Never too old to learn

A year ago I sat on my mobile phone flicking through Photography Degree courses at University thinking how great it would be to apply but knowing that I would never get onto a course as I don't know the first thing about photography! Yes I love taking pictures and I have a DSLR camera but would that qualify me for a place at University? Not likely!

I had a great career working with children and I still do, but what I really want is a job that doesn't feel like a job, doing something that I would do for free anyway as I enjoy it so much, but with the added bonus of getting paid for it! (unfortunately I couldn't find anybody to pay me for playing candy crush)

My first step was looking for an access course that could qualify me for University so I started looking online at all the local colleges, there were times when I questioned myself, do I want to be a student, going to college and university at the same time as my own children? I am a great believer in the saying 'you are never too old to learn' so decided to bite the bullet.

One thing that worried me most was the cost of returning to college. I found a great course but with the price being in the thousands it seemed out of the question. Luckily while browsing I came across a link for the 24+ learning loan, this is a loan from the student loan company that covers the cost of many courses between level 3 and degree level. It is paid back through your wages when you are earning over a certain amount just like other student loans, and even better, if you go onto higher education (degree level) then the loan is wiped out! Without the help of this loan I doubt I would have even considered going back to college!

I decided against studying just photography at college as I didn't want to be overloaded with five years of studying just that and then get fed up of the sight of my camera. I decided to study Video, Photography and Digital publishing which was only a year long and was aimed at just adults as opposed to the photography course which was two years and 16+.

This year has been a bit of a whirlwind, juggling work, writing essays and keeping house but I have managed to keep my head above water and have learnt so much, including...

• How to use a DSLR camera in manual mode
• Exposure - Aperture, ISO, shutter speed
• Composition - Rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry
• White balance
• Documentary photography
• Reportage
• Studio and portraiture
• Photography and the law 
• Photography development, dark room skills
• Photoshop editing and design
• Video camera settings
• Script writing
• Interview techniques
• Video sound and vision
• Making a drama
• Making a documentary
• Voxpops
• Essay writing
• Report writing
• Research techniques, finding and reading information
• Writing a blog post (kinda knew that already)
• Graphic design 
• Portfolio building
• Personal statement writing
• Preparing for university

And probably so much more that I cannot remember! Oh and did I mention that the head of Creative Arts and media gave me an award for being inspirational and a great role model to the other students...get me! Unfortunately I knew nothing about it and didn't turn up to the event where he was giving it out...oops!

Many of my classmates were not impressed with the way the course was run and had other expectations but to be honest I attended (nearly) everyday, took each challenge as it came, completed the work on time and managed to achieve 7 merits and 5 distinctions along the way. Most of all I met some really lovely people who I hope to keep in contact with (the joy of social media) and follow their progress into the world of photography and film making.

For anybody wanting to learn a new skill or take the plunge into a new career I would urge you to look up your local learning centre/college and see what is on offer.

I was offered a place at Southbank University where I will start my next learning journey in September and feel completely prepared and super excited! I also gained a new interest in graphic design while on my course and am currently working on a new venture...watch this space!

Black and White Studio

This term at college we have been looking at studio portraiture. We first practiced with other class members, changing backdrops and lighting and using filters. We then had to choose our own model and book a slot in the studio to take a mixture of digital and film photographs.

I used my daughter as a model because, being 16, she doesn't mind posing in front of the camera!

Here are a few (of the many) photos I took with my Nikon DSLR...

I did like shooting in the studio but if I'm honest I much prefer being outside in the natural light. I did love the film developing process though and being in the darkroom on my own was very relaxing, I hope I get the chance to do some more in the future.

This post is linked with #BWphotoproject

Black and white - Pattern

I like to follow a bit of a theme when I am posting photos so this week I thought I would post a few images that show shape, lines or pattern in them. I took a couple of the photos this week while waiting for the bus in the cold and the others were taken a while ago in the Science museum.

This post is linked up to podcasts black and white photography project, so click the link to see lots more monochrome pics.

Black and White documentary

In December I was given an assignment at college to take 10-12 documentary reportage photos looking at Housing, Homelessness and Poverty, and to write a report on them. I found this to probably be one of the hardest projects I have had to do so far.

In the UK there is no law against taking photos of anybody in a public place but it is questionable as to whether it is ethical to do so. I personally wouldn't want somebody shoving a camera in my face while I am just minding my own business outside and I would equally find it unpleasant for somebody to use a zoom lens and take my photo without my knowledge. Obviously in crowded places or the background of somebody else's shot it is likely to happen occasionally that you could feature, but not if you are the focus of the picture.

I currently have family members with housing needs that are receiving support from the charity Shelter so I approached the charity to ask if I could document how they support vulnerable people over the Christmas period. Unfortunately they were unable to allow me in with my camera for privacy purposes which I completely understand so I had to explore other avenues.

While exploring London for different ideas I came across a charity that provide vegetarian meals to homeless and vulnerable people. They were based on a back road in the heart of Camden but travel to different areas that they feel people need support.

I was surprised at just how many people needed to use this service and talked to a few of them to ask if they would mind me taking their photo, they were fine with it and happy to talk to me but there was one guy that started shouting, saying that I was out of order. I felt really guilty but at the same time this is reality, if people don't highlight the fact that there are local people having to stand on a corner and eat a free meal then how can others help or change what is happening.

I am sorry to show such a depressing reality but a couple of these photos had an impact on me, particularly the one that shows passers by not even glancing up from their phones or conversations because they are so desensitised to what is happening in their surroundings or the guy that is eating alone and standing, facing the wall as there was no other options available to him.

