A new photography award which challenges students to capture portraits of people in the city centre and recognises the contribution of a local entrepreneur is being launched at Gray’s School of Art.
The Charles Skene Portrait Photography Award will open to entries in January next year for students on the BA Photography course. It aims to highlight the city, its people, and communities as never seen before.
Professor Charles Skene is well known in Aberdeen for his business acumen and important contribution to the city as the founder of Skene House and Skene Business Centres. However, he started his career as a photographer working for Studio Morgan, where he specialised in portraiture and weddings. While his business portfolio grew, he has never lost his passion for photography.
Professor Skene said: "I am delighted to help launch the Portrait Photography Award for students at Gray’s School of Art. I started my career as a photographer working with my parents in their family business called Studio Morgan and loved taking portraits of people. I therefore hope this award inspires a new generation to have the same experience.”
Professor Skene has received a CBE and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from Robert Gordon University, where he was a Governor and visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship.
Professor Charles Skene. Credit: Charlie Allan
Daniel Sutherland, Associate Dean for ESCD at Gray’s School of Art, said: “We are delighted to have received support from Professor Charles Skene to be able to offer this new award to our students.
“Our BA Photography course provides a rich context of engagement with the city and the people of Aberdeen. This is another fantastic opportunity for our students to capture and record our community within the work that they create. ‘’
Students will be challenged to produce portraits that capture the people of Aberdeen within the city centre. Complementing the regeneration of Union Street, the competition aims to highlight the centre of Aberdeen and portray the people of Aberdeen.
The competition will be delivered as a two-week project as part of the curriculum on the BA Photography course. Students are being asked to submit a minimum of five portrait photographs and so be required to:
- Research street and portraiture photography sharing which photographers inspire them
- Identify key events and opportunities to capture portrait imagery in the city centre
- Engage with the public and local groups
- Consider ethical approaches and representation
- Plan and execute a photoshoot on location
- Produce professional standard imagery for exhibition and publication