Through the Lens with NSCG Alumna, Carla Mabb

I studied A Levels in Physics, Maths and Photography. I always had comments about the variety in my subjects, but I adored having a mix of academic and creative practices. 

I actually wanted to study Astrophysics after college due to my interest in space studies. I had always been recognised for my skills in the subject so wanted to pursue a career within the field. 

A big skill I developed during college was my time management. With photography having the element of coursework in it, it was important that I was on top of my workload so I didn’t fall behind when it came to revising for Physics and Maths.

I decided to take a break from education after college and I took a gap year! In this time, I went travelling around Europe whilst also working part time to fund my adventures. As I mentioned before, I was very intent on studying Physics post college. I was awarded places at University of Birmingham and University of Bristol to name a few, however the gap in my education made me realise my love for photography. If I hadn’t studied it along side the academic subjects, I probably wouldn’t have thought to pursue a future in it. Shortly after finishing college, I re-applied to university but this time to study photography.

Studying photography and practicing it further within my gap year gave me chance to fall in love with the subject, so it seemed silly to do anything else. I chose Bristol over anywhere else not only because of the amazing photography course they offer, but because of how much I love the city. My photography lecturer at Newcastle College actually inspired me to visit Bristol in the first place due to the photography festivals that take place there. After visiting in 2021 I knew that I would return to the city eventually! It is a great place for students and there is a massive network available for the creative industry.

It’s been everything and more! It was quite daunting at first to join a course with so many passionate people, but it has broadened my network and given me the chance to receive invaluable feedback from not only my peers but industry professionals who work with the university. 

I love the fact that I am able to gain industry experience alongside my studies. This is quite rare in university but thankfully with the course being very independently lead, I am able to gain experience outside of all the skills I am being taught on campus. This is the perfect opportunity to gain confidence so that when I finish my course I am not thrown into the deep end.

My proudest achievement so far – as simple as it sounds – is continuing my studies through hard times. In first year, I lost my dad, which gave me the option of whether to stick with the course or drop out. I am forever grateful for the support system down in Bristol with the university and my friends, as without them I wouldn’t have been able to motivate myself. My hard work has definitely payed off in my results, and I want to continue making my dad proud!

I have been selected through the university to take part in Project Zulu – a scheme which partners UWE Bristol with schools in townships situated in Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa. I am working amongst a team of one other photographer and six filmmakers to document all of the incredible work they are doing by sending our students over to their partner schools. This year I was fortunate enough to experience their choir tour – a biennial event in which students from their schools come over to fundraise through performances and busking. I spent three weeks touring with the children aged 11-13 around the Southwest and had the most amazing time! The kids are so passionate and each have such unique personalities.

It was such a lovely surprise! I was aware that my images would be used for marketing purposes through the Project Zulu socials, however I didn’t realise they would go further to be featured in BBC England. It’s an amazing feeling seeing my name alongside the images that I worked so hard on and great exposure for the future.

You can see Carla's work here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2er77re88o 

In July I will be travelling to South Africa to continue my work with Project Zulu! I am so excited for this opportunity and to see the children again, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and might even open the door to more companies recognising my work. 

At the moment, I am currently working as an intern for a media group based in London called Media Photography Company. I have gained invaluable skills from this experience and have also developed a very niche style through it. In the future I would like to continue this kind of work – whether it be with a company or freelance work. Another path I would like to explore is technician work – I love being practical in the dark room!

Definitely! I had a complete change in my career path; however, I wouldn’t change a thing. Physics and maths taught me a lot of valuable lessons when it comes to problem solving which can be applied to whatever you do. I couldn’t be happier studying photography and making a name for myself through it.

Don’t stress too much about what you want to do in the future. You’re still young and it’s a big decision, nothing is set in stone. If I was able to do a complete 180 and still succeed, then so can you. 

Only you know what is best for you. Despite what anyone says, you need to follow you heart (in the least cheesy way!) and do what makes you