Drummond Community High School S6 student and deputy headboy Greig Howitt, 17, has been highly commended in the youth category of the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition, writes David Sterratt.
He 'fell in love' with photography three years ago when he was given an old digital SLR camera belonging to his mum before a trip to South Africa. He taught himself how to use the manual settings, and since then has 'never put the camera down'.
Remarkably, Howitt enjoys shooting on film more than digital. He finds the lengthy process involved in shooting on film more rewarding.
As can be seen from his website, he has created stunning photos of Edinburgh and beyond, often using techniques such as long exposures or multiple exposures.
Last week he was interviewed by STV Edinburgh's Fountainbridge Show. Spurtle caught up with him over the weekend.
When did you realise you had a talent for photography?
We were on holiday in South Africa, and there were lots of long car journeys, so there was plenty of time to flick through the manual settings and try things out.
How long have you been using film?
About two years. My dad told me about the Stills Gallery in Cockburn Street, where there's a youth camera club and darkroom facilities. He suggested I do a course in film photography. I dug out another of my mum's old SLRs and I got a medium-format camera last Christmas.
You do a lot of film photography – which seems remarkable given how easy and cheap digital photography is. What makes film worthwhile?
Its a niche. It’s a purist thing. It refines what you do. I use digital a lot, but for a few shots I choose film. Taking the photo is only one-third of the process. You can get tones, warmth and an ambience and feel that you can't get with digital. It can be frustrating. I had a camera that didn’t work for a year, but eventually I fixed it.
You’re obviously dedicated. For example, for the shot of the Moon from Calton Hill you had to be up at 3am.
I'd planned things, so I knew when the Moon was going to be there. And I was lucky with the weather. I'd expected to have to have to try six or seven times, but I got it the first go.
You seem to be fascinated by the Moon and stars. Are you an astronomer?
Not particularly. There are too many pictures of sunsets and sunrises. This led to me looking at more unusual things.
How did you find out about the Scottish Landscape competition?
From my Facebook page – the organisers posted on it. I was 16 at the time. I put in 15 photos and nine photos were shortlisted.
How do you feel about getting a place in the Youth category of the competition?
It’s great, actually. It's nice to get recognition from other photographers.
What do friends and people at school make of your hobby and your success?
My friends are pretty supportive. They've always been friends and we've all got our own interests. They enjoy looking at my photos and follow me on Facebook. Quite a few teachers also follow me and are involved. The school are really supportive. For example, last week they let me out early to take up an opportunity of going on the roof of St Giles to take photos.
That must have been windy!
It was a bit of a wobbly walkway ...
What are you planning to do after leaving Drummond?
Pretty much carry on with photography. I've taken some commercial commissions, such as Radisson Blue. I've applied to Edinburgh College of Art and Glasgow School of Art, so hopefully I'll have four years to learn.
What’s your personal favourite?
That's a brutal question! I've two: the shot of the Moon from Calton Hill, partly because it got me noticed on social media and by other photographers. Before, my most liked photo on Facebook had 60 likes, and this one got over 600. My Facebook page went up from about 400 likes to 1,000. It's the most unique shot I've taken. Other photographers went 'Wow!'
My second favourite is the shot of Ailsa Craig that was highly commended in the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. It was taken from my grandad's boat around Arran. It was so nice sitting in the sun on fly deck. Normally my shots are very planned, but this was very much a spur of the moment thing. The sea was like a mirror. I was looking at Ailsa Craig and a yacht appeared in the distance. I just had time to get the camera and bash in some settings. There was a decisive moment when the mast lined up with Ailsa Craig.
What’s your favourite view/photo of Edinburgh?
I'm fascinated by the castle at the moment. There are hundreds of different views of it from around the city, for example Inverleith Park, Corstorphine Hill and Leith.
Last week you were on STV Edinburgh's Fountainbridge Show. How was that?
It's a bit surreal, being on TV. I didn't think that my own photography would warrant such amazing publicity.