Progression Week in Photograpy

The first speaker was award-winning photographer Andrew Parsons. He has worked for top-selling newspapers, as well as a war photographer. For thirteen years he worked as resident photographer at Number 10, working closely and travelling the world with four prime ministers. He held the students’ attention with his account of his celebrated career in photojournalism, answering their questions at the end.

Andrew emphasised important skills that a photographer needs to develop, including resilience, and the willingness to take every opportunity offered. He said the students were fortunate to have a darkroom at the college, and he encouraged them to use it as much as possible.

The second speaker, established photographer James Cant, gave an insightful talk into the student experience on the photography degree course he leads at the London Metropolitan University.  James highlighted the many opportunities that are available to work in the creative industries after studying a photography degree.  He spoke about his career in commercial photography and his practice as a photographer who has exhibited his work nationally.

For students intending to study photography at university, a visit to the graduate exhibition ‘Free Range’ is a first choice. Photography students signed up for a trip to London to see the exhibition which showcases the best work from universities across the country.

Our students said, “The work was fantastic; I got loads of ideas for my own project.” “It was great seeing the difference between the Universities and to be able to talk to the students about their work.” “I loved the variety of different ways that the work was presented.”

After visiting the exhibition, the students took advantage of the vibrant neighbourhood for a location shoot along Brick Lane. They have come back with some sensational images for their coursework projects, we are looking forward to seeing these photographs exhibited at college in the future.