Bio
As a photographer driven by a love of people, cultural curiosity and a passion for social justice, I use my lens to make human connections. People permit me to represent them with my lens because I show I care. Whether it's over minutes or years, it is always a privilege to gain a window into people's lives.
My images contextualise people's identity, interests, stories and lives to spark empathy, joy, sadness or curiosity. I feel most fulfilled in work that purposefully inspires new and personal connections, shares narratives less told, and contributes to breaking down social barriers.
If you'd like to discuss a project or collaboration, please get in touch. I am based in Fife, Central Scotland and work on location.
EXHIBITIONS
‘POSSIBLE PATHS' : PORTRAITS BY CATE GILLON, featuring photographs by Levenmouth Academy Pupils Joint Funded by Fife Cultural Trust & Creative Scotland.
ON NOW from 29th January 2025 AT TOGETHER LEVENMOUTH, Leven High Street, Fife https://possiblepaths.org/ Previously: 5th November 2024 - 25th January 2025. Methil Heritage Centre
‘US3’ EXHIBITION FEATURING ‘HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: PORTRAITS BY CATE GILLON’ (Group)
August 2011 on the Fringe. Digital Studio, Bread Street, Edinburgh
PEOPLE, POTTERY AND THE PAST
The High Morlaggan Project, Arrochar Village Hall, Argyll. 2011 Contributor AFTER THE TSUNAMI: PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATE GILLON (Solo)
20th–29th May 2005. City Art Centre, Edinburgh
2nd –26th June 2005. Barclay House, Scotsman Publications
Oct 2005 - Feb 2006. Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, Edinburgh
MISSOURI PHOTO WORKSHOP EXHIBITION 2008 St James, Missouri, USA. (Group)
PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS' YEAR 2007, National Theatre, London, UK. 2007 (Group)
PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS' YEAR 2006, National Theatre, London, UK. 2006 (Group)
INTERVENTION, Fashion Photography, Glasgow Fashion Festival, The Arches, UK. 2000 (Group)
Books
Putting the Rabbit in the Hat: Brian Cox My Autobiography (Paper & Hardback 2021) Contributor
The Mercy Corps Collection, Images from the Field (Hardback 2013) Front & Contributor
People, Pottery and the Past, Images of Community Archaeology in Argyll (Paperback 2011) Front & Contributor
After the Tsunami: Photographs by Cate Gillon (Paperback 2005) Solo
Press Photographers’ Year 2007, National Theatre, London, UK. 2007 Group
Press Photographers’ Year 2006, National Theatre, London, UK. 2006 Group
Putting the Rabbit in the Hat: Brian Cox My Autobiography (Paper & Hardback 2021) Contributor
The Mercy Corps Collection, Images from the Field (Hardback 2013) Front & Contributor
People, Pottery and the Past, Images of Community Archaeology in Argyll (Paperback 2011) Front & Contributor
After the Tsunami: Photographs by Cate Gillon (Paperback 2005) Solo
Press Photographers’ Year 2007, National Theatre, London, UK. 2007 Group
Press Photographers’ Year 2006, National Theatre, London, UK. 2006 Group
Staff Photographer Posts GETTY IMAGES PHOTO AGENCY, LONDON 2007- OCT 2008 THE HERALD, NEWSQUEST, GLASGOW 2005 - 2007 THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS, SCOTSMAN PUBLICATIONS LTD, 2003 - 2005 ATOM PHOTOGRAPHIC AGENCY, GLASGOW, 2003
Freelance PHOTOGRAPHER, EDINBURGH (2002 - 2003)
Education MDes Textiles & Fashion, Glasgow School of Art. Merit 2010 Designed, printed and tailored 5 outfits to create the Tokyo in My Eyes Collection Missouri Photo Workshop 60 at Missouri School of Journalism, U.S.A. 2008 BDes Printed Textiles (1st Class) Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art 2001
UK & Ireland Picture Editors’ Awards: Portrait Photographer of the Year 2007 (Special Award) Feature Photographer of the Year 2006 (Special Award) Young Photographer of the Year 2004 & Alan Harper Bursary (1st Prize)
Scottish Press Photography Awards: Photographer of the Year 2005 (Highly Commended) Photo essay of the Year 2005 (1st Prize) News photograph of the Year 2005 (1st Prize) F&A Bradshaw Design Award (Bursary): Duncan of Jorndanstone Bursary for further research & development. Mittelmoda Fashion Award, Italy: Scotland’s representative in 2001 Designed, printed and tailored 5 outfits to create the Tokyo in My Eyes Collection