The Monday Showcase: Gary McGillivray-Birnie
Photographer: Gary McGillivray-Birnie
Location: Norway
Gary McGillivray-Birnie is an award-winning Beauty & Fashion photographer from Norway. As a former Engineer, overcoming the technical challenges has been reasonably straightforward. Over the past years, my photographic journey has changed my perspective and allowed my talents to break through and strengthen my highly infused vision to capture genuine emotion that creates powerful sensual images. Mastering the skill of getting the subject comfortable quickly is a massive part of my work. Inspired by black and white photography (the colour of emotion), I visualise light differently. In contrast, others have described my images as intriguing, mysterious, edgy, but commercially authentic for the beauty and fashion industries. I've worked with leading figures in the vibrant creative community. I am always excited when projects allow me to meet new people and travel to new places.
Breed: Who or what was the inspiration for your interest in pursuing photography? Was it a particular photographer or a stand out memory that piqued your interest in photography and drove you to pick up a camera? When was that?
Gary McGillivray-Birnie: In 2017, I rejuvenated my passion for photography when I purchased a tutorial (video) influenced by Peter Coulson and his black and white photography. Peter has a distinctive way of visualizing emotion with his subjects, in direct sunlight and bare strobe flash. I knew then I needed to understand lighting and essential communication with my subjects. From that moment, I attended two of Peter's workshops. Since then, I've learned so much. Photography is a continuous learning journey.
Breed: When did you decide, "okay, this is it, I'm going to make this a career and do this full time!" Who were some of your early mentors or some of your inspirations when you got started?
Gary: In 2022, in the first half of this year, with the guidance of Rames Xelzhuanzti, a celebrity photographer who has worked with Coco Rocha and Petra Nemcova. Together we have worked on my portfolio and creative valve. Set out a vision of success, where I outlined five successful photographers whose career path is where I like to be myself. This exercise led me to Peter Lindbergh, Greg Williams, Melissa Rodwell, Mario Testino, and Rames.
Unfortunately, I could not attend the zoom meeting where the Breed team had discussed hobby photographers. I am a hobby photographer who is now seeking to begin a new chapter and commercialize my photography. As I mentioned earlier, I have been very fortunate to have support from Rames Xelzhuanzti, who provides feedback and valuable guidance on the various workstreams I would like to work on at this moment.
Also, on this journey, I've had the pleasure to meet a fantastic creative individual who has been my soundboard, model and "jokingly" manager and assistant. Thank you so much, Sophie Øksnevad, for standing alongside me.
In the following weeks, I will be working in partnership with Rames as we put together a high-end production shoot in Cancun, Mexico.
Breed: What steps did you take to start your photography business? What was one of the most valuable lessons you learned early on in your career?
Gary: The short answer to a long story. Set out a vision of success, create your identity, and plan your goals. Most importantly, build your network. It's a continuous evolution. Although I've yet to turn this into a business, I believe my opportunity is just around the corner.
“What steps did you take to start your photography business?”The short answer to a long story. Set out a vision of success, create your identity, and plan your goals. Most importantly, build your network. It’s a continuous evolution.”
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Breed: How do you communicate with the team you're working with? How do you achieve your goals? How important to you is pre-production?
Gary: Communication is essential to me. This process allows all parties to have an open and authentic creative dialogue to discuss style, mood board and location. I always plan and travel ahead to provide everything ready for the shoot. On the day of the shoot, it's also vital that we go over the what, where, when, who, and how one more time. In most cases, it's the first opportunity when everyone is together. It's good practice to go over final clarifications and preparations so that everyone has a say and a fun-filled session.
Breed: What skills do you think you've learned from the past that you continue to rely on today?
Gary: Some photographers avoid how to use natural light, especially direct sun sunlight. Peter Coulson taught me to find light in ugly locations. If the lighting is correct, you'll get your best shots in these locations. Remember, the location and background don't matter as long as the light looks fantastic, which will make your subject look amazing.
One other point, as creative individuals, we often seek the opinions of others. We all like different things. You can be wild and imaginative as an artist if you are happy with the result. Who cares!
Breed: What are three things in your camera bag that you can't live without? Any particular lens you love?
Gary: Sony A7riv camera and occasionally my Hasselblad H6D-50c Medium format camera.
Sony GM Lens 135mm f/1.8
Sony GM Lens 70-200mm f/2.8
Breed: What have you learned from your early days that you can share with other Breed members who are reading this? Do you have any advice for them?
Gary: Stay the course, do what you feel is right, and believe in yourself when the time comes.
Breed: Where do you see yourself in 3 years with fashion photography?
Gary: On a beach, drinking a beer. Nah, seriously, this is a challenging environment, having spent the past six months establishing my name in Norway and networking. I hope to open doors to these opportunities as I work with great people. Continuously working to achieve my goals with each baby step and constantly learning and improving my photography will help me break into the workstreams of interest.
At the moment, where I find myself struggling is getting my work in front of the right people to hire me. I plan to work on this target goal in the following months.
Breed: Tell us what a dream job looks like for you!
Gary: Rather than describing my dream job, I would instead focus my attention on what a successful outcome would be. I'm passionate about photography. Often I say, "Photography is my Passion I can't Kill". I refer to my inspirational, successful photographers to answer this question. If I achieve what they do, I'm successful in achieving my dream job, doing what I love.
Breed: Do you have a favorite quote or a message of inspiration to leave us with?
Gary: "Photography is a Passion I can't Kill"
"No problem"
"You never know, until you, know, you know", so keep on trying!
TO SEE MORE OF GARY MCGILLIVRAY’S WORK:
WEBSITE: https://www.mcgillivraybirniephotography.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillivraybirniephotography/