IN THE PICTURE…
A Ribble Valley photography student at Leeds Beckett University has recently been awarded a prize for her outstanding work
Student Megan Ireland may only be just embarking on her final year at university, but she has already achieved recognition in the world of photography.
Megan, from Chatburn, is a photography and journalism student at Leeds Beckett University and joined her degree course with a view to fulfilling her ambition to become a professional photographer.
At the end of her second year she was delighted to be told that she had been awarded the Lecturer’s Prize for Outstanding Achievement: “I was stunned but delighted!” says 20-year-old Megan, who has already taken on a number of professional commissions, including weddings as well as volunteering to cover the Grassington Festival, where she photographed 80s icons the Stranglers, Mark Almond and Toyah Wilcox.
“I really enjoyed that, it’s the first time I have done anything like it and I managed to get some great shots,” adds Megan, a former pupil of Bowland High School and ex-Craven College student.
Megan, who has also volunteered at a number of charity events at the Grand in Clitheroe, was given her first camera when she was just 14: “It was a Nikon and that’s what really got me thinking that I wanted to become a professional photographer.
“I now take my camera with me everywhere! I enjoy the technical side to digital cameras and while I love taking pictures in the studio, I also take my camera on walks in and around the Ribble Valley.”
“I also like the editing side to photography too,” adds Megan, who uses Lightroom and Photoshop.
“I also think it would be great to learn how to develop images the old way in a dark room – that would be really cool!”
After being told she had won the award, a proud Megan said: “One of my college teachers, Julie Baugh, said to tell my family that I was a real credit to them and a pleasure to work with – and that I was a hard worker and will do well! I was thrilled!”
