My guest this week is the talented Scottish photographer, Tom Cairns. I have been a fan of Tom’s photography for a couple of years and he can certainly do “people” photography – from models to brides to streetlife – Tom manages to capture the essence of a person in a single photograph. Recently sporting a beard himself, Tom has embarked on a project that has seen him travel around UK and Europe, photographing men with beards… the pictures are stunning… so, welcome Tom..
Hi, I’m Tommy Cairns. Been running a successful photography business for over 3 years. Prior to that I worked in Enterprise Software Sales and Management Consultancy for 25 years. Live in Kilmarnock, Scotland.
What made you want to pursue a career as a photographer?
Have always had a creative interest in photography for as long as I can remember. I felt that I was coming to the end of my previous career, losing the spark and the interest….slowly but surely the penny dropped and I put my “corporate business experience together with my interest in photography and went from there. 
Your current “beard” project has aroused a lot of interest – I admired your original photos of young bearded model Chris Millington and have noticed that you yourself have now become a bearded one – so what was the motive behind this project?
There was no particular motive behind the project. My US client for the project saw the images I had taken of Chris, got in touch and bought some for his corporate literature. Couple of months later he happened to be in the UK with his business partner, we met and discussed his business plans and stemming from that was a deal for me to cover 6 European countries photographing guys with beards for his companies library. 
What has been the most unusual photoshoot request you’ve had?
I have done a fair amount of lingerie/boudoir work so get many requests….Read this persons email about what they would like, lingerie, lace, stockings etc…..was a bit surprised when I read that it was signed by Alan!
What has been your favourite photoshoot to date?
Way too many to choose from, however, I am working on a personal project at the moment that is given me huge satisfaction….
If you were given the chance, who would you love to photograph?
Honestly don’t think I have one person in mind. I love to work with anyone and everyone, always looking for that moment they give me that look which gives me the image I want.
What style of photography would you like to try that you haven’t tried as yet?
I enjoy travel/landscape photography but not really from a business point of view. I want to get better at that I think.
I’ve seen & admired your boudoir shots, model shots, bearded shots and wedding shots, so, what style of photography is your absolute favourite?
Portrait work shot with natural light is my favourite way to work.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Casual, All Saints is my fav’ brand…at the moment I’m wearing converse boots.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I’m hopeful that a client is making me a bespoke suit and a tweed jacket….need some brogues to go with those.
Boots or Shoes?
Mainly boots, just like them more.
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc
http://www.tomcairnsphotography.com/
facebook –
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Cairns- Photography/170971836287396
instagram – @tomcairns
twitter – @tomcairnsphoto
Thanks for wowing us with your photography Tom! If any readers are in Scotland or visiting Scotland and fancy a super duper photoshoot (beards optional) give the lovely Tom a call – you won’t be disappointed!
Linda x
Photo Credits: All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Tom Cairns.
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