My interview with an invited artist is published quarterly in Inverclyde Arts Newsletter.

July 2007 - Natalie McCullagh

Natalie McCullagh was born in Greenock. After graduating with a BSc in Engineering from Paisley University she worked at BAE Systems for seven years. She then decided to change career and graduated in 2007 from Glasgow College of Building and Printing with an HND in Photography.

She is currently embarking on a journey as a freelance photographer working in many fields including portraiture, documentary and sports photography. She is also expanding her commercial work by promoting the beautiful coastline of her native Inverclyde in landscape prints and postcards.

Why did you choose photography as your new career?

I had always carried a camera with me wherever I went taking photographs of everyone and everything. This indicated to me that I had a creative side which I was keen to follow through.

Have you a preferred genre?

I enjoy taking natural portraits. My final submission at college was in documentary photography and I particularly enjoy the wide range of challenges that gives me.

How would you describe your photographic style?

I would say I have a natural style where I just capture the moment rather than setting up a shot. I like to keep things simple, not over complicated.

Are there any photographers who influence your work?

I admire Lewis Hine who was a documentary photographer working in the early part of the 20th century.

What do you consider as your greatest shot?

I captured a silhouette of Edinburgh on the morning of my friends wedding. She subsequently had it printed on canvas and has a unique image of “Sunrise on her Wedding Day”

What are your current projects?

I have just completed my first and last wedding assignment – this field of photography is not for me! I am continuing to work with Port Glasgow Boxing Club and some of these images will be used on their website amongst other things.

What past project did you most enjoy and why?

I have particularly enjoyed my ongoing project with the Port Glasgow Boxing Club. I think it is the grittiness of this project that attracts and inspires me. I get to build up a good rapport with the trainers and boxers which helps them to understand what photography is really about - that it is not just posed images but something more. I don’t just take the action shots but capture all the different stages leading up to the fight including the training, the judges, referees and all the other aspects of boxing.

What are your ambitions and where do you see yourself going with your work in the future?

My original ambition was to become a police photographer but I quickly realised that that was not going to be. My tutors demonstrated my flair for documentary photography and so photojournalism is now my preferred path. I would love to travel abroad to the trouble-spots in the world which represent the greatest photographic opportunities to those working in this field. Unfortunately my sense of self-preservation might prevent me from doing this! My other ambition is to become a recognised photographer locally for capturing striking images.

What advice would you give a photographer trying to get started?

I would say try all the different kinds of photography by taking lots of images. With the advent of digital photography there is so much more you can do. Just get out there and market yourself.

What are your other interests and hobbies?

I am very keen on volleyball although more for leisure than competition now. I enjoy travelling which naturally leads on to documenting my travels with my photographs.