Stafford College students take part in local Photography competition

Students studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography were tasked with capturing and editing a sequence of three images which were then submitted to local photographer, Daniel Moore, and his team to be judged.

Focusing specifically on portrait photography, the competition was designed to develop the students’ knowledge and skills of capturing a portrait image in a variety of settings and environments.

Commenting on the competition, Daniel, said: “Overall the whole class produced a great standard of images that I would not usually expect from first year students and I’m seriously impressed. I look forward to seeing more of their work in the future - the students have done the College and their lecturers proud.”

First year photography student, Jodie Cresswell was announced as the overall winner and was presented her award by Daniel and his team alongside two other students, Matthew Clarke Hills and Sam Hunter, whose work was awarded highly commended.

Commenting on Jodie’s achievement, Daniel, said: “Jodie has shown great skill in both lighting and posing her models. The use of two contrasting gels is difficult especially when attempting to balance the exposure between them. Jodie has done this very well and her use of a dark background highlights the subtlety of her lighting. The images are consistent in their form and work well as a set while still giving the viewer a variety of poses and a range of conveyed emotions. This is very well done and I would expect these images to have come from a professional photographer.”

As part of her prize, Jodie will now gain some valuable industry work experience by spending a working day assisting Daniel in his studio, which will give Jodie a real insight into what it’s like to work as a professional photographer and studio owner.

Daniel Moore Photography is a photography studio based in Stone, Staffordshire and was opened by ex-Stafford College student, Daniel Moore in 2012. Daniel started his photography career at Stafford College where he completed a BTEC National Diploma in Photography before going on to study a BA (Hons) in Fine Art Photography at the University of Derby.

Robb Agostinelli, Photography Lecturer at Stafford College, said: “This project has been a fantastic experience for the students to work with an industry professional and to develop their understanding of how they can work professionally within the industry and the expectations which will be placed on them. We are very thankful to Dan for working with us and are greatly impressed with both the student’s independent approaches to the brief and the overall quality of the images they have produced.”

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography is a full-time, two year course and is designed for students who want a career in the photography industry. Taught by highly experienced specialist staff, students will learn about the various digital and traditional photography techniques, including how to use film and digital cameras and how to control camera settings such as: aperture, shutter speed and depth of field control, whilst working in the College’s studio.