While still a student Iain started by developing his own black & white images in a cupboard in his parents' house. He used to spend his Saturdays taking pictures in Glasgow's East End (still a favourite haunt) seeking out unusual faces before returning to the cupboard to print and view his subjects.

New technology has enabled Iain to develop his arresting style. The freedom afforded by digital photography and the ability to manipulate his images has brought to life the vision he has carried in his head for years. An early image of Bob Dylan created, as a screen print by Iain during his College days was a precursor to how his style would develop. It was a cumbersome and time consuming task creating that image but with today's technology he has been able to push his artistic vision of how to portray people to the forefront of his creativity.  

"Many artists use cameras to create images; they have done so since photography came into existence. There is no better way to capture a true likeness. There are, however, also many limitations. My use of colour as a means of portraying my subjects is paramount to the way I work. All people have an aura but not everyone is aware of that.   When I am working with my subjects I have to be able to pick up on that & translate it into my portraiture." 

One of the many events that have convinced Iain his work is being widely appreciated was a recent feature in the Interiors section of a Sunday magazine, which showed one of his portraits hanging on a wall. This resulted in several new commissions. "It confirmed to me that the power of a good image, even if it is reduced to a small size, could still come across and entice people; that for me was most gratifying."