really liked landscapes, but I did this one shot, and the chimney looked almost apocalyptic. I did a few more and just got really hooked.”

The prints in the exhibition are the fruits of tireless labour on Simon’s part with treks out to capture the elusive estuary, with many hours spent searching – and failing – to find the perfect shot.

He says: “At one point I was going out every morning and 80 per cent of that time bore no fruits. But it’s good when you do persevere and you get some really good results.”

Simon Fowler’s exhibition Photographer, is at White Wall Space, Cafe Valise, Leigh Community Centre, until June 14.