Inspiration from the past

The Stirling Photography Festival is an inclusive celebration of community. Our mission is to develop skills, create opportunities, and build community through events, workshops, and exhibitions. Partnering with some of photography’s newest and finest talent from across the World, our aim is to connect our community through photography. Since we were established in 2018, we are delighted to have had the support of local businesses and Stirling’s creative and cultural organisations. Partnerships with Scotland's leading centres for photography, including Street Level Photoworks and Stills, strengthen our professional network and assist us in bringing leading artists to Stirling.

Stirling Photography Festival

Inspiration from the past - our photographic heritage through imagery and tools of the trade.

The Engine Shed

Following the theme of reflection for this year’s festival two speakers from Scotland’s national heritage body will share their knowledge of our photographic heritage. Head of Archives Lesley Ferguson will explore the extensive and significant photographic archive held by Historic Environment Scotland and Director of Cultural Assets Dr David Mitchell will talk about the ‘tools of the trade’ - his favourite cameras and the stories behind them.Both see ‘traditional’ photography as having continued relevance and hope to inspire others to value our photographic heritage in all forms - for learning the craft and for creative inspiration. The event will comprise of two talks and a question and answer session. Attendees will have the opportunity to see for themselves some inspiring work from the past and learn more about the rich technological heritage that is the camera.

About our speakersLesley Ferguson graduated in archaeology from Edinburgh University and has been working in the archives sector for almost 40 years. She is currently Head of Archives in Historic Environment Scotland where she is responsible for a national collection of over 5 million items (both physical and digital) illustrating Scotland’s archaeology, buildings, maritime and industrial heritage. She has a particular interest in the historic photography collections which date back to the 1850s. Publications on historic photography include Wanderings with a Camera: the photography of Erskine Beveridge and Victorian Scotland. She is currently a Trustee on the Scottish Council on Archives and have sat on the Advisory Council for National Records and Archives (2014-21) and been Vice-President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (2008-11).

Dr David Mitchell cares for some of Scotland’s most important historic places, collections and archives and as a Director of Historic Environment Scotland leads on research, education, skills and technological innovation. He has been a photographer for 30 years - born analogue - moved to digital and now happy with both. He is interested in analogue cameras and keeping traditional photography alive. He recycles old cameras for a new generation and recently made film available again in Stirling for the first time in 20 yrs ! He owns more cameras than he would care to admit.

We are delighted to be partnering with <a href="https://www.historicenvironment.scot" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Historic Environment Scotland</a> again this year with an event in the fabulous <a href="https://www.engineshed.scot" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Engine Shed</a>, their dedicated conservation centre here in Stirling. Huge thanks to David and to Lesley for their contribution and support for the <a href="https://www.stirlingphotographyfestival.co.uk/2023" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Stirling Photography Festival.</a>

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

Inspiration from the past

More events from Stirling Photography Festival

Discover more events from Stirling Photography Festival, from Community to other experiences you might love.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Stirling and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

Inspiration from the past

More events from Stirling Photography Festival

Discover more events from Stirling Photography Festival, from Community to other experiences you might love.

More Community events

Browse more Community events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Stirling and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.