By Sara McQueen
In the gorgeous setting of the Gentlemen of the Road Aviemore Stopover, I caught up with photography grad Sarah Young to talk business, bins and not letting epilepsy get in the way of her dream career.
What do you like about photographing festivals ?
You get a lot of contrasts. I’m a people-watcher; I look for the smiles, the frowns, the individuals who are sitting waiting. I’ll photograph the standard bits; the stage, the surrounding area, but my favourite part is to find the details and the places that don’t always get so much attention. You can tell a lot about a festival by what people have chucked in the bins!
When did you first start to realise that you wanted to pursue photography as a career?
When I was 18. I was quite unwell at the time so I had to stay at home (rural North-East Scotland) and choose a course at the local Moray College. I knew I was interested in art and design. I fairly quickly realised that I couldn’t draw to save my life, but the photography had remained a passion throughout. I was doing it every day without thinking twice, so it made sense to pursue that.
What did you study after that?
I went to Aberdeen, to North East Scotland College for two years for my HND in Photography. It was the only place I wanted to go, and I loved it, I learned a lot. Third year was at Gray’s School of Art and it was harder to get into, but it was really valuable for making contacts. They sent us on trips to studios in London and it showed me what I was capable of.
Is being based in the North East of Scotland a restriction?
I see it as a challenge. I’m trying to use what I have. In a sense, I’m so lucky – I have access to forests, beaches, mountains. I would like to build up a portfolio in these fantastic surroundings and then go to different agencies all over the country. Because of the internet, I can still live here and get work, which is great for me as my health restricts me from leaving home just yet. Maybe soon!
Do you have a role model?
Anton Courbijn is brilliant. He does band photography and that was what I initially wanted to do. Then, I found out I was epileptic and that seemed like an impossible thing to get around. Luckily recently things have been a lot better, so I’m not letting go of that dream yet!
How have your work experiences prepared you for embarking on photography as a career?
Multitasking! Pushing through when you have no energy. And learning how to work with people. I worked in retail for years but I have just started working as a nanny; that shows you how to multitask and plan everything! Working with different types of people over the years has really helped with my skills in portraiture, and knowing how to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Do you have any advice for people interested in pursuing a career in photography?
Go and do a course. In this day and age, people need to be accredited to get work. You learn more on the job than you do on the course but you need that foundation. And the Aberdeen one in particular is amazing!
What’s next?
I had a plan, which has taken an unexpected turn because my health is really good at the moment. More doors are opening! I just need to figure out which one to take. I’ve just photographed a few bands at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and a few years ago I never thought that would be possible for me. I don’t know what’s next, but I know it’s going to be good.