Experiments with a Holga © Shane Simmons
Experiments with a Holga © Shane Simmons
Since owning my first camera in 2021, I've thrown myself right into learning and experiencing photography. I grew up along the outskirts of Stirling, so the stunning views surrounding the city and the beauty of Scotland on my doorstep have naturally made me develop a keen interest of Scottish landscapes. I enjoy exploring a mass of photographic genres, however I've always been particularly moved by the environment, the people around me, and the stories they have to share. I love capturing what I feel in a moment, and sharing these isolated incidents with others.
Over the last couple of years, in between completing college tasks I have been trying to visit as many urban and rural spots of Scotland whenever possible. My cameras have taken me to interesting and vivid places such as The Black Isle in the Highlands to do some dolphin watching, Dundee to capture some shots of Bastille whilst being a member of the audience myself, and Glencoe on a moody day, amongst other places in between. Enrolling in college has driven me towards Glasgow numerous times a week, which has cemented my love for the friendly, warm hearted people of the city, who represent the true beauty and kindness that Scotland has to offer.
I am currently focused on working towards my Higher National Diploma in Photography, something which I am incredibly driven to achieve. I previously started the HNC at City of Glasgow College in August 2022, however I decided to take a step back and change colleges as I found myself to be lost and unhappy there. I restarted the course at Glasgow Kelvin College in August 2023, and I truly believe that my work has benefitted massively from this change in environment. As one of my lecturers put it, I am "Thriving" at Kelvin. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that the last year of studying has given me, including my work being published numerous times, and two fabulous trips out of the country, to London and Berlin.
In the future, I would love to explore more live music photography as it has always been something that I'm rather drawn to, particularly as someone that enjoys a good gig. I would also love to travel more of the world.
Education
HND Photography (Year 1), Glasgow Kelvin College | August 2023 - Present
Taught by Simon Murphy, Mark Scott, and David Stanton
Credited SCQF Units (Level 7), as of March 2024:
Photography: Theory, Digital Imaging, Environment, Studio Still Life, Darkroom Techniques,
Portraiture, Stock, and Image Editing.
NQ Photography, City of Glasgow College | August 2021 - June 2022
Taught by Laura Liebnitz, Heather Richmond, and Dawn Martin
Credited SCQF units (Level 6), as of July 2022:
Art and Design: Video Project.
Studio Photography: An Introduction.
Digital Photography: Basic File optimisation, Image Manipulation and Print, Workflow and Creative
Manipulation, Basic Camera Techniques, Basic Product Imaging, Camera Techniques, Creative
Image Making Techniques, Magnified Image Skills, Portfolio Production, Portraiture Skills, and
Reportage.
Still Life at GKC with Shane Simmons + Simon Murphy | September 2023 | © Ruslan Popov
Higher Qualifications - Dunblane High School (2019)
Higher Art and Design
Higher Geography
National 5 Qualifications - Dunblane High School (2017-2018)
National 5 Environmental Science
National 5 English
National 5 Art and Design
Awards and Achievements
Full DVSA UK Driving Licence
Car Driving Theory Test passed - 13/11/2019 in Stirling
Practical Car Driving Test (Category B) passed - 04/08/2021 in Stirling (first attempt)
Personal Achievement Colours Award (2017/18)
Awarded to S5 students that are recognised for going 'the extra mile' in their academic studies.
Champions Award (2015)
Awarded to students that compete in sports competitions and place 1st, representing Dunblane High
School and Scotland/Great Britain on a national level.
Trophy d'Ecosse 2015: The Scottish Champions Award (Preliminary)
Awarded to the highest ranking Scottish synchronised skating team competing in the Preliminary
category. Scottish Champions are nationally recognised at #1 ranking of their team's category in
Scotland during the year of receiving this award.
Trophy d'Ecosse 2015: International Bronze Medalists (Preliminary)
Awarded to the synchronised skating team placing third in the overall international Preliminary
category. Bronze Medalists are internationally recognised at #3 international ranking in the Trophy
d'Ecosse competition of their team's category.
Starlight Cyclone at Trophy d'Ecosse 2015
On the Podium at Trophy d'Ecosse 2015
