Welcome back to Stranraer Academy’s Photographers of the Week, returning once again for 2025. The competition has already had an incredible start, with a flood of submissions that truly showcase the depth of talent within our school community. The standard this week was exceptionally high, and it was impossible to feature every single entry. Rest assured, those not included will have their time to shine in future weeks.

The competition will run every week until the Christmas holidays, culminating in a Grand Final, where the best images from the term will be judged by the Student Leadership Team and Creative Arts teachers. Keep entering your photographs—you could be crowned Photographer of the Week 2025!

Now, let’s take a closer look at this week’s outstanding selection:

Rescue on the Waves – Keara Bark

Returning photographer Keara Bark delivers another powerful image, capturing the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the midst of a daring sea rescue. By centring the vessel within the frame and employing a shallow depth of field, Bark eliminates distraction and draws focus to the action. The balance of positive and negative space is carefully handled, creating a dynamic yet controlled composition that communicates both urgency and bravery.

Trooper in the Wild – Aiden Kyle

Aiden Kyle presents a striking piece of scale figure photography, featuring the iconic Stormtrooper set against a woodland backdrop. The subject is carefully placed on the rule of thirds, ensuring strong compositional balance. A shallow depth of field isolates the figure from the darker-toned environment, while the tonal contrast between the bright armour and muted forest colours enhances the clarity of the focal point.

Curious Gander – Katie Kyle

Katie Kyle captures a sharp and characterful portrait of a goose, showcasing its inquisitive expression. The composition makes excellent use of negative space, ensuring the subject commands the viewer’s full attention. Subtle tonal contrast and a shallow depth of field separate the bird from the background, heightening the sense of immediacy and intimacy in the image.

Stones and Shadows – Paul Williamson

Paul Williamson turns his lens towards the rugged beauty of the coastline, producing a wide landscape composition that highlights the textures of rocks, sand, and horizon. The interplay between light and shadow enriches the surface details, while the fading light introduces narrative qualities of solitude and reflection. The image demonstrates a sophisticated awareness of natural form and tonal depth.

Trailblazer at Twilight – Atticus Orr Ewing

Atticus Orr Ewing captures a striking silhouette of a stunt bike set against a dramatic twilight sky. The bold outline of the vehicle contrasts powerfully with the warm orange and cool blue tones of the sunset, highlighting the machine’s form and presence. The placement of the bike within the frame provides balance against the vertical telegraph pole, adding structure to the composition while guiding the eye upwards into the expanse of sky. The use of negative space in the open horizon enhances the sense of freedom and adventure, while the natural light falling across the clouds injects energy and atmosphere into the scene.

Gothic Grandeur – Isla Westbrook

Isla Westbrook captures the vertical dominance of a church spire, drawing the viewer’s gaze skyward. The image highlights the precision of Gothic architectural lines—pointed arches, vertical thrust, and intricate detailing. The contrast between weathered stone and clear blue sky intensifies the impact, while narrative undertones of history, craftsmanship, and spirituality resonate strongly through the composition.

Floral Fire – Olivia Johnstone

In Floral Fire, Olivia Johnstone presents a bold macro study of a flower, bursting with fiery reds, yellows, and deep shadows. The use of intense complementary colours creates striking vibrancy, while the controlled focus emphasises the intricate textures of the petals. The image commands attention, balancing natural delicacy with dramatic visual energy.

Festival Vibes – Roxy Whorlow

Roxy Whorlow captures the electricity of a live concert. The dynamic composition highlights both the illuminated stage and the movement of the crowd, with confetti and colourful lighting effects amplifying the sense of spectacle. The high-energy aesthetic invites the viewer into the atmosphere of performance, celebration, and shared experience.

Ray of Hope – Owen McCalmont

Owen McCalmont presents a moving landscape, where a single ray of light cuts through storm clouds to illuminate the water below. The dramatic interplay of dark and light builds strong tonal contrast, while the beam itself becomes a narrative symbol of optimism amidst adversity. The composition uses the horizon line and layering of land and sky to create both depth and emotional weight.

Palm Paradise – Phoebe Manson

Phoebe Manson crafts a tranquil sunset scene, with silhouetted palm trees layered against glowing orange and yellow skies. The reflections on still water enhance the serenity, while the warm tonal palette evokes feelings of calm and escapism. The careful placement of forms provides depth and balance, transporting the viewer to a tropical sanctuary.

A Loyal Watcher – Katie Kirkbride

Katie Kirkbride closes this week’s selection with a poignant animal portrait. A border collie, positioned against a backdrop of windswept grass and distant turbines, gazes attentively towards the horizon. The dramatic sky and muted palette create a contemplative atmosphere, while the dog’s expressive stance conveys loyalty and companionship. This strong use of natural setting and emotional subject matter makes the image both powerful and heartfelt.

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!