Name: Donna Stevens
Current year level: Final year Advanced Diploma student - Art Major
Current Employment/Position:
Commercial photographer.
Are you doing the course for a career or as a hobby?
Show me the money. The school has been so instrumental in my newfound photographic career.
Describe your first impression of PSC.
My first impression was impressed.
What do you like most about PSC?
The studio. It’s a large white space full of unimaginable creativity.
How much time do you put in outside of class each week?
Loads. I’m constantly meeting with subjects, making backgrounds, organising props, drawing ideas, or scheduling studio time.
Compared to the beginning of the course, how different is your photography & conceptual skill now?
Technically I was rubbish. Studio gear was scary. Now I’ll happily play around with all of the gear.
What has been your most valuable learning experience?
To create work layered with meaning and not just pretty pictures. As photographers, technique is nothing without strong ideas.
What has been your greatest challenge whilst studying?
Holding a baby and a camera at the same time.
Tell us about your experiences with mentor and client projects.
I love my mentors. One is a curator and one an artist. They’ll tell you when your ideas need work and encourage you when you’re on the right path. I’ve learnt people are very giving of their time.
What advice would you give to future students?
Bug your favourite photographer for an assisting job. Be friendly to the PSC staff. Volunteer at the CCP.
www.donnastevens.com.au