Biography

Colin Prior was born in Scotland in 1958, and brought up near Glasgow. Much of his early life was spent exploring the woods and fields near his home where he took an early interest in the wildlife. The proximity of the Scottish Highlands also played an important role in shaping his appreciation of the natural world and by the age of ten, he had started to explore the mountains with his father. 

After working for five years as operations manager at Lincoln Electric, his first taste of success at age 23, was to receive 'Best Newcomer' to underwater photography in the 'Camera Beneath the Waves' competition, winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. With a prize of a trip to the Cayman Islands his achievement was his first steps to becoming a professional photographer.

His fascination with the underwater world led to his first professional photographic job when he joined the commercial diving company, Wharton Williams as a photo technician, working offshore in the North Sea. 

Over the next ten years, Colin’s career developed as a freelance photographer and he was commissioned by advertising agencies and design consultants for a variety of corporate clients, which included, TSB, Visit Scotland, Hilton, William Grant & Sons and Belhaven.

During the late 90’s, Colin was commissioned by British Airways to shoot their corporate calendar for a four-year period, which helped establish his reputation internationally. Living with indigenous groups in some of the world's remotest places, he created a collection of images, which received critical acclaim.  

In 1995, Colin founded Earth Gallery, a publishing and distribution company, specialising in the reproduction of prints and calendars, which were marketed in galleries, bookshops and outdoor retailers, throughout the UK.

In 2006 he established the Colin Prior Photography School, which offers inspiration and tuition to a new generation of photographers, helping them to become conversant with the visual language of photography. Trips in Scotland, Bhutan, Namibia, Pakistan and Greenland offer clients unique photographic experiences in wild places, whilst fostering a strong connection with the environment.

Colin currently lives in Glasgow with his wife Geraldine and their two children, Alexandra andLaurence. He is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and afounding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Books:

Highland Wilderness
Constable ISBN 978-1845290658

Wilderness Walks
BBC Books, ISBN 978-0563371762

Scotland – The Wild Places
Constable, ISBN 978-1841193151

Living Tribes
Constable, ISBN 978-1552977460

The World’s Wild Places
Constable, ISBN 978-1845293505

Exhibitions:

The Scottish Visual Experience
Linhof Gallery, London

Land’s End
Museum of Education, Glasgow

The World’s Wild Places
OXO Tower Gallery, London

The World’s Wild Places
Glasgow Science Centre