Feature Friday!! Today we are catching up with Shannon MacKenzie who studied commercial photography at PSC.
Shannon MacKenzie, 'Jodie', 2016
What got you started in photography?
I started in photography because I needed to get out of my career as a criminologist and felt my art was confining me indoors. I wanted to get out into the world and see beauty.
When you first started at PSC, what kind of photographer did you imagine you would become?
When I first started at PSC I imagined I would become a wedding photographer. A new career with beauty and happiness.
What is the most beneficial thing you have learned?
The main thing I learnt was photography can be fine art, I was inspired by readings and constructive advise from one teacher, even if it was negative.
What was your most challenging moment at PSC?
The most challenging time I had at PSC was staying true to me, it's easy to get lost or intimidated by others work.
What was your most rewarding moment at PSC?
The most rewarding moment at PSC was gaining my idol as my mentor.
I have moved so far away from an aspiring wedding photographer it's unbelievable what I can achieve through a camera lens instead of on canvas.
Shannon MacKenzie, 'Jodie', 2016
What was your graduating folio about? How did you arrive at this idea?
My graduating folio was about social demographics and how we portray ourselves in public where we receive such criticism but behind closed doors we all live the same, we are one society. I came to this idea after looking into what the census was about.
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment I am back in criminology work and working on forensic photography. I am also laying down the initial sketches for a mixed media art/photography exhibition by spring.
What advice would you give to current students?
Experiment with all avenues of photography and pick the one that feels right and gets your creative side pushing you to do more. Stay true to that and aim for your work to shine.
What do you do when you're not taking photos?
When I'm not taking photo's I study for my master's and work. But I'm always planning.
Shannon MacKenzie, 'Jodie', 2016
Where do you find your motivation?
My motivation is everywhere. It can be a moment that makes you take note or turn back to get this image on your phone while taking down a note of time and place. I have gone from wedding to surrealism but still have that element of beauty.
Who/what inspires you?
I'm inspired by my mentor Brooke Shaden, she understands the way I see things and I understand her direction.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to create a large piece of work for a corporate/commercial/cultural buildings foyer.
Shannon MacKenzie, 'Jodie', 2016