The collaboration provided an exceptional opportunity for students to gain hands-on industry experience while creating promotional content for the ensemble’s upcoming UK tour.
The partnership took place at the cutting-edge Studio by MOYA, where students staged dynamic photo shoots, captured candid and live performance shots, and conducted interviews with the ensemble. Media students took charge of live sound setup and filming during the event, while Photography students explored portraiture and creative shoot techniques.
John McLaughlin, speaking about the experience, praised the students’ professionalism:
“Once again, it was an absolute pleasure to work with the MOYA students at West College Scotland. They were so easy to work with, and they did such a professional job in our photo shoot, filmed interviews, and setup for the live performance.
We are so delighted with the content that they have created for us and can’t wait to use it for our upcoming tours. We will be back.
Billy Kinnear, Curriculum and Quality Leader for Design and Media, shared his enthusiasm for the project, “This was such a fabulous opportunity for our students to work in Studio by MOYA with an incredible ensemble of musicians.
Our students worked across so many disciplines in the Creative Industries, and I’m so proud of their professional approach in creating wonderful content.
The students relished the experience, with many recognising it as a career milestone. Maria Fernandez Rodriguez, an HND Photography student, reflected, “I really enjoyed my experience working on the For the Love of Shane McGowan event. It provided me with an opportunity to work with real-world clients and experience the dynamics of dealing with a fairly large group of subjects.
This experience allowed me to develop my photography techniques and communication skills while helping realise the client’s vision for the shoot.
Cara McLaughlin, also an HND Photography student, added, “I enjoyed my time in Studio by MOYA. The opportunity to use the tools I’ve learned in a real-life scenario was very useful.
I also had to conform to time restrictions, which forced me to direct the shoot efficiently. I have learned a lot from this.
The experience highlighted the unique opportunities that West College Scotland provides its students through partnerships with industry professionals. By working with a world-class ensemble on such a prestigious project, students honed their technical and interpersonal skills, gaining confidence and valuable portfolio material.
Angie Isac, Photography Lecturer, commented,
This is an experience that they will never forget and has given them a real boost of confidence going forward.
'Studio By Moya showcasing yet again the unique experiences that we can offer our students who studying with us in Photography and Media.”
As For the Love of Shane McGowan prepares for its next UK tour, the promotional content created by these talented students will be front and centre, showcasing the power of collaboration between education and industry.
