Start one of our part time photography courses in 2015 and you could be living the dream like our part time student Sean McDonald. Sean used to work in a full time corporate job - now he has his own business specialising in music and fashion photography.
'The Quarters' - Sean McDonald
Read about Sean's journey below:
Overwhelming! Seemed to be lots of talented people and I remember thinking how little I knew about photography.
What do you like most about PSC?
I love being in an environment geared towards helping me get better at the craft of photography. I love engaging with the teachers and their experience but most of all the strong bond formed amongst peers to help drive each other. It’s a very creative passionate environment.
What is your favourite class?
I most enjoyed the studio sessions, getting hands on and learning new skills/techniques.
How different is your photography & conceptual skill now compared to the first week of the course?
Drastically different. When I first started I found my main thought process was on my camera settings and trying to figure out how to control shutter speed, ISO, and Aperture. Now that, along with framing etc comes second nature and my thought process is more on the subject matter and trying to engage with them and draw out emotion.
What has been your greatest challenge and achievement whilst studying at PSC?
Definitely juggling a demanding full time job was the greatest challenge. But if you love what your doing enough you find a way to push through. Also getting out of my comfort zone of being more of a fly on the wall type shooter to shooting weddings etc has been a challenge early on but now I feel very comfortable with that which is a good achievement.
What kind of photography work have you done during your time at PSC?
I now do a lot of corporate work including many events, product shots, portraits, images for brochures, as well as corporate videos. That is my main income now and I also do weddings, press shots for bands and music videos which are a bit more creative but pay a little less. From a personal side I’m continuing to push my portraits and editorial type work and I am always shooting live music.
What is your dream job?
Dream job is just being able to make a comfortable living as a photographer. I enjoy working with people the most so maybe having my own studio would be great and getting to travel for work but to be honest I already feel like I’m living the dream. I was able to give up my corporate day job and do just photography and I’m actually surviving!
What advice would you give to future students?
Make the effort to learn the fundamentals in the first 2 years. Shoot, shoot, shoot, every shoot I’ve done I have learnt something new, the more you shoot the quicker you develop. Do the things you're most afraid of and get out of your comfort zone. Take every opportunity, I have had so many experiences where I have gone out of my way to do a job that at the time I felt was a waste of time and it always leads to something great. It’s also very important to build your network should you want to go into full time photography.
