Ayr Graduation 2019: Student of the Year for Art, Fashion and Media

I’ll never forget the look of pride on my 79-year-old father’s face when I told him I had won 

Robert Campbell, HNC Photography

Photography has always been my passion. My wife surprised me on my birthday three years ago with my first DSLR camera. I started watching tutorials on YouTube, learning the basics, and I quickly realised that this was the path I was meant to be on.

So, I took an evening class in Studio Portraiture and Lighting, which led to me applying for the HNC Photography course. I felt it was important for me to do this course as I wanted to hone my skills and gain a formal, recognised qualification in this field.

I was apprehensive about becoming a mature student. I’d just turned 50 when I started the course. I left school at 16 and had never been in a college environment before.

But I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of college life. It’s been an amazing year – I have had two photographs printed and displayed at the Ayr Campus, I’ve already been published nearly 50 times in various worldwide fashion magazines, and now I’m humbled to have won this award. I’ll never forget the look of pride on my 79-year-old father’s face when I told him I had won.

I’m amazed to be honest. I’m my own worst critic and always feel my best isn’t good enough. To be recognised for everything I have achieved this year is so rewarding.

The course was very varied, teaching us: portraiture, documentary, social, environment, post process, and landscape. There was theoretical work alongside studio work and location shoots. All of this gave me a complete insight into the world of photography. 

I’m now at the Kilwinning Campus doing my HND in Photography.

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