My Journey in Photography

My photography story began at the age of 12 with a small point-and-shoot camera. In the mid-1980s, during my military service, I was formally trained in both photography and film development, which gave me a strong technical foundation. I went on to capture rugby matches and landscapes using an Olympus OM10, processing the black-and-white prints myself.

As technology advanced, I transitioned into digital photography, eventually choosing Canon cameras for their reliability and Adobe software for consistent quality. Over the years, I have refined my skills not just to take photographs, but to tell stories through images. That passion has grown into a focus on medical and rescue photography, where my background allows me to create visuals that are both professional and authentic.

My Journey in Pre-Hospital Care

Even before photography, my journey in pre-hospital care began at the age of nine when I joined St John Ambulance cadets. I trained under experienced first aiders, gained practical experience at local events, and took part in the St John Centenary parade on Horse Guards Parade in 1977.

As I grew older, my role expanded into the adult division, where I trained further and supported cadets on duty. During my military service, I deepened my knowledge of trauma care and later moved to the Red Cross, where I gained ambulance qualifications and training in casualty simulation.

After leaving the military, I continued to serve with the Red Cross before joining the London Ambulance Service in 2006. I worked across North London both as ambulance crew and on response cars until 2012, responding to emergencies, supporting large events, and assisting during winter pressures and major incidents. More recently, I have been part of an international project in Thailand designed to improve pre-hospital care in rural regions, which has now been approved to move forward.

Combining Both Worlds

Today, my dual background in emergency medicine and photography has led me to specialise as a pre-hospital photographer in the UK. I know first-hand the challenges faced by first aid trainers, event medics, ambulance services, and pre-hospital providers and I use that understanding to create photography that represents them authentically.

Helping Medical and Rescue Services Build Visibility

Through Duncan Scott Photography, I help everyone involved in pre-hospital training and care raise their visibility, strengthen their branding, and build trust through professional photography. I believe that visibility builds credibility, and credibility saves lives.

That is why I have ended up exactly where I am: combining my experience in pre-hospital care with my skills as a photographer to tell the real stories of those who save lives every day.