Dream comes true as Dalgety Bay photographer stages exhibition

Jim Duffy, a 75-year-old grandfather, worked as a portrait photographer half a century ago but is only now opening his first exhibition at Rothes Hall in Glenrothes. 

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to be launching my own exhibition at the age of 75. It's been a long-held dream of mine and I'm really looking forward to finally seeing it happen."

Jim worked as a freelance photographer in his 20s and photographed many well-kent Scottish faces including boxer Jim Watt, comedian Andy Cameron and actors Juliet Cadzow and Russell Hunter, as well as the 1978 Scottish Football World Cup squad.

Unfortunately, the erratic nature of the work meant that Jim - a father of four - had to abandon his photography for a more steady career.

Retirement, however, has seen him re-ignite his passion and this time around, technology has allowed him to get creative with colour and form.

By fusing and overlaying photographs from a variety of sources - including his own back catalogue - Jim has created a series of unique and surreal images.

These 'fused' photographs, alongside some of his more traditional landscape and portrait work, form the basis of his first-ever public exhibition.

He continued: "The technology has really changed since I was a young photographer hanging up prints in a makeshift dark room, but the essence of an eye-catching image remains the same.

"I've kept up my interest as an enthusiastic amateur over the years and have really enjoyed developing my knowledge of digital photography and editing to create more abstract images which I hope visitors will enjoy."

Entitled 'FUSION', the exhibition runs from February 12 until April 30. A preview event takes place tomorrow (Saturday, February 10), 2-4pm. The exhibition is free to view.

Highlights include images of the Kelpies, the Forth Bridge and other Scottish landmarks.