To see my full photo story click on my portfolio link and I will be happy to get any feedback on your thoughts.

This post is linked to the black and white photography project over at Podcast 

Black and White London

I took a drive over to North London over the weekend and thought I would take a few photos of the scenery during the Journey (I wasn't actually in the driving seat at the time)

I do like a black and white landscape shot...

I wasn't expecting the pictures to turn out too good considering I was in the car and actually moving while I was taking them but I think they turned out quite nice!

This post is linked up to The Black and White Photography Project over at Podcast

B&W Photography at Christmas

I do like to join up with the black and white photography project but over the past few weeks I haven't actually had a chance to take any photo's (quite weird as a photography student) it has all been about essay writing and personal statements for UCAS applications. I am currently working on a documentary project focusing on poverty and homelessness so I hope to blog about that at some point!

Christmas was pretty good for me (well I have been a good girl) As well as getting a car I also got a new camera...not sure which one I am more excited about!

I already have a Nikon DSLR and my new camera is a Nikon coolpix, although it's a bridge camera I love that it is so light and has a big screen that I can see the photos on. It means I can use a nice camera while out and about and keep my other one for particular projects.

So on Christmas day I had a little play around with my new coolpix, here are a few pics I took...

I am linking this post up to the Black and White photography project over at PODcast, open every Sunday if you would like to join in!

Shelter Exhibition

Last week my photography class took a trip to the Science Museum to see the Nick Hedges documentary photography exhibition - Make life worth living.
The exhibition was commissioned by Shelter the homeless charity. Photos were taken at some of the poorest areas across the UK including Glasgow, London and Birmingham in the late 1960's and early 1970's

The exhibition itself is set in the Virgin media studio in the Science museum, it seems like a small collection as the size in comparison to the museum itself is tiny but there are actually a hundred photos all together.

The photographs were taken to highlight the poverty, homelessness and poor housing conditions throughout Britain during that era and some are shockingly chilling. While some of the images are hard-hitting there are also some that show happiness and one in particular of a group of children playing outside a run down block of flats just reminded me of my own childhood.

Some of the images also have a story with them while others leave you to work out the story for yourself.

I found the exhibition very touching and wondered how much has actually changed in the last 50 years. My next photography assignment is documentary photography focused on poverty and homelessness so this exhibition has given me a lot to think about.

Shelter are still helping people in housing crisis today and hopefully the exhibition will highlight the struggles that people are having to face everyday.
If you would like to visit the Nick Hedges exhibition it will be on until 18th January 2015 and is open everyday. Entry to the museum and the exhibition is free.

B&W Photography project

I took this picture at our local Feast market that features a retro fair. I thought the vintage items look quite fitting as a black and white photo.

This post is featured on The Black and White Photography project over at podcast, if you would like to join in just link up your own monochrome image in a blog post!

B&W Photo

I have been finding it really hard to keep up with blogging while juggling family, work and studying so I thought as a photography student the best thing to do is find a linky that I can combine my photos and a simple blog post.

I think some photos need colour to help tell their story but there are certain images that just work as black and white!

I was recently given the prompt 'waiting' by my tutor for a photo to hand in as homework. We were sent outside to practice experimenting with exposure and I took this shot of a woman waiting by the road.

I love how the road looks empty apart from the lady but actually it was a really busy afternoon, I also like the composition of the tree on the opposite side of her. I think the image has more impact in black and white than it would in colour.

This post is linked up with The B&W Photography project over at Podcast.

Siblings - June

Having one child that loves the camera and three others that try to avoid it at all costs means it's a very rare occasion that I get any nice photos of them together.

The two youngest normally fight like cat and dog, so as I managed to get a picture of them both together and smiling I just had to share. Hopefully at some point I can get one of all four of them in the same shot but I can't promise that they will all be happy!

This post is linked up to Dear Beautiful's family portrait project on the link below.

Positive pic of the week #5

This weeks positive pic is of Kieron enjoying the zip wire at a local park.

Although the weather hasn't been fantastic it has been bright and sunny and it's nice to be able to get outside and take in some fresh air. The kids are still at an age where they can have fun at the park, I like the fact that they are free and the kids are old enough to roam around on there own without me following behind so I can find a bench to sit on a read a book.

What simple pleasures have you had this week? If you have a photo feel free to add to the link below!

Positive pic of the week

As of next Saturday (22 march) I'm going to be hosting a new Linky on my blog by the name of Positive pic of the week.

I love photography and ever the optimist I like to think of all the positives things that are happening in life rather than focus on the negative, so that has led me to the idea of posting a picture that represents something positive that has happened in my week.

I was going to do this myself but thought it would be nice to spread a bit of positivity and open up the idea for all you lovely 'glass half full' bloggers to join in.

So if you are wondering what kind of photos can be posted, here are a few ideas:

Something that has put a smile on your face
A special person
A place you have visited
Something you have made...

And I'm sure there are loads of other things you can think of!

The only rules are that you do not use anyone else's photos or upload random pics from the Internet. The photo needs to have been taken in the week running up to when it is posted and you do not post any quotes (I love a quote as much as the next person but I think there are already enough of them around)

You can write as little or as much as you like to explain your picture or you can leave it all to the imagination, its totally up to you!

To join in grab the badge below and link up to the weekly post on my blog. The linky will be open from Saturday morning until Sunday evening so you have the whole weekend to share your positivity...

To share on Twitter please use #pospicofweek

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