Snap provides proof the camera does lie

But in reality this incredible shot of the Red Arrows in flight involves just one model aircraft bought from a toyshop.

Photographer Ray Dowding then took a picture of the sky from the window of his house and superimposed the image several times on the picture, painting on the streaks as the planes cut through the air.

Mr Dowding is the junior vice-president of Smethwick Photographic Society, whose base is hidden in a quiet back street off a dual carriageway inside an old school house in Oldbury.

But with 280 members it is one of the biggest groups for photographers in the country with people travelling from far and wide to share their work with each other and offer advice.

Inside the building there is a fully licensed bar and every wall is covered with the work of this week's featured work – hundreds of images by Garry Jones from Handsworth Wood. Started in the 1920s the group has gone on to host prestigious contests.

Frank McGowan, aged 67, makes the journey every week from Rugby.

The retired engineer said: "I joined the group two years ago. Everyone in photography knows about Smethwick. It's the best group because of the quality of its photographers."

President of the club Judith Parry, aged 63, of Wentworth Avenue, Harborne, said: "We try to have an exhibition in here at all times. We hold a monthly merit competition for novice, intermediate and advanced. "It's all very friendly and we have a lot of things going on." The biggest contest in January when the Smethwick International attracts 6,000 images from photographers in more than 40 countries. Entries come from as far afield as Iran, Pakistan and Singapore.

On Thursday nights the group hears from guests speakers from all over the world. On other nights they run specialist groups.

Mr Dowding, of Greenbush Drive, Halesowen, has been a member since 1970.

The 65-year-old said: "The club started behind St Mary's Church in Bearwood and ended up in Cooper's Lane in Smethwick until the roof fell in in 1998.

"The members clubbed together to buy this place in 2000.

For details see www.smethwickphotographic.co.uk or call 0121 552 0279.