<p dir="ltr">22-year-old Katy said, “I found out via email that I’d won and it was a big shock to be honest! The work I’d submitted was my ‘State of Mind’ series that I’d created for my final major project. As this was such a large body of work, I was really proud of what I’d achieved. Throughout the creation of my work, I’ve always had a feeling of imposter syndrome, so when I received second place, it was a pleasant surprise. It made me feel that maybe I should explore the editorial side of photography further.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The same series ‘State of Mind’ was also entered in the IPA, where she has been awarded ‘Official Selection’ status.</p> <p dir="ltr">Katy said, “I was pleasantly surprised to get the shortlisting at the IPA. I found out about this shortly after I won second place in the Wex Student Awards, so this was another big push and gave me a huge boost to my confidence.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Katy is a wedding, family, portraiture, interior, and pet photographer from Millbrook, Cornwall. Now living on a farm in Devon, Katy had a fascination with capturing and reminiscing on her life memories, which fuels her interest in photography and helping to capture the memories of others. </p> <p dir="ltr">Katy said, “At the moment, I’m working as a freelance photographer on behalf of a holiday letting company where I photograph all types of properties from cottages to estates. It’s a lot of fun and amazing to travel across Cornwall and Devon visiting different locations. Since every property is different, it never gets boring! I’m hoping to advance in the drone sector with training over winter, which allows me room for skill development. When I’m not photographing properties, I’m photographing weddings and family portrait sessions. I love being able to celebrate and capture memories for others, it’s very rewarding.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2021, Katy won an IPA 2021 Honourable Mention in the International Photography Awards in the category of Editorial/Press - Environment’ for her image ‘The farmer, the tractor and his land’, which was selected out of over 13,000 entries from 120 different countries worldwide.</p> <p dir="ltr">Katy said, “I originally chose to study <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-commercial-photography-1">BA (Hons) Commercial Photography</a> at Arts University Plymouth because the course fits perfectly with my career aspirations. I found studying at the university such a pleasure and I found the support so useful. The lecturers and staff members gave me so many opportunities to photograph a wide range of sectors from interiors to weddings. This influenced what I wanted to focus on as a profession.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Prior to studying at degree-level, I participated in Saturday Arts Club and other <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/about-us/young-arts">Young Arts</a> activities at Arts University Plymouth. I fell in love with being at the university and having the freedom to be creative. I have always loved photography and it was always in the back of my mind to study it at Arts University Plymouth.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Katy is currently booking wedding photography for 2024 and 2025 and hopes to continue to add to her skill set.<br /><br />Katy said, “I’m focussing on booking weddings for 2024/25, with potentially some destination weddings planned which I’m super excited for. I’m making more connections with estate agents and magazines, so I’m hoping to explore my interior work further as well as advance my drone photography skills.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When asked about what advice she would give students working towards becoming photographers, Katy said, “If you’re not sure what you want to photograph, make sure to explore everything. Try it all as you never know where you will be in the future, and you’ll already have those images under your belt. I’d highly recommend working as an assistant, or second shooting, as this is amazing and really helps you get your feet off the ground. Also, remember to use your camera frequently - it’s too easy to put it down and not pick it back up again for months. It can be hard to find inspiration sometimes, but find that aspect of photography that inspires you. Lastly, enjoy it! Taking photos is supposed to be fun, so don’t take it too seriously or listen to the ‘rules’. Understand the rules, but then break them!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-commercial-photography-1/overview"></a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-commercial-photography-1/overview">BA (Hons) Commercial Photography</a> at Arts University Plymouth offers the opportunities and expertise to help find success in today’s dynamic and competitive photographic industry. More information about how to apply is available on the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply">How to Apply</a> page or there are opportunities to speak to expert academics and current students at the next <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Open Day</a> on <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-nov23">Saturday 25 November</a>.<br /></p>