A Co Down photographer says that he is taken back by the "amazing response" to his unique studio based in a Holyland hallway.
Over the past year after graduating from university, Nathan Magee, has been trying to find a footing in the artistic scene in Belfast and developed a unique way of being able to work on his craft while also paying bills and rent.
While working different jobs within the film industry to help him get by, Nathan has started doing headshots for local actors at his home in Magdala Street, setting up a small studio in his hallway using a chair and a piece of canvas hung up with thumb tacks.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Nathan said that he has been taken back by the positive response he has seen from his work which has seen Oscar winner Seamus O'Hara of an Irish Goodbye, Jude Hill from Belfast and some of the stars of Blue Lights, Derry Girls and Hope Street visit him for headshots.
He said: "After graduating last year I was looking for ways that I could get a start here in Belfast as a photographer but it can be quite difficult at first in the artistic world with my main focus having been fine art photography.
"While I have been working different jobs within the film industry, I needed a way to make sure that I could afford to stay here in Belfast and started offering people the opportunity to get headshots taken at my home in the Holyland in the hopes that a few people would be interested in working with me.
"It was a bit slow in the beginning but once word started to spread after I took photos for some big names in the local acting scene like Seamus O'Hara and Jude Hill, more and more people began reaching out to me.
"I think people enjoy the unique setting of my makeshift studio as it is in the hallway of my house in the Holyland with just a piece of canvas and a chair and it seems to help put people at ease because they are not in a typical photography studio environment.
"The space is very small, so there is not a lot of room to work with but it creates a nice intimate setting and everyone has been very positive about how the photographs have ended up.
"Over the past year I have taken headshots for around 60 people and have 20 more booked in for the coming weeks and I am just thrilled that people have been enjoying my work and given me these opportunities."
Nathan hopes that he is able to show others trying to get their start in the world of art the possibilities that are out there if you are willing to take a chance on yourself.
He continued: "It is always difficult to try and get your start as an artist no matter what you are doing and it can feel like a hopeless task sometimes.
"But this past year I have learned that if you have an idea you think will work and you go for it you can surprise yourself at how successful it can become and you just need to trust yourself."
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