<p>With thousands of new graduates leaving photographic education every year, those wishing to pursue careers in the industry must adapt to face a number of challenges. In addition to being self-sufficient, highly motivated, and determined to succeed, graduates need to acquire a range of skills to be able to thrive in the creative industries.</p> <p>Now more than ever, with students making significant investments in their futures, photographic education needs to ensure that students are better prepared for life after study.</p> <p>With presentations and seminar discussions from a range of practitioners, agents and other industry professionals, students gain invaluable insight into various areas of the industry, an understanding of the career possibilities available to them and the knowledge, skills and attributes required to succeed in the industry.</p>

<p>The 2017 symposium was held at Camden Park Studios, working home of the legendary advertising photographer Ray Massey. Speakers included:</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.rachellsmith.com/">Rachell Smith</a></strong><br />Fashion, Beauty &amp; Portrait Photographer, whose work has been published in Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Allure and Vogue.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.owen-harvey.com/"><strong>Owen Harvey</strong></a><br />An award-winning editorial Photographer. Owen’s recent clients include Time, GQ, the BBC, Fred Perry and Sony Music but it’s his personal series on British youth subculture that has defined his career, earning a place in the prestigious Taylor Wessing portrait prize.</p> <p><a href="http://www.philiphaynes.com/"><strong>Philip Haynes</strong></a><br />Sports &amp; Portrait Advertising Photographer whose clients include Adidas, Puma, Speedo, O2, BMW, Carlsberg and the Sunday Times Magazine.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.davidellis.co.uk/"><strong>David Ellis</strong></a><br />Photographer and filmmaker of choice for some of the most iconic brands and magazines in the world. Clients include Virgin Media, Vodafone, Jaguar, Sky, Nike, Warner Bros, Smirnoff, Channel 4, and Universal music.<br /><br /><a href="https://horton-stephens.com/"><strong>Niall Horton Stephens</strong></a><br />Founder of Horton Stephens, the London Photography Agents who represent some of the world’s most notable commercial advertising photographers.</p> <p><a href="https://the-dots.com/users/sarah-williams-91165"><strong>Sarah Williams</strong></a><br />Head of Art Buying at M&amp;C Saatchi, Creative Consultant &amp; Art Buyer.<br /></p>

<p>Following the talks, a number of the students benefited from the unique opportunity of one-to-one portfolio reviews with the industry guests. In addition to industry and creative advice, the reviews also provided a unique networking opportunity, with many students coming away with valuable contacts, with the potential for work placement and assisting opportunities.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-commercial-photography-1">Explore our innovative BA (Hons) Commercial Photography for Fashion, Advertising &amp; Editorial programme</a></li><li><a href="https://commercialphotopca.blog/">Stay up to date with the students and their activities by following their blog</a></li><li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Interested in creative study? Take a look at our upcoming open days</a></li></ul>