15 June 2012
'Discovering Dundee' photography exhibition by Shahbaz Majeed
Image is of 'Riverside Express' by Shahbaz Majeed.
Stunning images of Dundee captured by self-taught local photographer Shahbaz Majeed form the centrepiece of an exhibition that opens at the University of Dundee next week.
‘Discovering Dundee’, a selection of large-scale photographs of some of the city’s most iconic landscapes will open at the Tower Foyer Gallery on Tuesday, June 19th. These spectacular representations of the city will welcome the thousands of visitors who will be on campus for the University’s Graduation ceremonies.
Shahbaz (30) discovered his talent for photography after taking it up as a hobby six years ago. He taught himself the craft through trial-and-error and through reading magazines and books. Shahbaz quickly developed his skills, winning several awards and building up a strong reputation for his long-exposure images.
He specialises in photography which showcases the natural beauty of our surroundings, and the images of Dundee which feature in his first solo exhibition show the peaceful co-existence of the city’s natural and built environments.
“I’m very proud to be a Dundonian, and delighted that my images are being used to promote the city,” he said. “With so many great things happening, especially the V&A at Dundee, it is a great honour to know my images are being used to highlight what the city has to offer on an international stage.
“I hope to continue showcasing the beauty of the city and indeed Scotland through my work and hope it continues to inspire people to give us the opportunity to welcome them.”
“Photography is a very passionate hobby of mine, which I dedicate as much time as possible to. I have been taking photos for about six years now and never tire of it.”
As well as the main, wall-mounted images of Dundee landmarks such as City Quay, the Unicorn, and both Tay bridges, a further 10 of Shahbaz’s photographs capturing the natural splendour of Scotland and five unique shots of the University also feature in the exhibition.
Shahbaz was born in Dundee and attended Glebelands Primary School and Morgan Academy. He has worked in IT at the University since graduating with a degree in Applied Computing in 2003.
The prizes he has won for his work include the National Rail Award in last year’s Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition, the Dundee Corporation Trophy, and a commendation in the National Geographic International Photography Contest 2011.
Shahbaz joined the Dundee Photographic Society shortly after taking up his hobby in 2006, and has now served as a committee member for five years. Although he is best known for his landscapes, another type of photography has increasingly featured in his work recently.
“My daughter was born eight months ago, so I have found myself doing a lot of baby photographs rather than landscapes,” he said. “As much as I enjoy standing knee deep in a loch somewhere, I don’t have as much time for other photographs as I used to but it is not something I will stop doing anytime soon. I go out whenever I get a chance but my family comes first. All my images are special in some way but I know which ones are the most precious to me.”
The free exhibition opens on Tuesday, June 19th and runs until Saturday, 8th September.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
