A new photography award, the Charles Skene Portrait Photography Award, has been launched at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen. This award, named after the renowned local entrepreneur and photographer Professor Charles Skene, aims to inspire students on the BA Photography course to capture the essence of Aberdeen’s city center and its people. The competition will open for entries in January next year and will challenge students to produce professional-standard portrait photographs that highlight the city’s vibrant community.
Celebrating Local Talent
The Charles Skene Portrait Photography Award is a significant addition to the BA Photography course at Gray’s School of Art. Professor Charles Skene, who began his career in photography, has always been passionate about capturing the human spirit through his lens. This award not only honors his contributions to the field but also provides a platform for students to showcase their skills. The competition will be integrated into the curriculum as a two-week project, encouraging students to engage deeply with the city and its residents.
Students participating in the competition will be required to submit a minimum of five portrait photographs. They will need to research street and portraiture photography, identify key events and opportunities in the city center, and engage with the public and local groups. This hands-on experience is designed to help students develop their technical skills and artistic vision, ultimately producing images suitable for exhibition and publication.
The award also aims to complement the ongoing regeneration of Union Street, one of Aberdeen’s main thoroughfares. By focusing on the people who live and work in the city center, the competition seeks to create a visual record of Aberdeen’s diverse community. This initiative not only benefits the students but also contributes to the cultural and social fabric of the city.
Inspiring Future Photographers
Professor Charles Skene’s journey from a photographer to a successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiration for many. His early work at Studio Morgan, where he specialized in portraiture and weddings, laid the foundation for his later achievements. Despite his business success, he has never lost his love for photography, and this award is a testament to his enduring passion.
The support from Professor Skene has been instrumental in establishing this award. Daniel Sutherland, Associate Dean for ESCD at Gray’s School of Art, expressed his gratitude for Skene’s involvement. He highlighted the importance of such opportunities for students, noting that the BA Photography course already provides a rich context for engagement with the city and its people. This award adds another layer of depth to the students’ educational experience.
The competition will challenge students to think critically about ethical approaches and representation in their work. They will need to plan and execute photoshoots on location, considering various factors such as lighting, composition, and interaction with subjects. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only develop technical proficiency but also a thoughtful and respectful approach to portrait photography.
A Platform for Artistic Expression
The Charles Skene Portrait Photography Award is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of artistic expression and community engagement. By encouraging students to capture the essence of Aberdeen’s city center, the award fosters a deeper connection between the students and their surroundings. This initiative also highlights the role of photography in documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of a city.
Students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work, providing them with valuable exposure and recognition. The professional standard imagery produced for this competition will be showcased in exhibitions, allowing the public to appreciate the talent and creativity of the students. This exposure can be a significant boost for students’ academic and professional careers, opening doors to future opportunities.
The award also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community involvement. By engaging with local groups and the public, students can gain a broader perspective and create more meaningful and impactful work. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of the photographs but also strengthens the bond between the students and the community.
