Photo Tips: Hidden Heritage

To coincide with our Heritage Festival in May, celebrating the rich and often under-appreciated history of West Dunbartonshire, we have chosen the theme ‘Hidden Heritage’ for our Issue 36 photography competition. Here are some tips and ideas to get you shooting!

Forgotten Industry

Whether it’s the Turkey Red factories of the Vale of Leven, or the shipyards of Dumbarton and Clydebank, this area was once a hub of industrial activity. These days there isn’t much left, but there are still traces of evidence that hint at its once proud working past. Try to find things that highlight this, such as old drydocks, slipways, parts of old discarded machinery or even something simple such as the bollards which once lined docks holding fast the ships bound for far flung destinations…

Everyday History

Heritage can also be something relatively mundane. Places that shaped everyday life of the past, such as old shopfronts, signage, pubs or community places with decades or even centuries of stories behind them.

Nature Reclaiming the Past

Many historical places have been totally forgotten and left to be reclaimed by nature. Think about abandoned houses, castles or other structures that are now derelict and covered in plants, trees and ivy.

Juxtapose Old & New

One powerful way to explore Hidden Heritage is by showing the past and present sharing the same space. Look for contrasts like historic buildings overshadowed by modern housing or infrastructure, old industrial sites repurposed for new uses or traditional materials such as stone or timber beside glass, steel, and concrete.