Photography Lecturer wins prestigious award
We are very proud of our talented, photography lecturer, Gary McIntyre, who has won the Four Seasons Winter Category of Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year 2019.
The judging process is a “triple blind” judging system where none of the judges ever meet. Each image is viewed anonymously ensuring there is no group dynamic to influence the scoring of an image, so each image is given marks on visual appeal only.
Gary said, “I am really pleased that my image “Snow Tree,” was chosen as the winner. This is the first time I have actually won a competition after years of entering them as in the past. I have had images commended and honourable mentions in other prestigious and international competitions, but to eventually win lets me know I’m on the right tracks.
Competition work helps you improve
“Entering these competitions is something I would highly recommend to the students. It pushes you each time to constantly evolve, and produce a higher standard of work as you know that you are going to be up against other photographers you highly respect.
“In this competition there are thousands of entries from around the globe and you can nominate your images for certain categories as well as three images for the overall title. I was lucky enough to have two of my entries shortlisted.
More about the Snow Tree
“The photo was taken at Fenwick on the old Glasgow road. I had planned to do minimalistic shots due to the heavy snowfall and drove to Whitelees windfarm but once there, I was beaten back by the strong winds and further snowfall. On my way back the weather subsided and I spotted a lone tree on the back road to Glasgow. I jumped out of the car and photographed from the roadside with a 200mm lens. This was a right place, right time shot.”
Top tips for a great landscape photo
When asked what his top tip for taking a great landscape photo is, Gary advises, “Planning and patience, which is a contradiction in relation to this image, but good planning using weather apps, photography apps like Photopills and Google maps will in the most part ensure a decent result. And if you don’t get it that time well, go back and try again.”
We asked Gary what did he enjoy taking pictures of the most?
“To be honest it would be a toss-up between Landscapes and Portraiture. Landscapes because I love travel, visiting new places. Plus being out in all weather conditions is a rewarding experience. I’m actually heading to Everest base camp next year for the experience and to get a photograph of Everest from my own camera. Portraiture for the technical challenge of the lighting and bringing out a personality rather than just taking a photograph of a person. Both for me have their individual merits and challenges which keeps things exciting.”
If you are inspired by Gary’s success
Gary is currently interviewing applicants for a full time photography course at Ayrshire College. He is looking for students who are passionate about photography and who are driven to continuously improve their performance by learning from experience. Applications can be made online at www.ayrshire.ac.uk
There will also be leisure evening classes in September – applications will be open soon for portraiture and photoshop classes. These classes attract amateur photographers from various camera clubs in Ayrshire as well as beginners – anyone that has an interest in photography.