Photography student shoots the stars
by Educate Magazine February 10, 2016 · All News / Secondary School News
A student at St Margaret’s Church of England Academy (SMA) in Aigburth has been photographing some of the world’s biggest names over the last 12 months.
18-year-old Perry Leach only started his photography career last year, and can list Tinie Tempah, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Peace and the 1975 among the acts that he has photographed.
In December Perry was invited to shoot Mumford and Sons at the Echo Arena resulting in his work being posted to the band’s official Instagram page, which resulted in ‘likes’ running into the thousands.
Photographer Peter Neill, who has worked with the likes of Queen and U2, invited Perry to be his assistant photographing The Script at the 60,000 capacity Croke Park show in Dublin and local magazine, ‘getintothis’, has also scouted Perry and he will now be taking photographs for the publication.
Perry said: “Music has always been an influential factor in my life, even at an early age seeing Green Day at the age of six.
“I have worked at the Leeds, Bestival and Isle of Wight festivals which gives you enough musical knowledge to recognise up and coming bands.
“The photography course at SMA has really given me the determination to get my name out there as an established music photographer. I am now working on building my contacts within the music industry and hope that these opportunities help me to become a professional concert photographer, touring with bands around the world”.
Stephanie Davidson, head of art at SMA, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Perry, and his success is testament to his hard-work, determination and passion for his art. His portfolio captures the emotion and intensity of the performances he shoots, this is a unique skill which takes time to master.
“The art department as SMA aims to foster and nurture creativity within all of our students, encouraging them to strive to fulfil their ambitions, and Perry embodies this ethos. It is the dream of many a professional photographer to shoot some of the names which Perry has already had the opportunity to”.
