Harry Benson

Yesterday I had the rare and great honour of photographing legendary Glaswegian photographer Harry Benson. He spoke to a group at Waverly Gate about his life with a camera and his work at large, covering stories for magazines and media. A picture adorned the front page of his presentation: a floor spread with a copy of all of the covers from his editorial commissions. A snapshot of a lifetime given over to one craft.

It is easy to overlook the inspiration and humility that someone at the far side of their career can offer to someone at the start. Harry spoke to photographers, lecturers and students alike. A message – to have ideas and stick with it. Simple to the point of profound. His is a story with all the chapters in place, a sheltering sentiment as we all begin to write our own.

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