Fine Art Photography School of Fine Art
Rob Symington
Rob Symington is a Photographer based in Glasgow, Scotland. His work is primarily focused on landscape, looking at the human interaction with nature, the urbanisation of the natural world, and the minute details within these places.
Rob’s work looks at man’s relationship with the world, particularly in a post-industrial context. With a focus on land and infrastructure, he seeks to investigate how we’ve manipulated our world to suit our current needs, often with disregard for what came before.
Mainly interested in analogue processes, Rob’s current work is based in medium/large format photography and darkroom printing, as well as alternative printing processes. He is currently working on a project on his hometown of Prestwick and Ayr, investigating life in these small towns.
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Where I Used to Live
The basis for this project had started several years ago, when I was starting to spend much more time in Glasgow than in my hometown of Prestwick – and neighbouring town Ayr. I had lived there for over 24 years, and while I had enjoyed my time living there, there was something missing. Compared to bigger cities, these smaller towns were losing their relevance in modern society, especially for younger people.
Since returning home after I moved away, I felt more and more distant with the place I used to call home. Most of my friends had moved away, the town’s high streets are left dead, leaving not much to do – never mind the countless other issues facing small working-class towns.
I therefore set out to photographically document these changes as honestly as I could, focusing on urban planning, changing behaviours in consumerism, and the neglect for nature that is rife in these places.
