“I went from taking pictures for aesthetic value to taking pictures with a purpose and meaning behind them”: Andy Yates in Tracks 02

Hero image

Andy Yates is a socially engaged photographer and creative producer. His journey is an example of how creativity and curiosity always find a way, especially when supported. Read Andy’s story in a new issue of Tracks, our case-study-style publication looking at the professional and personal development of an individual. 

Read on issuu | Download pdf 

Andy grew up in a working class family and became interested in photography while travelling. While working at the bank, he enrolled to study Photography and Digital Imaging at Hugh Baird University Centre and made a project exploring his local community, and after an internship with Open Eye Gallery developed a young persons and schools programme at the gallery.

I started in the summer of 2017. The project was called ‘Our North’ exploring what it is like for young people to grow up in the North. <…> It was amazing seeing the responses of the young people, having their images on the walls and knowing that people are taking an interest in their lives.”

 Andy also reflects on what was helpful for him to grow professionally: fellowship, residency programme, developing personal practice, getting a Master’s degree and working as a freelancer.

“Photography can be used as an educational tool in unlocking the way we navigate our daily lives.”

 

Published by Open Eye Gallery, Tracks considers where an individual and the gallery have intersected or continue to intersect; a record of shared values, learning and impact.

 

 

Join our mailing list

News, Exhibitions, Opportunities and more.