Created by HRH Prince Harry, the Invictus Games are an international Adaptive Sports event in which injured Service personnel and veterans take part.  In addition to being one of the world’s largest sporting event, the Invictus Games aim at raising public awareness about post-combat adaptation of Service women and men and participate in their recovery process – a cause close to Mac’s  heart.

Mac served in the British Army as an infantry soldier for 7 years during which he was unfortunately injured. Thanks to his strong willpower and with the support of the Army, Mac took a big step forward in his new life and joined the College to study photography at our Paisley Campus. He quickly took up sports photography and, after graduating, started working as a freelance professional photographer in this field. Mac now travels all over the UK and Europe to capture iconic images of some of the world’s biggest sporting events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA Champions League.

Robert Tabor, WCS Paisley Campus Photography & Media Curriculum Quality Leader, says:

Mac is a really great example of what college can do for people.  Despite the adversity he has faced in the past, the College has helped change the course of his life. It's amazing where his new skills and talent have taken him. We are so proud of Mac here at the college.  From photographing Paisley Abbey to Morgan Freeman and Michelle Obama – incredible!

We’ve asked Mac a few questions about his fantastic experience, read what he says:

• WCS: How did you manage to get this amazing assignment at the Invictus Games?
  Mac: A few months ago, Prince Harry visited Stoll Mansions, the veteran housing complex where I live. We talked about the Invictus games and I shared with him my experience in and passion for sports photography. Prince Harry helped me get in contact with the right people for me to apply for accreditation as an official photographer at the Invictus Games.
• WCS: Can you briefly describe the daily life of an official photographer at the Invictus Games?
  Mac: I must say we have long days! I get up at 5am, arrive at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at 7am, shoot multiple events throughout the day up until about 11pm. By the time I process my final photo uploads, I’m back to my hotel at 1am… a short night sleep before the next day starts!
• WCS: What was your most WOW moment at the Invictus Games?
  Mac: I was thrilled to meet Michael J Fox, Prince Harry and the World’s Strongest man Brian Shaw. However, the best moment was seeing and photographing the UK team get a first, second and third place in the men’s powerlifting competition!
• WCS: How do you manage the pressure at the Invictus Games?
  Mac: Trying to cover all the events can be a challenge as some overlap. However, I wouldn’t say I feel any pressure as it’s all about enjoying the games with your military brothers and sisters, that’s what the Invictus Games are all about. The camaraderie is amazing!
• WCS: How did the College help you in achieving this assignment and your career?
  Mac: The College taught me the skills I needed to become a professional photographer. I want to give a special thanks to Robert Tabor who pushed me to be the best at my specialty: sports!
• WCS:  What did you like the most about your time at the College?
  Mac: I liked the fact that it was challenging. I really enjoyed the learning experience and of course gaining photography skills.
• WCS: What made you choose sports photography and what do you like the most about it?
  Mac: Being disabled, I can’t move about much so sports photography, where you have to be static in arenas, was a good option for me. I particularly like the raw emotion sportsmen show during their sport activity. It’s amazing to capture this. I also enjoy getting access to the world’s biggest events!
• WCS: What advice would you give to aspiring students who want to break into sport photography?
  Mac: You have to be prepared to work hard. Sports photography is a very competitive field and also requires you to invest in expensive equipment. The single piece of advice I would give is to never give your images away for free – it’s your hard work and it always deserves to be paid!

Picture above: Mac McLaren (right hand-side) with other members of the official photography team - Header picture: Team UK Captain David Wiseman, Mac MacLaren and Prince Harry

To learn more about the Invictus Games, visit invictusgames2016.org

To view Mac McLaren’s pictures taken at the Invictus Games, visit: http://www.sportpix.org.uk/portfolio/G00000Mg7pZzXeBY/I0000A5bIpHQUc3E

To learn more about Mac McLaren’s work and get in touch, visit mac2505.wix.com/mclarenphotography