Writer Irvine Welsh photographed for the Herald by RPS member Julie Howden
Having studied English literature and politics at the University of Glasgow, Julie Howden understands the power of storytelling to highlight social issues.
Her desire to spotlight others’ experiences led her to pursue a career in photography.
Howden joined the Herald and Times Group as a photographer in 2007, working across its titles including the Herald, the Sunday Herald and the Evening Times. From photographing notable figures including Irvine Welsh, Judy Murray and Tracy Emin to shooting for features documenting sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the aftermath of Bosnia’s Srebrenica massacre, this role allowed Julie to hone her talent across photographic genres.
After taking redundancy in 2014, Howden became a freelance photographer. Ever since, she’s captured images for clients including the V&A Dundee, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, National Theatre of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland.
Here, Howden discusses her experiences photographing arts, portraiture, garden and reportage – and (below) chooses five favourite images.
Why did you become a member of the RPS?
I’d been looking for a while for a community of like-minded photographers to get involved with near Bridge of Allan where I’m based. Becoming part of the RPS this year was the perfect fit.
I’ve started teaching a beginners photography course at a local college. This experience has seen me revisit the history and theory behind photography and inspired me to visit more exhibitions for inspiration. It’s also encouraged me to slow down when taking photos, to reflect on the work of past masters and more consciously consider things like framing techniques.
What are your favourite photographic genres to work in?
Photography is a passport to so many situations and people that have allowed me to work in different genres. I love documentary photography most, especially when I can explore portraiture within it.
I studied English literature and politics at the University of Glasgow, which I think honed my ability to observe and portray narratives through my work. It’s a great feeling helping to draw attention to the positive work that individuals do for their communities.
However, as a photographer you have a responsibility to compose and tell people’s stories empathetically but without overly shaping them with your views or attitudes. It’s a delicate balance.
Whose work inspires you?
I really enjoy Steve McCoy’s work. From 1979 he’s been documenting everyday Merseyside life, and developments that have transformed places and communities throughout the country. McCoy’s work is all about exploring the deep connections people have with their surroundings. The people he photographs aren’t defined by their circumstances and he draws attention to those whose voices are often dismissed.
Laura Pannack is another inspiration. There’s a quiet gentleness in her portraiture and social documentary work that draws you in. A lot of people get embarrassed in front of the camera, but Laura manages to distil this natural yet otherworldly quality through her images.
I find Saul Leiter’s street photography striking too. The way he captured things – from colours to composition – is so beautiful.
Julie Howden explores five genres
1. ARTS: ‘Frippy Jameson’
Back in 2021 I was commissioned to photograph artists whose work was on display at Marchmont House, Berwickshre, via the Hugo Burge Foundation – a charity dedicated to supporting the arts, crafts and creative industries across the UK. It was here that I met artist Frippy Jameson, who creates equestrian sculptures.
It was particularly sunny on the day of this shoot. Sometimes strong light sources can be tricky to navigate, but the sunlight streaming in from the skylight produced a nice graphical pattern on the wall with impactful leading lines. The tones of Frippy’s hair also nicely echo the gold of the sculptures.
I enjoy photographing artists because I’m always keen to find out about the ideas and thinking central to their creative process. It’s interesting getting a glimpse into how people see the world.
2. DOCUMENTARY: ‘What’s For Tea Club, Westfield Community Centre’
During 2022 I worked with the Forth Environment Link on a project called Falkirk Food Futures, which looks at ways communities in the area can access to nutritious food. This work involved visiting different local groups to document how, with Falkirk Food Future’s support, they were tackling food poverty.
I took this photo at Westfield Community Centre, located in a working-class area where knowledge around how to prepare healthy and affordable meals has been lost. Project workers from Falkirk Food Futures came here to empower and teach young people how to cook.
On this day, participants were tasked with making leek and potato soup. These two young girls were enjoying collecting the vital ingredients. I managed to catch the cheeky looks on their faces. Spontaneous and genuine moments like this can be hard to capture, so it’s special when you manage to.
3. EVENTS: ‘Drymen Primary School's sport day’
I often get commissioned to do events-based photography. In 2022, Stirling Council got in touch to ask for images showcasing their work in promoting health and active education in the region. Drymen Primary School’s sports day was selected as the top choice to shoot.
This photograph gives you a real feel for the pace of the young people running around and how engaged they all are within the moment. This type of photography is all about trying to capture the essence of an event.
4. GARDEN: ‘Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfriesshire’
I was tasked with photographing locations for Discover Scottish Gardens, which is a collective of gardens, plant nurseries and related businesses promoting the rich diversity of the country’s gardens to visitors. This led me to Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire.
When taking garden photography, high up and low vantage viewpoints are important to consider because they help you take in the shapes of an environment. In this shot I got the chance to photograph the little girl in yellow dress from above. She’s busy running and enjoying herself, her freedom contrasting nicely with the manicured surroundings.
5. PORTRAIT: ‘Hamish, 2024’
This is a portrait of my town’s local punk, Hamish. I'd spoken to him a few times before taking this portrait in 2024. When I meet someone as distinctive looking as he is, I’m like a moth to a flame.
From his demeanour to his clothes, Hamish just oozes charisma. For this shot I was inspired by the Glasgow-based photographer Simon Murphy who’s incredibly skilled in capturing personality through his portraiture.