We caught up with BA (Hons) Photography student David Bell to learn why he left his course at University and switched to a hands-on degree at Newcastle College University Centre.
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Why did you choose to study at Newcastle College?
I studied a year of filmmaking at University and decided it wasn’t for me, as it was all based around fine art and I decided to pursue my passion in photography instead. I decided to come back to Newcastle and after chatting to the tutor for more information, I found the course to be better suited for me.
Why did you choose the course?
The course is very practice based and commercial. It allows me the freedom to focus on my own work and do what I love. My main interest is in product photography, which is still life photography and I felt like I could explore this more through the course.
What are the facilities like at the College?
Fantastic. We have access to studios, lighting, cameras and all the equipment we could possibly need to help support our learning.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
The freedom to explore my interest and follow my passion more. I really enjoy that the course isn’t specific to just one genre, but multiple, so there is flexibility for students to explore their own personal interests and experiment with that.
Do you like the fact assessment is not all based around exams?
I love it, I don’t mind exams but for a course such as photography, it’s amazing to have a variety of assessments - especially as it allows us to explore our creativity more.
What inspires you?
The work of others. When I was younger, I used to be obsessed with Apple, their marketing, the brand and the whole idea behind it, especially the minimalistic look in their photography and I wanted to create that. That is what inspired my interest in still life photography now.
Have you had the opportunity to go on a work placement as part of your degree? What skills do you feel you gained?
I took a gap year between my studies and worked as an intern as an in house photographer at the Handbag Clinic in Newcastle. I learnt a lot, especially in e-commerce, lighting and how to work as a photographer in the working environment. I was offered a position to work full-time after I graduate, so I look forward to that.
Have you worked on any projects/live briefs as part of your course? If so, what skills do you feel you’ve gained?
One of the projects I was involved in at the start of the course was to produce photography in the style of Gregory Crewdson. This was a big shoot, where we had the opportunity to shoot in a mansion in County Durham. During this project, I learnt a lot about lighting, which was really great to build on my skills.
How do you think learning from industry experienced tutors benefits you?
We all benefit a lot, as the tutors have experience in the industry which they can pass onto us. Especially as an aspiring professional photographer myself, it’s nice to know how our tutors went about being a photographer and the skills necessary for that.
How would you describe the staff at the College?
Amazing, they are the most genuinely lovely people, they’re knowledgeable and incredibly helpful.
What has been your highlight of studying at Newcastle College?
When I was offered the job at the Handbag Clinic - without the College and everything I’ve learnt while studying here, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity.
Any words of advice for any student considering studying at Newcastle College?
If you truly want to learn and gain hands on experience, the College is for you. I found in my personal experience I didn’t learn anything while studying at University until I came here. It was a breath of fresh air to learn the practical aspects as well as the educational.