Graduate Talent Shines in Prestigious Portrait of Britain Awards

A recent graduate from City of Glasgow College has seen his work displayed on billboards across the UK after being selected for one of the country’s most prestigious photography showcases.

Deljeem Rai, who completed a BA (Hons) in Photography, has been named a winner in Portrait of Britain, an annual competition run by the British Journal of Photography in partnership with JCDecaux.

The award-winning portrait, originally presented at the College’s graduate show, was selected from thousands of entries submitted by photographers across the UK. The competition celebrates powerful images that capture the diversity and complexity of modern British life, with around 100 portraits chosen each year.

Deljeem’s image stands out for its intimate portrayal of identity and community, capturing a subject whose presence reflects both personal story and wider cultural experience. Through careful composition and a strong sense of connection between photographer and subject, the portrait conveys authenticity and quiet strength, qualities that resonated with the judges.

As part of the award, his work has been displayed on digital screens and billboards nationwide, bringing his photography to a mass public audience. The image has also been published in the latest Portrait of Britain book, marking a significant milestone in his early career.

Reflecting on his time at the College, Deljeem said:

“Being a student at City of Glasgow College was an incredible experience. It gave me the confidence to experiment and push my work in new directions.

Being selected for Portrait of Britain felt really rewarding, not just for me, but for my community and the culture behind the image. It was a real moment of pride.”

The award is widely regarded as a launchpad for emerging photographers, offering national exposure and opening doors to future commissions and exhibitions.

Staff at City of Glasgow College have praised Deljeem’s achievement as a testament to both his talent and the creative environment fostered within the Photography programme.

Iain Smart, Photography lecturer, said:

“Deljeem’s success is a fantastic achievement and richly deserved. To see work developed here at the College go on to gain national recognition at this level is hugely rewarding. We’re incredibly proud of him and excited to see where his career goes next.”

This recognition is an important step in Deljeem’s career and also highlights the impact of nurturing emerging creative voices and the stories they bring to a wider audience.