Nathan Rollinson tells us about his work as a photographer and visual storyteller (BSL)

Hi, I’m Nathan Rollinson, a deaf photographer and visual storyteller based in Edinburgh. Photography, for me, isn’t just about creating nice pictures, it’s about capturing real stories and emotions.

I want people to look at my photos and feel something, whether it’s joy, nostalgia, calmness, or even curiosity. That’s what keeps me picking up the camera every day.

‘The Rollinson’ is my brand and it is my creative home. It’s where I get to focus on authentic storytelling through photography. It is also where I find beauty in the everyday and give space to voices and perspectives that aren’t always seen in the mainstream.

Inclusivity and diversity are central to everything I do. I want people from all walks of life to see themselves reflected in my work. At the heart of it, my brand is about connection. I want to make people pause, reflect, and connect to an image in a personal way!

My style is calm, classic, and timeless. I’m drawn to clean composition, natural light, and those little in-between moments of genuine emotion. I like to think my photos have a sense of elegance, but never at the expense of warmth and humanity.

I am self-taught in photography. I’ve always had a passion for capturing moments and have learned through practice, experimentation, and a lot of trial and error.

Throughout my life I’ve always been fascinated by the power of images to tell stories, especially older photographs that carry so much character and nostalgia.

Photography has been my way of understanding and connecting with the world, so starting my own business was really about taking that passion and turning it into something bigger.

You could say creativity has been in my bones since childhood. I was always sketching, painting, styling my barbies or finding other ways to express myself visually. I’d spend ages experimenting with disposable cameras, trying to see how much I could do with so little.

My family encouraged me, which gave me the confidence to keep creating. I’ve also been fascinated by historic homes and their interiors, the craftsmanship, the stories hidden in their walls. I’ve always wondered what the walls have seen and heard!

Like most creatives, I’ve had to deal with financial struggles, doubts about whether I was good enough, and the pressure of turning a passion into a sustainable business.

Being deaf has added extra challenges, too. There are times when I’ve felt overlooked or underestimated in a hearing-dominated world.

But those challenges have given me grit. They’ve taught me to adapt, to push forward, and to prove that I can carve out my space in this industry. In many ways, they’ve shaped me into the photographer I am today and gives me my USP!

I would say my deafness is actually one of my biggest strengths as a photographer. It heightens my visual awareness and sharpens my ability to notice details like the way light falls through a window, or the subtle expressions between two people.

Those observations enrich my work and give it a perspective that feels different.

It’s a constant reminder that what some might see as a “barrier” can actually be a gift. I’m always being told that there’s something “different” about my photography work and I love that!

I’m very proud of my deaf identity! It’s something I celebrate in both my personal life and professional work. For me, it’s been a journey of self-acceptance and growth. I want my work to reflect that pride and to play a part in challenging perceptions. Being deaf is not just a label for me. It’s a perspective, a culture, and a source of creativity.

With photography I’m inspired by so many things, but I always come back to nature, architecture, and interiors. There’s something calming about capturing the elegance of a building or the quiet beauty of a natural landscape.

At the same time, I love photographing people, especially when it means celebrating diversity and individuality. Whether it’s a wedding, a portrait, or a community event, it’s those genuine, unscripted moments that light me up.

I remember one time how I ended up accidentally becoming part of a wedding ceremony! It was completely unplanned and hilarious and yet it turned out to be one of the couple’s favourite memories from the day.

It reminded me that photography is about more than perfect planning. It’s about capturing the life that happens in the moment, even the unexpected bits.

Looking to the future, I’d love to collaborate with people and brands who care deeply about storytelling, culture, and diversity.

I want to travel more, capturing stories in different places and weaving those experiences into my work.

One big dream is to work with Belmond or other brands who value timeless elegance and authentic storytelling. At the end of the day, my ambition is to keep creating work that feels meaningful and inspires others.

For me, the best photographers are the ones who stay curious. You’ve got to be willing to wait for the right moment, but also ready to embrace the unexpected.

Creativity is obviously essential, but so is empathy. You need to put people at ease and earn their trust so you can capture something real. And of course, the more you practise, the more you train your eye to see light, detail, and composition in your own unique way.

If you’re just starting out in photography, my biggest advice is: play, experiment, and don’t worry about being perfect. Try out different styles, work with different subjects, and figure out what excites you.

Mistakes are part of the process as they’re how you learn. I’ve made plenty of mistakes!

Build a portfolio that feels like you and has your own stamp on it, not just what you think people want to see. And surround yourself with other creatives, as the connections you make can bring incredible opportunities.

I’m currently working on something a little different. It is an accessible podcast called ‘A Dose of Dandy’. It’s launching next month, and I’ll be chatting about everything from creativity and lifestyle to culture and personal stories.

It’s a new way for me to share ideas and connect with people, and I’m really excited to see where it goes.

Feel free to connect with Nathan on social media or check out his website to view more of his work:

– Instagram: @therollinson

– Website: www.therollinson.com (new website coming soon)