Standing out among the minions of photographers out there can be a daunting, if not impossible task. Clarity of vision, a unique perspective, and technical skill are all necessary and for many, take years to develop. Here are three young men who are way ahead of the game. They already have one factor that helps them stand out: their age.

At 16, 17 and 18 years young, these three photographers are already well on their way to a successful career in photography, should they choose that route. They are smart, talented and ambitious. All three, although unique from each other, possess the talent and drive that will take them exactly where they wish to go.

Gavin Mullan’s dream of becoming a professional photographer is just within his grasp. In his second year studying photography at the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education in Northern Ireland, this gifted 18-year-old photographer is building quite an impressive portfolio on his photoblog, Headphoneland.

Growing up surrounded by Art in his parents’ art gallery, Gavin was naturally drawn to all things creative. After taking a few art classes, Gavin felt the pull towards photography. He experimented with his mother’s camera and was instantly hooked. His photoblog became a simple progression of his love for photography. A friend introduced him to the world of photoblogging and Gavin seized the opportunity to display his work, to communicate with other photographers, and to grow as an artist.

Not your typical Irish photoblog, there are no images of rolling green hills or rugged coastlines to be found here. Headphoneland is filled with sharp, often dark and stark images. Gavin’s photographs reflect a world marked with exploration. His images are emotive, although unintentionally so. They are gritty, yet compelling; often moody and perhaps even at times, oppressive. He has the unique ability to evoke reaction through his imagery and spark an emotion deep from within the viewer’s soul.

“I think that’s great the way one image can mean something completely different to each person. I never really thought that any of my photographs could make someone feel a certain way about them…Maybe the subject choices I make come from somewhere I haven't found yet, and that really excites me.”

Humbly aware of his youth, Gavin knows there is still plenty for him to learn, and he embraces that unknown with enthusiasm and passion. Perhaps a career in photojournalism is in Gavin’s future; only time will tell. The future is at his doorstep and he’s ready to step through.

About five years ago in a small middle school art class in Ann Arbor Michigan, a teacher brought his students into a small room with one light hanging from the ceiling and a swivel door. For three weeks, they were taught the fine art of pin-hole photography.

Inside Gabriel Loeb, an 8th grader at the time, a photographer was born.

“The idea that you could take a cookie tin, stab a hole in it, and put a piece of paper in; and then come back in 30 seconds, toss it in some chemicals, and have a picture was amazing to me”.