Connor McLaren

Connor McLaren is a local amateur photographer who specialises in nature shots. He first got the taste for nature visiting his grandparents in Auchterarder and it was them who kick-started his passion for wildlife (you'll see some of his awesome nature shots below).  Although he only began snapping two years ago, his picture of Kinnoull Tower has already been selected as the runner-up in the Perth City Centre photography competition.  

He used to work at Mercedes Benz in what many people would view as a dream job.  It took him to Valencia and London, and he got to drive spectacular cars like V8 powered AMG's.  But he traded it all in, find out why as he takes some time out of his schedule to talk about photography, football, and his infamous Matt Cardle impression.  

Tell us the weirdest / funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work?

Whilst on training at work I was described as a cross between “Matt Cardle and a driving god”... I was learning to drift in a C63 Coupe on a skidpan I was described as a cross between Matt Cardle and a Driving god whilst singing in an embarrassingly high pitched voice a song Matt Cardle covered on the X Factor.

What signals the start of your days off

My days off begin usually by doing a lot of research for a new location for my photography.  I start by searching through Scottish Facebook photography pages and looking on Google.  Anything to find somewhere a bit different. Once I’ve found something that looks like it could be a good opportunity I’ll do a lot of further research including checking the weather forecast all the way from sunrise to sunset!  If that’s right it’s time to fuel up and go, if not it’s a case of start again and find somewhere else!

What might people be surprised to know about you? 

I managed to buy my first home aged 19.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

My bucket list is mostly just different locations around the world I’d love to photograph. One of which I’m ticking off later this year, taking a road trip across Nevada and California. The dream would be having my photographs featured in magazines and galleries or perhaps on TV.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

Before my current job at James Barclays, I worked in sales for Mercedes Benz and although it took me to amazing places like London and Valencia, the hours were brutal.  6 day weeks and Tuesday was my only day off.  It left me no time for my photography and it was really high-pressure.  I'm much happier where I am now.

Who or what inspires you?

David Attenborough and Steve Irwin were the two fellas who got me into wildlife, which is in turn what inspired my photography! I would watch Steve Irwin every day as a kid and was so gutted when he died.  Although I’d never met him it felt like losing a family member or a friend. David Attenborough’s documentaries I love to this day.  Now as an adult I look at his shows to learn about wildlife, photography and videography. The footage in these documentaries really is the best of the best and inspires me to get the perfect shot myself, although I have a long way to got to be close to what they get!

When I was a child, I think it was for my 13^th birthday my mum surprised me with a trip to Manchester where I stayed with family. During this holiday I got a signed photo from Cristiano Ronaldo and was taken to the Manchester United vs Roma quarter-final of the Champions League where United won 7-1 and I was also taken for a tour around the stadium through the museum and into the dugouts and changing rooms.

What’s the best part about your job?

My current job is a lot more relaxed which means when I do go home I don’t feel anywhere near as stressed out as I did at Mercedes! This means I can focus more on my photography and get more enjoyment out of it, that’s what I’d love to do full time!

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are…. 

Made by Canon!

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Keep up to date with Connor's photographs on his Facebook page here>>