The Studio Team
The Faces Behind the Studio
We created this space because we love photography, love teaching it, and love meeting the people who share that passion.
Barrie Spence
Photographer & Lead Tutor
MQEP · FBIPP · FSWPP · ARPS · DPAGB · EFIAP
Barrie holds the Master Qualification (MQEP) from the Federation of European Photographers (FEP) - one of only four photographers in the UK to have done so. He has achieved Fellowships with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) and the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP). He has also achieved the EFIAP distinction for his work in international salons and a Distinction (DPAGB) with the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).
He became a director of The BIPP in 2020 and currently serves as their Head of Qualifications & Awards. He joined the board of the Federation of European Professional Photographers in 2024, and became President in April 2026.
Since achieving his MQEP in 2023 he has been actively involved in FEP qualification assessments across Europe, participating in events in Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Sweden. Alongside this he mentors photographers working towards their BIPP and FEP qualifications - and has judged competitions in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, and Austria, and taught workshops in the UK, Austria, and Denmark.
His competition record is equally sustained:
- Eight top-ten places over four years in the FEP European awards, 2023–2026
- Guild of Photographers People Photographer of the Year, 2025
- SWPP Open Avant Garde Photographer of the Year, 2024
- BIPP Scottish Region Portrait Photographer of the Year, 2019
- BIPP Scottish Region Photographer of the Year, 2019
At Pavilion, Barrie specialises in portraiture and art nude photography. He teaches every level - from people picking up a camera for the first time to working professionals looking to push their technique. The approach is relaxed and direct: massively patient, uncomplicated, no unnecessary jargon, no belief that the equipment matters, theories explained practically - all supported by years teaching these topics, and always good coffee.
Fiona Spence
Photographer & Tutor
QEP · ABIPP · IASWPP · ARPS · DPAGB · EFIAP
Fiona is a Qualified European Photographer (QEP) with the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP), and holds Associate awards with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP), and the Royal Photographic Society (RPS). She has also achieved the EFIAP distinction for her achievements in international salons and a Distinction (DPAGB) with the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).
- FEP European awards top-ten finalist, 2026
- BIPP Fine Art & Digital Creation International Photographer of the Year, 2024/25
- BIPP Scottish Region People & Portrait Photographer of the Year, 2022
- BIPP Scottish Region Fashion & Beauty Photographer of the Year, 2022
She is currently President of Edinburgh Photographic Society.
Like Barrie, Fiona mentors photographers working towards their professional qualifications. She assists and teaches at the studio, most often at weekends. Between the two of them there's very little they haven't taught - and very little they won't happily sit down and talk through over a coffee. And it's always a better day when she's in.
Also on the Team
The Studio Dawgs
An essential part of the studio experience. Expect a massively enthusiastic welcome.
Elsa
Studio Dawg & Snuggle Hound
Elsa joined the team in January 2021. Still needy, still loving it. Will ask you to rub her tummy - we expect you to comply.
Mac
Junior Studio Dawg & Mutt Job
Adopted in August 2024. Incredibly friendly, incredibly bouncy. No notion of personal space, lacks spatial consideration. Basically a loving bag of bricks. Settling in beautifully.
Come and Learn With Us
Learn with People Who Really Know Their Craft
One-to-one sessions, group classes, and combined shoot-and-learn model day options - all in our West Lothian photography studio.