Tracy Mcilhatton recently won the 2026 Alumno Photo North Student Photography Competition with her project, ‘Where Life Begins’. The project shares an intimate look into the reality of the journey of becoming a mother, the raw emotion pre, during and post-birth, and tender moments shared between mother and baby.
Our emerging photographer series aims to shed a light on up-and-coming talent. Photographers are offered a platform to share their work with a wider audience through the AP channels, with the scope of furthering their careers. We also get an insight into their inspirations, the camera gear used and future aspirations, as well as the journey taken into photography – which doesn’t have to be the most traditional route!
We’ll be sharing the work of photographers on our website and social media and even in the magazine. If you have recently started your photography journey or are a student / graduate, share your work with us at [email protected].
When and why did you start taking photographs?
I have always loved taking photographs throughout my life, it wasn’t until later in my life (2 years ago age 42) I decided to follow my passion and go back to education to study photography full time to learn the fundamentals.
Which genre do you tend to work mostly in and what draws you towards it?
I love studio, portraits, fashion, editorial and documentary, I am finding myself being drawn more towards story telling I have recently realised it is something I am passionate about, as my last project was documentary storytelling and my current project is too.
Tell us a little bit more about your photographic training (if any)?
I am currently studying HND photography year 2 at City of Glasgow College and have applied for the BA, in my time at this college I have learned an all-round understanding of camera techniques, lighting techniques, studio lighting and touched on different genres.
I wanted to attend this course as I wanted to develop my understanding of all aspects of photography and hopefully go on to have a successful career doing what inspires me.
Tell us more about your project that won Photo North Festival’s Student competition?
This project was a documentary series of where life begins, I photographed my niece over a period trying to capture the reality of before birth, birth and post birth. It focuses on moments that are often unseen or quietly passed over, the waiting, the physical reality of the body, the vulnerability and the deep understated joy that exists alongside the discomfort and uncertainty.
What kind of reaction has it had?
This project has had an impactful reaction as many people have resonated with the images and others getting to see the journey of becoming a mother that is not idealised. I did win the Photo North student competition which allowed me to display the project for the first time in an exhibition, to then be asked by one of their festival visitors to exhibit at their festival.
What has been your biggest photographic obstacle to date?
My biggest obstacle to date is trying to decide what type of photography I am most interested in and what I enjoy doing the most as I enjoy taking and looking all types of photographs. All images inspire me.
Who are your biggest influences?
I am influenced by photographers such as Martin Parr, Jim Goldberg, Dorothea Lange, Robert Capa and Steve McCurry.
What equipment do you use?
Equipment I use, a Canon EOS R6 Mark II with a 50mm lens, 70-200mm lens and a 24-105mm lens.
What would be your dream equipment to work with?
My dream kit would be a Canon EOS R5 Mark II for a 45-megapixel resolution and incredible subject tracking, with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.
What has the been the highlight of your photography career so far?
The highlight of my photography career so far would be being a finalist in the photo north student competition and winning a mentorship with Carolyn Mendelsohn, also being short listed for the Scottish portrait awards that take place in November.
What are your hopes for your photography career in the future?
My hopes for the future of my photography career are to keep learning, telling stories and becoming a great visual artist that people relate to.
Do you have a dream assignment?
My dream assignment would be to show the viewer real stories without a polished narrative and be impactful.
What piece of advice would you give to other aspiring photographers?
My advice would be to follow your heart, take pictures of all that inspires you, work hard, never stop learning and you will lead you to your own photographic journey.
Instagram: @t_m_b_photography_college
Success stories
At the 2026 AP Awards, Nick Teo was announced as our Emerging Talent winner for this documentary-fashion work. Previous emerging photographer award winners include Ethan Parker, Aliz Kovacs-Zoldi and Tariq Sadu. Si Jubb and Ethan Parker recently spoke at our Festival of Photography: Documentary event.
More reading:
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- These fantastic wildlife photos by this young photographer document life in our fragile ecosystems
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