Old college pals Mark and Alan join forces to help put others in the picture
WCS duo open new studio
Two former Paisley college photography students who met during their studies have taken the plunge to open a new studio together.
Alan Maclean and Mark Billingham met when they studied HNC and HND Photography at West College Scotland’s ( WCS) Paisley campus.
They went on to become close friends and are now businesses partners with their new venture, Studio 10 opening its doors in Govan today.
The pair credit their time at college with helping them to develop their skills and find the confidence to pursue a career in photography.
Alan said: “The lecturers at the college were fantastic and always on hand to help out.
“There was support for other areas too although I never needed it.
“I would 100 per cent recommend studying at WCS.
“If I never went to WCS I wouldn’t have advanced as far as I’ve come if I was just self-taught.
“I also wouldn’t have met my business partner and friend, Mark.”
Mark studied photography while still at Reid Kerr College prior to its merger with WCS and had been enjoying taking pictures on his phone when living in Malta.
On his return to Paisley, Mark wanted to take his photography to the next level and WCS was the obvious option given its handy location and options for photography courses.
He said: “Having the right guidance was great and I got an immense sense of achievement when I presented work I was proud of.
“My biggest regret is not asking for more help as there were plenty of resources and the lecturers were great.”
He added: “I would go back to WCS in a heartbeat as I miss the pressure, the community, the relationships and the excitement of result days, but there’s only one shot at it and it goes fast, so enjoy every minute of it.”
Anyone int e rested in learning more about photography or any other courses at WCS, go to www. westcollegescotland.ac.uk
I would go back to WCS in a heartbeat