"The sense of community is just awesome. Everyone knows everyone and they are all really supportive and encouraging. It’s unlike anything I've ever experienced elsewhere"

We sat down with Final Year Bachelor student Kaitlyn Church, to ask her why she chose to study Photography over Law?

Was photography the only thing you were considering to study? Or did you have other things in mind?

It was a toss up between law and photography for me. Although I'm still very interested in law and politics, I decided to follow my passion for photography. I don’t regret my decision, I think it’s the best decision I’ve made.

What made you decide to choose photography?

 For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed taking photos. I used to always ‘borrow' my Dad's cameras. It was just something I always did. When I was in high school I used photography as a means of relaxation. But in my later years of high school I became  more and more passionate about the medium. I don’t remember exactly what the reason was that made me change from Law to Photography . But I’m glad I did.

Why did you decide to study at PSC?

I think it was the focus that PSC has on photography that first drew me here. Prior to PSC I didn’t really know any other photographers so the idea that an entire school dedicated to photography existed kind of blew my mind. Also the small class sizes were another bonus. I always wanted to go to a smaller institution because I didn't want to be treated like just another number.

Tell us, how was your interview experience at PSC?

I was really nervous for my interview at PSC but I really shouldn’t have been. My interviewer was really kind and supportive. It was more of an informal discussion about my interest in photography and the work I brought in to show.

What type of photographer do you aspire to be?

I’d like to do a lot of things with my photography after I graduate. I'd like to do some freelance photojournalism. But I also want to explore the medium of the photobook some more. I was introduced to the photobook at PSC and definitely see myself creating more books in the future.

What do you enjoy about studying at PSC?

The sense of community is just awesome. Everyone knows everyone and they are all really supportive and encouraging. It’s unlike anything I've ever experienced elsewhere. The lecturers are all approachable and make themselves available to help students outside of class. It is a great and safe environment to learn and experiment in.

What has been your biggest achievement thus far?

Last year I was part of a small group show called ‘Collective Focus’ which was held at The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre as part of a PSC initiative. This was my first time exhibiting and it was a huge achievement for me. The show was female focused and explored topics and concepts unique to each of our creative journeys. It was a great initiation into exhibiting and collaborating.

What are you working on for your final year folio?

My folio explores the life of my Grandfather and the relationship between photography and memory. The project comprises of archival photographs collected from family archives, the original text from his diaries, and the photographs that I produce in response to these materials. I am presenting my folio as a self-published book which will be exhibited at our final year exhibition titled InLight.

Tell us a bout your final year group exhibition?

All the final year Bachelor students from each of the majors (Art, Commercial & Photojournalism) will be exhibiting at the Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) in Fitzroy. The show opens on the 17 November at 4pm and will continue until 26 November.

We are all really excited to be exhibiting. It's been a great experience working together as a team to put the show on. 

What are your plans after graduating?

 I just signed on to the Amnesty International Internship which is very exciting for me. This is a partnership between PSC and Amnesty International. I will be documenting Amnesty’s work across Melbourne. Apart from that I don’t have any plans set in stone. Which is a little scary but it is also very exciting.

Are you confident about your future career prospects as a creative professional? Why?

I am confident about my future career prospects. PSC has encouraged me to develop numerous different skills, not just photography which will be beneficial for my future. Through PSC I have already been given private jobs and assisting opportunities to both help support my studies and develop my skills, which have been incredibly helpful. My current plan is to try a bit of everything and see what works for me. I'm confident that I will find something with the skills I have developed over the past three years.

If you could give your pre PSC self one piece of advice, what would that be?

To take as many different opportunities that come your way. You can never predict where they may take you!

Follow Kaitlyn's creative journey on her Instagram @kchurchphotos 

At PSC we believe that photography is an exciting medium offering endless possibilities and discoveries! 
Explore the creative possibilities with a career as a Photographer with a Bachelor of Photography in 2019
and see the world anew….

Applications are now open.