This month Photography Studies College is abuzz with many students and graduates posting about their recent accolades from Capture Magazine's Australia's Top Emerging Photographers list. In the Student Category one of our first year's won the top award (and her image graced the cover), and two more students were listed in the Top 10. A PSC graduate made the top 20 in the Portraits Category, and a PSC tutor who is also a past graduate took out 9th place in the Art Category. And many others have been Highly Commended in various categories of photography. We talk to a few of these rising stars about their award-winning work – and along the way discover why PSC students have an edge of others.
Photography Studies College student Britney Jennings took the number one spot in the Student Category on Capture Magazine's 2019 list of Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers. She also landed the coveted cover (see photo above) proving that her work is current, of the highest technical standard and above all inspiring. We are so proud that our first year Bachelor of Photography student has been recognised for her talent. Her lauded series 'Beauty Drop' was part of her folio at PSC, and she was introduced to the water drop photography technique by a guest speaker at college. 'My idea in the beginning was very vague and I started with a single drop of water against a plain backdrop. Then my tutor Sarina Lirosi suggested I experiment with different backgrounds, so I started with fashion magazines – and then it all clicked into place," says Britney.
Luke David came in at third place in the Student Category on Capture Magazine's Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Top 10 list. He is a part-time Advanced Diploma student at Photography Studies College. His series 'The End' was part of his final folio in first year (see above picture), and tells a story about a post-apocalyptic world. The series is shot on an Infra Red camera, a medium that was initially discussed in one of his classes, which then piqued his interest. "I presented my work in progress to my tutor Eamon Gallagher who challenged me to push my self further and turn it into a narrative – and that was the first time I had to tried to do that, which I really enjoyed – and from there on end my work just blossomed," Luke says.
Photography Studies College tutor and graduate George Poulakis came in 9th place in the Top 20 in the Art Category for Capture Magazine's Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers list. His series 'Arrostia' (Aρρώστια) meaning sickness (when translated from Greek) is a commentary on our obsession with smartphones (see above photo). He spent six months photographing commuters at his local train station through a telephoto lens to capture them unaware. All these images were created in camera and have not been digitally manipulated. "At PSC the quality of work is consistently exceptional, and that's because it's a college dedicated to photography," George says. "Having a network and a little community of other motivated photographers allows students and teachers to bounce ideas off each other and is a constant source of inspiration." George teaches digital courses for the Advanced Diploma program, and has just returned from an artist residency in Italy. The tutors at PSC all work in the industry along with teaching so they are always learning the latest techniques and trends, and exhibiting new work.
Photography Studies College graduate Aaron Walker came 19th in the top 20 for the Portrait Category for Capture Magazine's Top Emerging Photographers in Australasia. His series 'Balance' shows off his skill in photographing the body form and line of the body (see above photo). Aaron credits PSC's teachers for their support and the college's industry-standard facilities for allowing him to flourish as a professional photographer. 'I could always ask for feedback from Neil Stayner, Mark Harper or Julie Wajs about how to approach the shoot, help with business – and opinions about colour, lighting and camera settings in the studio," he says.
Neen Magro, who's in her fourth year studying an Advanced Diploma at Photography Studies College majoring in art, came in tenth in the Student Category for Capture Magazine's Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers issue. Her series 'Adjusted Beauty' comprises local flowers such as tulips, gerberas and irises all photographed using macro photography techniques – and then digitally manipulated on Photoshop. "I think PSC pushes you to always be creative, original and do your best," she says.
At Photography Studies College the students are given an environment where they can be motivated and driven to constantly improve. Our teachers stay current in their respective fields because they are still working in the industry in addition to teaching. They are also regularly being published, winning awards and exhibiting their work locally and internationally. PSC is also dedicated to photography so the campus, courses and facilities are designed to inspire students to become successful photographers.
