Whilst undertaking the Advanced Diploma at PSC, Scott began his career as a freelance photographer in community newspapers. Having graduated from PSC in 1999, Scott decided to put his new skills to the test by working on photographic projects in New York.
Later, upon his return to Melbourne, Scott joined Fairfax Media as a photojournalist … where he still works today. He has worked through the reinvention of photography with ever evolving technology and, after over 11 years with Fairfax, continues to thrive on the pace and stimulation of the industry.
These days, Scott shoots full time for Fairfax Media and of an evening he returns to PSC to share his vast experience and skills with our part time students. Scott’s key role at PSC is delivering the part time creative camera and capture unit - the essential key to building strong technique and professional practice - along with the location lighting and people photography units. Drawing from his years of industry experience, Scott provides guidance and feedback helping students to explore their photography further, creating a dynamic portfolio of images.
We asked Scott what his favourite part of teaching was and he replied “I love working with the students on location where we go out and put into practice everything we’ve talked about in class. There’s this epiphany where it just clicks - that’s awesome … There’s also the sense of community you get when studying with like-minded people. The team I work with at Fairfax all happen to have studied at PSC, it’s like a hub of PSC graduates! It’s so true that those networks and connections you make in class carry through to the working environment.”
Scott believes photography is a craft and it needs to be taught face to face so that mastering of skills can be passed on, for it to remain a craft.
When not shooting for Fairfax or teaching at PSC, you’ll find Scott trawling the streets of Melbourne with his trusty black and white film camera in hand, looking for those decisive moments. Scott’s personal work focuses on communicating stories through a visual medium, creating a strong storyline and distinctive body of work.
He finds that “whether it’s shooting a political funding announcement or avoiding flying golf balls at an underworld funeral, everyday is as challenging as it is rewarding.”
Selection of Scott's images below - you can see more of Scott’s photography at: scottmcnaughton.com
