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.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
1 - A.L. Harper
Damn! You can take amazing pictures, write well and you're sweet and gorgeous to boot! I'd ask you to marry me but I'm straight. Damn my love of [edit] men!
2 - Mrinal Kapoor
Well, congratulations Azhar! You deserve all the praise. BUT--- Do you really enjoy being described as crony and subordinate? For that is what the word 'minion' means.
Regards
3 - Phillip Winn
Wow, these are really good. Gavin's and Azhar's photos really stood, and I like Gabriel's as well. Excellent finds!
4 - Vyder
Congratz Azhar...good job...fame is finally coming to u i see...
5 - Azhar
Thank you Chantal, and thanks Mrinal, Philip & Vyder. Wish Blogger supported Trackbacks so I could ping this though :D
As usual, Gavin does not dissapoint :D and its nice to discover Gabriel, somehow I can relate to him...
6 - diana hartman
another fabulous field of finds, chantal...thank you for looking around so i don't have to :)
7 - chantal
Thanks for the comments everyone....
Phillip, Andrea, and Diana--be sure to check out their websites...they will not disappoint. The images included here are only the tip of the iceberg!
Mrinal---thanks for reading. The word "minion" doesn't necessarily have to have a negative connotation. I think most serious photographers would agree, anyway, that we are all slaves to our craft.
Vyder---again, thanks for reading.
Azhar--keep up the awesome work :)
8 - Mrinal
I am impressed Chantal! Never thought you would take the trouble to reply to poor old twisted me.
In any case, to my mind minions does have a negative meaning-I must have played too much Dungeon Keeper :P
An otherwise very well written article.
It is just a hobby of mine to find faults in use of language-Azhar can vouch for that!
No hard feelings.
-Mrinal
9 - Gavin
Thanks Chantal.
10 - -E
Congrats! This article has been selected as one of this week’s Editors’ Picks.
11 - DAVE
Sometimes so depressing to see others works... sigh.
Great article
12 - chantal
I know...they are all sooooo talented, and so damn young!
Thanks Dave :)
13 - Jet in Columbus
Wednesday November 15th is Chantal's birthday!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!