Ritchie Elder – Photo North Festival Student Winner!

*UPDATE

BA (Hons) Professional Photography student Ritchie Elder is celebrating a fantastic week, having just been announced as the winner of the Photo North Festival Student Competition today, Friday 11 April 2025. A great addition to his previous runner-up award at the Photo Frome MBP Student Awards the previous week.

Responding to this year's theme of ‘Hope’, Ritchie's winning portfolio documented the Dumbiedykes housing scheme through compelling resident portraits and environmental landscapes. The project was initially made in response to the module Photography In Context taught and delivered by lecturer Raymond Keith.

I am delighted to have won the PhotoNorth 2025 student competition with my series ‘Dumbiedykes’.

I’m very grateful to all the staff and my peers at Edinburgh College for their support. Thank you to the PhotoNorth judges and organisers for putting together such a fantastic festival!

With this project I returned to a place that shaped much of my childhood, documenting the lives of residents in a community that has often been overlooked. I’m glad it has been recognised with this award!

Ritchie Elder

Project background:

The Dumbiedykes housing estate in Edinburgh, built between 1959 and 1964, is uniquely situated beside the Old Town and the Scottish Parliament. Despite its prime location, the area has faced significant social and economic challenges over the years. The contrast between Dumbiedykes and its affluent surroundings continues to spark debates about inequality in Edinburgh.

My parents both grew up and met on the Dumbiedykes estate, where I often visited as a young child. My family roots and childhood memories of the area inspired me to return and document the space and its residents.

Prior to starting this project, I had not visited the estate in over twenty years, so this work challenged me to reconnect with a place that had shaped my early experiences.

On the festival's Education Day (Friday), Ritchie capitalized on networking opportunities with organizations from across the UK and benefited from guest presentations delivered by John Bolloten, Channel 4 Pictures Team, Marc Wilson, and Jillian Edelstein.

The main sponsors this year were Fuji Film and Lomography. Prizes include Fisheye No2 Camera with a roll of LomoChrome Purple 35mm film - Fuji INSTAX mini 99 + film + printers and mentorships from - Anne McNeil, Director of Impressions Gallery - Carolyn Mendelsohn, Award Winning Photographer - Simon Hill, President, The Royal Photographic Society.

Huge congratulations to Ritchie, who joins our esteemed list of award winners. His documentary project showcased not only his exceptional photographic talent but also a deep respect for his subjects. The beautiful and sensitive portraits, combined with environmental shots, reflect the trust, hard work, and dedication required for such high-quality work.

ECP Photography Dept.

Following on from Edinburgh College student Jennifer Charlton's runner-up position last year at Photo North Festival, the photography department is thrilled by the continued success of their talented students.

Ritchie Elder: Website

Ritchie Elder: Instagram

Photo North: Website