Welcome back to the Photographers of the Week for the October Break, where we showcase another impressive collection from the talented students at Stranraer Academy. This week’s selection demonstrates remarkable creativity, composition, and mastery of contrast. As we approach the Halloween season, we invite you to submit your spooky and eerie shots for our much-anticipated Halloween Special. Now, let’s dive into this week’s standout images.

“A Sky on Fire” by Amie Johnstone
Amie captures the aurora borealis with an exquisite balance of warm and cool tones in the radiant night sky. The contrast between the vibrant sky and the silhouette of dark trees creates dynamic, organic shapes, while the slightly slanted horizon line introduces a sense of instability and excitement, drawing the viewer into the image.

“Urban Calm at Dusk” by Steven Gillon
Steven uses a low-angle perspective to create a compelling composition in this urban scene. The leading lines guide the viewer’s eye through the winding road towards the beautifully captured sunset. This use of perspective not only makes the composition more dynamic but encourages the viewer to work their way through the image, evoking a sense of journey and discovery.

“Facing the Future” by Marcus Williams
In his signature high-contrast, black-and-white style, Marcus captures two young students’ micro-expressions. The subjects are beautifully backlit, creating a soft glow around their figures, while the minimalist use of negative space amplifies the emotional intensity. A subtle lens flare in the corner adds balance to the composition, contrasting the stark positive space.

“Delicate Beauty” by Faith Johnstone
Faith’s use of contrasting colours and a wide aperture brings out the intricate textures in this flower. The shallow depth of field isolates the subject from the background, drawing the viewer’s attention to the exquisite detail in the petals, while the blurred background creates a dreamy, almost ethereal atmosphere.

“Gravity Defied” by Keara Bark
Keara captures the peak of a cyclist’s stunt, mid-air, in a perfectly timed shot. The rider, positioned within the top portion of the rule of thirds, appears to defy gravity, creating an engaging visual dynamic. The balanced composition, combined with the energy of the motion freeze, makes this image both powerful and captivating.

“Blushing Beauty” by Katie Kyle
Katie uses a minimalist background and shallow depth of field to highlight the delicate detail of a flower. By positioning the bloom off-center, she adheres to the rule of thirds, which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the composition. The soft focus and subtle lighting add to the overall serenity of the image.

“Fields of Gold” by Jack Howie
Jack’s image bathes the viewer in warm, golden tones as he captures the serene beauty of a field. The unfocused farm equipment in the background introduces an element of mystery, encouraging the viewer to imagine the story behind the scene. This clever use of depth adds intrigue to an already captivating composition.

“Sunbeams on the Rocky Shore” by Alex Brown
Returning photographer Alex uses a low-angle shot to provide the viewer with a unique perspective of textured stones along the shoreline. The interplay of light and dark across the rocks, combined with the sunbeams peeking through, creates a strong focal point. The inclusion of a delicate lens flare adds just the right amount of contrast to bring the scene to life.

“Tranquil Waters and Distant Peaks” by Olivia Johnstone
Olivia captures the essence of serenity in this landscape shot. Using a high f-stop for deep focus, she ensures that every detail—from the textured waves to the distant mountain peaks—remains sharp. The balanced composition and soft lighting create a calming effect, inviting the viewer to relax and enjoy the scene.

“Ethereal Evening” by Lacie Craig
Lacie’s image presents a sky filled with delicate cloud textures and subtle symmetry, framed by visible plane trails. The soft hues of the sunset add depth to the composition, while the sun itself serves as a strong focal point, making this image both tranquil and visually arresting.

“Aurora Dreams” by Aiden Halley
Aiden once again captures the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis, this time with calming blues and purples. His use of a low-angle perspective magnifies the grandeur of the sky, while the peaceful farmhouse in the foreground offers the viewer a sense of security and escapism, grounding the otherworldly scene.

Don’t forget to cast your vote for this week’s winner!

Photographer of the Week is open to all students, so please send your images to Ross James at gw19jamesross@glow.sch.uk. Alternatively, visit our wider achievement page to upload your successes. If you have a photograph you’re proud of, we want to see it!