It is estimated that within the two hundred independent countries of the world there are 6800 different spoken languages, creating a huge expanse of language barriers, hand signals and lost translations. However, within this mass of worldwide confusion, pictures and photography can still be understood universally. Maybe it’s a cliched point to prove, but personally I think this underlines the concept that a picture can (with no specified language) speak a thousand words to a thousand different people. I find this idea of global understanding deeply fascinating and it is one reason among many which has propelled me towards the study and
creation of photography and the visual arts.

From a young age I have had an interest in pictures and drawing, which developed, as I got older into an interest in textiles and a love of fashion. From this I decided to do an introductory course at The London College of Fashion, and it was there that my idea to pursue a career in photography and art direction first occurred. I found that although I was interested in the logistics and business side of the fashion industry it was the compositions, vibrant images and individuality of the advertising campaigns that truly inspired me. Studying photography at A-level I have learnt the importance of individual style and personal reading;
seeing this put into practice in magazines and adverts led me to decide that with the aid of higher education I wanted to go on and work with photography and advertising.

I have always had a flair for business, completing GCSE, AS and A level exams with a high-grade average. I have learnt the importance of finances and budget restraints, which I think is a very valuable lesson to learn. By studying English Language I have been able to improve my writing skills and expand my knowledge of the way in which words can be used to influence and explain. I have found both these subjects to have aided me with various independent projects and have increased my understanding and ability to perform at a high level in different areas. When I joined The Henley College I began working and learning with a
wide range of different people from different backgrounds, it was a large change from the structured life of an all girls grammar school. However, I found moving to this environment and a new way of education highly liberating, I was able to adjust very quickly, both socially and to the educational practices. From this experience I learnt to be very open to new opportunities and places, which has helped me with the projects and jobs I have done.

There are a large range of skills required when working in commercial photography- an example of these being networking and perseverance. In order to gain a wider perspective into the challenges of this as a career, as well as my subject coursework, I have done freelance work on a number of occasions including photographing private events and parties. I found these jobs to be more subjective as I had to work to a very specific brief with tight deadlines; the results of such experiences I have found to be highly positive. I have learnt to compromise with difficult clients and have had one of my photographs printed in BCFA member directory as
part of an advertising campaign. However, the biggest learning curve I experienced was when observing work at a professional studio it was here I witnessed the patience and communication skills needed to become a successful art director. I think by working with lens-based media at a degree level I will be further towards gaining the attributes needed for this area of work.

From university I hope to go on to and work within the photography and creative advertising industry. I know the skills necessary are both creatively and academically challenging, but due to my ambition, social ability and general love of photography, I think it is definitely something I could excel at, given the opportunity.

I’ve always imagined a photograph to be like a jigsaw puzzle, you have to find the various pieces that fit together to create something visually spellbinding. I like to set up my scenes; plastering bubble wrap and newspapers all over my house, covering absolutely everything or dragging my living room furniture into my garden. Transforming something, to create a conceptual set of images is what my photography is about. Other art forms can enrich Photography. Visiting Art galleries has inspired me to become more experimental, combining art techniques and photography, having painted over my photographs, collaged over them and stitched into them. These techniques extended the meaning behind my photos. Alex Stoddard’s photography has also opened my mind to creating conceptual messages in my work. Photography allows my individuality to be successfully asserted, and people I had never spoken to before who viewed my work in an exhibition told me how compelled they were by my quirky style. Their admiration has only stirred my love for it further and has propelled my interest. I have been chosen to present my photos to Watford Camera Club and I’ve recently been requested to take photographs on a Student Awards Evening and school play.

These images will be published in the school’s own section of The Watford Observer. Studying subjects such as History has allowed me to improve my evaluation and interrogation skills through using sources whilst broadening my understanding of referencing and bibliographies. Philosophy has been a huge advantage as the structure of the essays has taught me to prioritise the most important information. This has complimented my analytical writing in photography to filter the most necessary aspects of a photo to discuss. English taught me how to provide alternative interpretations which is invaluable when finding a theme in a photograph. My personal photography project is ‘Dreams’ and I chose this theme in order to develop my Photoshop skills to create surreal and professional looking images. I am eager to build upon these skills and try something new.

Through my part time job working as a cashier, I have been given responsibilities such as dealing with large sums of money whilst engaging with customers and meeting their needs which has heightened my confidence. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet new people of all ages and different backgrounds thus developing my social skills. It has taught me how to use my spare time efficiently and find a correct balance with school work. I’ve involved myself in a community placement in a reception class whereby I worked with students to produce art work. The reception class teacher was so impressed with the results that they chose to put them on display in the school. I am a prefect at school which involves me performing a weekly duty of supervising break and lunch for the lower years. I’ve connected more so with the school and its community and feel a sense of pride to have contributed something to maintain its outstanding ethos.

Being awarded Photographer of the year has also made me feel firmly recognised and valued. Reading and going to the cinema preoccupy my spare time and I’m currently enjoying films and music from the eighties era. Shakespeare is another passion of mine and I have visited his Globe theatre on several occasions and these visits encouraged me to involve myself in a Shakespearean play at school. I also used to play football, working my way up to becoming captain and I would love to be involved in a team again. A new interest of mine is teaching myself to play the ukulele. Going to university would give me the opportunity to firmly establish myself within the wider field of the photography community, whilst acquiring invaluable skills. My desire is to be taken seriously, and to become a well respected photographer.