Neil Donaldson

I was born in Scotland and still live there. I love to travel but would like to be able to do this more often. However in saying that Scotland is a wonderful base and (largely) fantastic country. I am married with 2 children and have 2 younger brothers. Having worked in the chemical industry for a long time I have recently changed my profession significantly and now am a freelance photographer (see www.LAN photographic.co.uk) Don't panic though ! I have been taking photos since I was 5 years old and have developed a little experience over the years. My favourite type of portrait photography is candid photography where people are not aware that you are taking their photo (no, not paparazzi photography). Anyway, back to the chemical industry, I worked for Jeyes, ICI, Zeneca and other lesser companies in my time. Having studied chemistry at Glasgow University I started off in the lab at Jeyes and then moved to ICI in Grangemouth. Starting off in the lab I moved to the Experimental Unit where we scaled up processes to small plant scale. This was a great learning experience as we had to do everything from liasing with the chemists, ordering raw materials, writing process instructions, safety, health, plant process operaration and tracking. From there into a technical manager role, working on the big plants this time. More (but bigger) health, safety and environment learning as well as the core jobs of process tracking and improvement as well as troubleshooting. I helped introduce many new projects onto many different plants, getting heavily involved in project management. Through involvement in a hazard study update project I eventually received hazard study leaders training which added another string to my bow. A huge number of other safety, health and environmental processes became second nature such as COSHH assessments, risk assessment, environmetal impact statements. I also have a NEBOSH certificate. Back to the future though. Check out the web site and the Scottish Soul web site (www.scottish_soul.co.uk) for all the photo work that I do. I would like to set up a permanent studio area in time but at the moment am concentrating establishing myself. As part of the portrait side of the business I have aquired an events printer so that I can print out instant photos at any kind of event, be it a wedding reception or a childs party.