Photography student wins funding for Business start up

Bryan Shaw, HNC Photography student, is one of the first people to receive a grant from the Enterprising Student Fund to help start up his own business, 1815Media.

Tell us about your business

1815Media is a multi-level photography and videography business which will cover corporate, private, and individual work. The business is unique because we encourage and offer work experience for the community and college students within Ayrshire. I am passionate about creating the finished product. I love working to a brief, but adding my creative flair to make the videos or photos work.

What made you decide to become self-employed?

I’ve always loved photography as my main hobby. When I left school, I went to university to do web development, but it wasn’t for me. Instead I came to college and studied HNC Media Analysis and Production where I learned about filming and editing. Now I am doing the HNC Photography course to learn technical skills for lighting, camera and editing, good people skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

I just like the idea of having my own business as I enjoy being creative and telling a story through images. Every job is different and I like meeting people and helping them to get the images/film they want.

In a busy marketplace how do you get work?

Networking provides massive opportunities. I think if you do a good job, you will get repeat business and referrals, so the quality of your work and the service you provide is vital for new business. You can’t beat word of mouth and a lot of my work comes this way as I’m asked to photograph lots of local events. Online, my Facebook page and my website work well so it’s important to keep my portfolio up to date.

What opportunities have you had since coming to college?

The lecturers have been outstanding. They helped me believe in myself and built up my confidence. They have inspired and encouraged me to go further and realise my true potential. College is a friendly, supportive place to learn and my experience here has raised my aspirations to go further and higher.

How has the Enterprising Students Fund helped you?

My Bridge2Business mentor Lynn Kelly has worked on my confidence, she is always so upbeat and happy and it’s infectious! She has taught me how to manage my time, and given me advice on how to plan my work. The whole experience has prepared me for life after college.

I am delighted to receive the £5000 grant. The main pieces of equipment I will be buying with the funding are a new SLR camera, 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal and a Drone. With this extra equipment, I can secure more contracts. I have already had some great offers which came about from an opportunity I had through the Tom Hunter Foundation. Now I will be able to fulfil the client brief and I am excited to get started on this.

I would like to thank the Ayrshire College Foundation for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.

If you have been inspired by Bryan and would like more information on the Enterprising Students Fund, read more here.

Interested in HNC Photography? Find out more here.

Interested in Media and Filming? Find out more here.