OCA preloader logo
Derek Trillo - The Open College of the Arts

To find out more details about the transfer to The Open University see A New Chapter for OCA.

Derek Trillo

To explain my passion/obsession with photography I’ll quote from On Being a Photographer: A Practical Guide (David Hurn & Bill Jay); ‘We both agree with the psychologist Abraham Maslow that the purpose of life is to become actually what we are potentially. We believe photography provides an ideal vehicle towards that destination.’

I doubt if I’ll ever reach my full potential, but I won’t stop trying. I find photography and tutoring to be both enjoyable and strangely therapeutic. Seeing students develop skills, understanding, and a passion for photography is especially rewarding.

I was elected a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society in 2020. I was awarded a Master of Arts Degree (Photography) from De Montfort University (2006), and a PhD from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2018. I was formerly a committee member of the Royal Photographic Society’s Contemporary Group. I was also a co-founder of Contemporary North West.

I have had work exhibited at the following locations: National Media Museum, Bradford; AOP Gallery, London; Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool; CUBE Gallery, Manchester; Harris Art Gallery Preston; Viewpoint, Salford; The Octagon, Bath; Gallery Oldham; City Gallery, Leicester.

Following a career in computing, I was a staff photographer/digital imaging specialist for the University of Manchester from 1994 to 2008. I now run a photography business based near Manchester (www.InsightImages.co.uk), specialising in architecture, artworks, travel and documentary, as well as photography training. I’ve also accepted commissions in aerial, underwater, construction, fine art, fashion, weddings, sports and wildlife. Previous commercial clients include: Manchester Museum, English Heritage, The Whitworth Art Gallery, BBC, Rough Guides, Bradt Guides, Lowry Galleries, National Museums Liverpool and Manchester Airport.

derek trillo