Photographer James McLaren is set to Capture Our Spring Style Edit Straight from The Catwalk

Fashion Photographer James McLaren will be capturing a photo shoot live from the Spring Style edit catwalk

This season, The Style Edit isn’t just about what’s on the runway — it’s about how it’s captured. As models take to the catwalk at St James Quarter x Hood’s Spring Style Edit, Edinburgh photographer James McLaren will be shooting live, turning fleeting fashion moments into lasting imagery.

From Copenhagen Fashion Week to Cannes Film Festival, James has built a reputation for instinctive, cinematic storytelling. Now, he’s bringing that lens — and that energy — to St James Quarter.

James McLaren: The Eye Behind The Lens

Tell us a little about yourself. How did this all begin?

I’m based in Edinburgh and actually come from a background in marketing and events, which gave me a strong understanding of visual storytelling and brand identity. Film and photography always felt instinctive to me though — it never felt like a huge leap, more like something I was gradually moving towards.

After my degrees in Marketing & Events Management at Queen Margaret University and Film, Exhibition & Curation at Edinburgh University, I took a spontaneous trip to Los Angeles to build a portfolio. That ended up leading to a role creating content for a small Edinburgh-based accessories brand. From there, I decided to formally study photography at Edinburgh College to deepen both my technical skills and my creative direction.

Fashion has always been the constant thread. I’ve shot across Copenhagen, Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks, and I’m especially drawn to brands that have a strong visual identity and meaningful values behind them.

Where did you really learn your craft?

After completing my degrees, I interned at the Berlin Fashion Film Festival for three months. That’s where I was introduced to fashion film as a serious art form. It really shaped how I think about image-making.

I ended up writing my Film, Exhibition & Curation master’s thesis on the relationship between fashion and film, so that cinematic element is always there in my work — thinking about narrative, mood and character, not just the clothes.

Nick Knight has been a big inspiration, particularly through SHOWstudio and the way he pioneered fashion film. I also admire Kathryn Ferguson, Alex Prager and Alex Israel. They all approach visual storytelling in such distinctive ways.

What have been some of your standout moments so far?

Being invited to shoot the Rotate AW25 show during Copenhagen Fashion Week was definitely one. I remember standing on the photographers’ podium and having to stop for a second just to take it all in — the music, the movement, the anticipation in the room. It felt surreal and grounding at the same time.

Photographing my mum for the festive edition of Hood Magazine was also incredibly special. The team at The Balmoral made us feel so welcome, and creating something together that would live in print is something I’ll always treasure.

Shooting at the International Film Festival Glasgow villa party during the Cannes Film Festival was another one of those unexpected moments. Being immersed in that world and trusted to capture it authentically felt both exhilarating and affirming.

What inspires you creatively?

If I’m being honest — Julia Roberts in Stepmom and Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going on 30. Film has always felt like a window into different worlds. Watching characters confidently work in creative industries made those careers feel tangible and exciting.

I actually entered this field quite tentatively. I never expected paid work — it began purely as a passion. As I developed my skills and found my voice, the opportunities followed. It’s always felt organic rather than forced.

I also really admire Scottish street style photographer Jonathan Daniel Pryce. He’s built such a strong global presence through a clear personal vision, and that’s something I respect hugely.

What are you most passionate about when you’re behind the lens?

Bringing people together and capturing moments where they feel seen and confident. Whether it’s fashion week, a film festival or a smaller brand event, there’s something special about that creative energy.

I’m drawn to that intersection where atmosphere, aesthetics and emotion meet — where an image can hold both spectacle and genuine human connection.

And the dream?

The dream is simple: to work with good people who have good intentions. Creative freedom and an unlimited budget wouldn’t hurt either.

Ultimately, I’d love to work in-house with a brand I genuinely connect with — covering everything from pack shots to editorial campaigns and brand activations — while still embracing the movement and culture of fashion weeks and film festivals. Keeping that sense of storytelling alive is really important to me.

See James at Work Live At The St James Quarter x Hood Spring Style Edit

At the St James Quarter x Hood Spring Style Edit, James will be shooting live from the catwalk — capturing the confidence, the detail and the energy as it unfolds.

Fashion moves fast. But through James McLaren’s lens, the moment lasts.