Latest News
Pre-Degree photographer Finley McDonald takes front cover on The Week Junior with award-winning photo
Friday, 20 September, 2024 — At just 17, Arts University Plymouth Pre-Degree student Finley McDonald has won a national competition and landed his stunning photo of a kingfisher on the cover of The Week Junior Science+Nature magazine. Discover his inspiring journey as a young wildlife photographer.
<p dir="ltr">At just 17, Finley McDonald, a passionate wildlife and nature photographer studying at Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-photography">UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (Photography)</a>, has already achieved national acclaim. Finley’s breathtaking photograph of a kingfisher has won the front cover competition for The <a href="https://sciencenature.theweekjunior.co.uk/">Week Junior Science + Nature</a> magazine, marking a significant milestone in his photography journey.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The competition, hosted by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theweekjunior/">The Week Junior</a>, invited young photographers to submit photos showcasing British wildlife and nature. With the chance to be featured on the cover only happening once every year, Finley’s stunning Kingfisher shot caught their attention. Finley discovered his photo had been selected for the magazine’s cover a month after submitting it, and describes the moment as “crazy and unbelievable”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Seeing his work on newsstands across the UK was a surreal experience for the young photographer, who couldn’t resist picking up two copies of the magazine from WHSmith. <br /></p>
Finley McDonald pictured with his cover of The Week Junior Science + Nature
<p dir="ltr">Along with the cover feature, Finley also won over £800 worth of camera equipment, sponsored by Canon UK, The Wildlife Trusts and The Photography & Video Show. This prize is a huge help to any young photographer, allowing Finley to keep up his dedication to his craft and continue capturing the natural world. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Finley credits his love for wildlife photography to his childhood fascination with nature, something that has only grown stronger over the years. In his free time, he can be found photographing the wildlife of Dartmoor, local woodlands, and wetlands with friends and fellow students. Finley shares his incredible photographs on his <a href="https://findoesphotography.myportfolio.com/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/findoesphotography_/">instagram</a>, where he continues to build an impressive portfolio of work. <br /></p>
Male Kingfisher by Finley McDonald
<p dir="ltr">Reflecting on his time studying at Arts University Plymouth, Finley praises his lecturers, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/tobie-loates">Tobie Loates</a>,<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/laura-montag"> Laura Montag</a>, and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/corrie-mahon">Corrie Mahon</a>, for their exceptional teaching and support. He’s excited for the upcoming photography workshops with Nikon and Vogue, which he calls “an honour” at this level of education.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Finley is one of those photography students whose passion and dedication to the subject is amazing. His technical skills are way above most students at this level of study and he is already starting to get noticed nationally too, recently having his work on display in the Photography and Video Show 2024 at the NEC” said Tobie Loates, Subject Leader for Photography. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Finley describes the learning environment at Arts University Plymouth as “safe, calm, and professional”, offering him the ideal environment to experiment with different styles, or collaborating with other students. <br /></p>
All the lectures are very professional and it is fun to learn and experience new ways of photography, whether that be studio photography or landscapes, fine art, or collaborating with fashion students to photograph their talent. Arts University Plymouth is a joy to be in and learn from, and the people and the environment and the attitude to learning are excellent.
Finley McDonald
The Week Junior Science + Nature with Finley McDonald’s photo as the cover
<p dir="ltr">If you are currently studying your GCSEs or if you know any GCSE-aged students who are thinking about where to continue their creative journeys, Arts University Plymouth’s dedicated Pre-Degree & Sixth Form Centre offers a range of qualifications that act as alternatives to A-Levels. Arts University Plymouth is a place where a student’s passion for the arts can evolve into a craft, guided by experienced mentors in an environment that celebrates individuality.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Our next Pre-Degree Open Day will be held at Palace Court on Buckwell Street in Plymouth city centre on Saturday 26 October from 11am to 1:30pm. Register to attend <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-pre-degree-oct24-2">here</a>.<br /></p>
