Colvin’s talk will be an autobiographical journey, describing some of the narratives and thought processes in his work, which has consistently referred to Scotland and its heritage. Describing his early influences, which include the photographer Cecil Beaton, and the use of portraiture as the central focus in his work over the last 30 years, the lecture offers a rare opportunity to hear how his visually exciting and humorous works are created.

The `Portraits for the Future’ masterclass is part of the events taking place around the exhibition `Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton:A Diamond Jubilee Celebration’ which is currently showing at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum.

Aimed at professionals working in the Creative Industries, the 3-day workshop will use the Cecil Beaton exhibition as a platform for debate and inspiration, examining how portraiture has been captured and developed since the original photographs were taken.

Calumet, the UK’s leading supplier of digital photographic equipment are offering the rare opportunity to work with state-of-the-art Hasselblad digital technology, on loan for the duration of the masterclass.

Professor Colvin has achieved international recognition for his innovative approach to portraiture over the last decade and he is acknowledged as a leader in his field of digital photography. Using the individual's heritage as a starting point for conceptualising imagery that tells their story, Calum
builds a portrait using objects and perspective to give an image that embraces the individual’s unique personality.

His approach to photography will form the basis of the masterclass which will use humour, advancedphotographic technology and lighting to experiment and create future portraits for the digital age.

“I welcome the opportunity of working with a class towards the creating of a portrait-based  artwork which reflects on elements of Dundee’s cultural heritage from the apposite environment of The McManus,” said Calum. (Calum Colvin RSA 'Self Portrait' (photo - RSA Edinburgh)

The masterclass takes place from November 23rd to 25th in the Creative Learning Suite at the McManus. There are six places each costing £125.

The event is the first in an ongoing series of V&A at Dundee masterclasses concerned with design-led innovation. ( Below: The 50 megapixel camera Hasselblad H3DII-50 Courtesy: mydigitallife.info)