AS WELL as being imaginative, creative and fast-thinking, there are some other key skills needed to be a news photographer empathy and a built in navigation system.

Su Anderson knew she had a tough job ahead of her when she was asked to visit a family whose home had been broken into and irreplaceable treasures stolen.

She said: “This was a heart-breaking story about an 11 year-old whose house was robbed.

“Haydn Clarke’s room was ransacked and the thieves took off with a necklace that had belonged to his brother, Rhys Loram, who died tragically in 2011. Since his death, the necklace had hung on a bear in Haydn’s room as he was too afraid of losing it to wear it.”

Su photographed the youngster and his mum, looking clearly devastated but looking around, she was able to pick up on the fact Haydn was a biking enthusiast and used this to lighten the atmosphere.

“After talking with Haydn and his mum I asked him if he wanted to ride his BMX bike in some photographs and his face light up for the first time since I’d arrived. I really hope the police catch these thieves or at least recover the necklace because this family have been through a lot.”

Su’s tip - It doesn’t take a lot to give others a little joy. I am lucky that I have opportunities to do this with my camera. You should look for little ways to help too.

Working on a lighter assignment, Su covered the arrival of a new arrival at Easton Farm Park.

Describing her favourite shot from the day, she said: “Her Majesty the Queen’s Suffolk Punch Whitton Poppy guards her new foal at Easton Farm Park.

“Whitton Poppy had been given to the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee and, though the horse remains in Suffolk, the farm park sent word to the Queen’s office to see if she wanted to name the foal.”

Tip - Watch where you’re stepping when you photograph animals!

Working in a fast-paced environment means a photographer can often be diverted at short notice, meaning they have to know their way around the region.

And that is what happened when an Adnams lorry was involved in an accident. Su was called off one job and sent to Southwold.

“An Adnams delivery truck drove into a ditch in Halesworth Road, Southwold emptying its contents into a field and blocking traffic for several hours.

“I had to walk for 20 minutes along the side of the road to capture this image. This is typical for accidents, crashes and the like. Photographers have to get to the source even when it means walking miles.”

Tip- The image the paper ran from this was actually a contributed photo so don’t be afraid to send in photos if you capture something different.