I have studied photography for almost three years and feel that it has taught me that there is something extraordinary in the everyday ordinary. Photographs have inspired, influenced, moved and quite often disturbed me. Exploring photography has at times been exceptionally challenging but in return this has been a rewarding and satisfying enquiry sometimes leaving more questions than answers that lead to further research.
Following on from an Extended Diploma in Photography I decided to study a Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media, feeling this would offer me the artistic freedom to try out other techniques and materials that were not entirely photographic. The graphic aspect of both courses was very interesting, enabling an exploration of creative ideas whilst constructing bodies of work such as zines and photo essays.
I have explored a number of photographic genres many of which I was already aware, but it was the first time I approached the documentary and story telling side of the subject . I enjoy working on assignment-based projects focusing on the topic at hand in difficult and pressured situations and attempting to achieve a depth of understanding. I try to gain positive results within both objective and subjective topics and themes. I enjoy researching subject material that forces me to take a step back and to depict the story as truthfully as I can enabling the subject to speak for itself whilst keeping my own emotional involvement excluded. I equally enjoy embarking on projects or topics that involve much from within, sometimes leaving me emotionally charged whilst trying to express my side of events and telling my story.
Robert Frank and Jim Goldberg have inspired much of my work. The narrative within their imagery, the concepts and sometimes controversial subject material and themes have empowered me to research similar topics that relate to our own social state, such as the social landscape and portraiture enabling me to become its voice through my pictures.
The world of film such as 35mm, medium format and 5x4 large format was also introduced to me. Through this experience I gained better knowledge of both the technical and compositional aspects of Photography. The process of working with and developing film in the traditional dark room has been an immense learning curve and equally rewarding especially when seeing final prints.
For me now, I am left with an immense desire to want to study Photography further. I feel I am dedicated, hard working and creative and can work both as a team or singlehanded. I would really like to explore the subject further and gain more confidence within my work.
In my spare time I enjoy reading books, listening to music, walking and exploring the great outdoors with my camera. I also enjoy spending time with my family and children and teaching them elements of what I have learned and vice versa. I feel that studying Photography at University would not only enrich and benefit me but also benefit the life of my children. I am hoping I can set a good example to them.
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