AN up-and-coming young photographer is taking first steps towards a professional career.

Sam Guy, 22, has had two photography exhibitions so far with the help of North Yorkshire County Council’s supported employment service.

His most recent exhibition at The Station in Richmond came about after council officers set out a plan for Sam to help him achieve his ambition of becoming a professional photographer.

Sam, who specialises in landscape and architectural photography, has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

And the supported employment service is helping him develop the marketing and communication skills to support his abilities as a photographer and his ambition of working professionally.

“The support has helped me open my mind to see what’s out there” he said. “It’s daunting to push your own work, but this has given me confidence.”

Sam’s mother Kathy added: “This support has been a lifeline to Sam. He has had a lot of positive feedback from his exhibitions.

“Sam has always been good at taking photographs, but now he is learning how to market his work and how to communicate. This means he can take a step in the right direction towards a career in the thing he loves to do.”