2017 Graduate Feature; Bella Johnson

This week we are featuring photojournalist student Bella Johnson in the lead up to graduation on May 19th; only two weeks away-Yikes!

What got you started in photography?
In year 11 I stepped into a darkroom, got taught the process and handed a Pentax k1000, I couldn't believe (and still don't) how Magic the process is.

When you first started at PSC, what kind of photographer did you imagine you would become?
I imagined I'd become a travel photographer.

What is the most beneficial thing you have learned?
To trust your gut. It's said a lot, but so true, especially to documentary photography.

What was your most challenging moment at PSC?

The moments you question yourself and your practice.

What was your most rewarding moment at PSC?

Picking up my final project from the printers.

How has your style developed?
I still shoot 35mm colour film, I wont ever stop. But I've recently built a darkroom and am getting back into black and white photography. I shoot impulsively, it's a feeling, not a thought, my style revolves around intimacy with moments.

What was your graduating folio about?
It was about youth. Capturing candid moments of intimacy. It was a diaristic approach to the world around me.

How did you arrive at this idea?
I found it really difficult choosing a folio theme, but trusted my gut, and shot what I was attracted to and what I was already shooting, my friends.

What are you working on at the moment?
Still the same body of work about youth, I don't think it'll end.

What advice would you give to current students?
Trust your gut.

What do you do when you’re not taking photos?
I make art, I write lots, watch documentaries, listen to vinyl and drink gin.

Where do you find your motivation?
Art, the street, people, conversations, music, film, travel, just about everything.

Who/what inspires you?
People, the world.

What is your dream job/shoot?
Travel photography, to travel the world, meet people and capture intimate moments to show the rest of the world.