Colin Prior, acclaimed by many as the founding father of landscape photography in Scotland, has won a prestigious Scottish award.
Organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival have chosen world-renowned photographer Colin Prior as the 12th recipient of the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture 2020.
Nominated by the public and his peers as a mountain hero who celebrates achievement, accomplishment and the spirit of adventure, Colin joins previous esteemed winners including Andy Nisbet, Dr Adam Watson, Jimmy Marshall, Myrtle Simpson, Ian Sykes, Dr Hamish MacInnes and Cameron McNeish in the Excellence in Mountain Culture Hall of Fame.
Who is Colin Prior?
Colin, who was born in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, in 1958, is famous for his landscape photography of Scotland.
He discovered photography at the age of 23 through a fascination with the natural world. Having very little photography experience, he created a portfolio of images of Scotland’s coastline and the Red Sea. He was then surprised to win “best newcomer to underwater photography” in the Camera Beneath the Waves competition in 1981.
Since then, he has gained a huge audience and his work has been showcased worldwide. He once said of his photography: “To know a mountain is to understand its rhythms and then become part of them.
“To photograph mountains successfully demands what the Arctic Inuit refer to as ‘quinuituq’ which translated means ‘deep patience’ – literally waiting hours for one second, or in my case, years for one second.”
Colin’s passion for – and curiosity of – the natural world has shaped all aspects of his life. Through his photography, he communicates how Scotland’s wild places make him feel while inspiring people to appreciate the world outside of their own.
Throughout his career as a photographer, he has produced seven books of his work, all published internationally. He has also been commissioned by British Airways to photograph four corporate calendars; exhibited his work in several solo exhibitions; and worked on a variety of TV documentaries featuring photography, mountains and travel.
Colin’s passion for mountains and wild places is shared with others through his regular photography workshops and tuition. See Colin Prior.
Praise for Colin Prior
Sponsor of the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture 2020 is JAHAMA Highland Estates. Chief Operating Officer, Julia Stoddart MRICS, said: “We are delighted that Colin Prior has been recognised for his inspirational work.
“JAHAMA Highland Estates greatly values the hugely significant impact that Colin’s portfolio has had on so many people who love the rural environment, and particularly the mountains of Scotland.
“Colin’s passion for the mountains and his dedication to his art is exceptional, making him a worthy recipient of this award.”
Rod Pashley, Chairman of The Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival, said: “You’ve only got to look at the breadth of stunning landscape work that Colin has produced over the years to know the visual impact he has made on so many who love and admire our Scottish landscapes and beyond.
“Colin’s work graces the walls of so many of our homes and allows us to feel and be a part of the outdoors where perhaps some are unable to go or once visited. We’re proud to welcome Colin into the Festival Ambassador Hall of Fame family.”
The Fort William Mountain Festival 2020 runs from Wednesday 19 to Sunday 23 February 2020.
Also read my blogs: