Meet Carrie: The Storyteller Behind the Camera

In 2012, the band I was in did a photoshoot to get a picture for an upcoming single we were releasing. It mainly consisted of my three bandmates and I making fun of each other and most likely being a nightmare to work with, but somehow we got there! At the end of the shoot, the photographer asked me if I’d ever modelled, and me, being a certified tomboy at the time, laughed the seemingly absurd question off. Still, that photographer offered me a free shoot and I’ve never been one to say no to trying new things. It didn’t surprise me that the pictures were great (the photographer was super talented), but what surprised me was how the whole thing made me feel. It was like acting, almost. Like I was playing the part of a supermodel and it was all just a game, and whilst I’m no supermodel, it did make me feel good about myself. That was the first spark of inspiration; the idea I might be able to take a photo that makes someone feel good about themself.

(Above) My first photoshoot as a model (2012) to my most recent (2023)!

The second came in 2017 when I was working a job in management alongside going to drama school, desperate to excel in class but also needing to pay my own way through the extortionate fees of a private education in the arts. Being told that we needed professional headshots was no surprise, but the cost versus the quantity of images was. But costs are costs and I get that. But again, I wondered. Instead of an expensive package giving you two or three images, could I find a way to ensure my most expensive package gave people a real portfolio to walk away with? For the same price as others were charging for those two or three, could I do ten? Well, sure I could when I was working a full-time job alongside my photography, but learning how to sustain those packages when it’s your sole income was another story. Still, a balance of expanding into new sectors and creating custom packages for those who could afford less worked for me. Now I have a constantly fluctuating bank account and a business that I’m proud to say puts people first.

So my name’s Carrie, which you probably know if you’re on this website. I’m a Scottish freelance photographer who loves football, music, writing and the occasional video game, and I really only have two things I want you to get out of a shoot with me.

1) I want you to get images you love (obviously)

2) I want you to laugh.

I want you to have the best time. I want us to chat and get to know each other in a laid-back environment, and I want to help you achieve whatever goal it is you’re hoping these photos can help you with. I want you to tell me if you’re hungry, thirsty, too cold or too warm (I mean, let’s face it, in Scotland it’s likely to be too cold). I want you to tell me if your anxiety might affect the day and you need some extra support or to shoot in a less public place. I want you to tell me that you have no one to look after your dog so you need to bring him along (I really, really want this!) I want to create a fun-filled, safe space where we can create some stunning shots together, and I want you to finish the day with a smile on your face thinking 'damn, that was good fun’.