Agata Mayes, is currently finishing her Advanced Diploma of Photography at Photography Studies College. She recently was awarded AIPP Victorian Emerging Photographer of the Year 2018. She took some time out of her busy day to answer some questions about her journey so far:

Were you surprised by your win?

Yes, I didn’t expect it. Before I started at PSC, I used to shoot newborn but found it to be not creative enough and decided to take one year off to find a joy in my creative process again. I decided to be 100% honest with myself and create what is in my head; no boundaries, no expectations. I didn’t want to enter competitions at this stage and to be fair, I wouldn’t have entered if not for PSC. Entry to the awards was necessary as part of my course and I’m very grateful for the process and outcome

When did you decide you wanted to do photography?

Photography has been my passion since a very early age. As a child I watched my dad develop films in our bathroom and I was fascinated with this process. I had not considered photography as a profession at this stage. I graduated in Informatics in 2003 and started my career in the Aviation Sector. After a few years in a highly stressful environment I decided to completely change my life direction. I went back to my passions and photography has been my life ever since. 

What inspires your images and ideas?

Concepts for my series comes from my huge interest in psychology and philosophy. My first series “Inside The Mind” was created to explore the sensation of unexplained, severe fear. My second series called ’Sleeping Humanity” was inspired by a book by Colin P.Sisson which portrays people being in a hypnotic state though their lives.

I read a lot and have music playing while I create. Having a written concept and visual diary is very important, along with music and no expectations. These all create a lovely creative flow. In being creative, its very important to figure out the “what” and “why”. The “how” is the last one and you will figure it out in the end. I tend to avoid looking at other artists for inspiration in concepts, other than things like tone, texture and colour.

Do you have a top “go to” if you have creative block?

Stop trying! Stop putting pressure on yourself! In my case blocks come from unresolved emotions and my perfectionism. I take a day off and calm myself if I need to. 

How has studying helped you with your goals and image making?

The tutors at PSC are incredible. Neil Stanyer especially, helped me with the conceptual side of photography. I understood that creating beautiful images is not enough and he taught us to use photography as a medium to communicate.  The tutors bring the best out of you instead of imposing you to do something. They embrace and encourage your style.

"I live in the countryside, in a place called Nug Nug which is in the North East of Victoria. I’m currently doing my Advanced Diploma in photography at PSC – as I’ve always loved photography. For someone who has been telling her children that they can do anything they want to, I thought it was time I took up the opportunity to pursue my passion."

Anne McCallum is in her first year at PSC and is finally honing her creativity in the arts. She describes her inclination towards photography as something that was passed down to her by her mother who was a singing teacher and artist, and her father who ‘always had a camera in his hand’.

After years of working in a variety of industries such as nursing, hospitality and retail, Anne has recently been exploring her interest in visual communications and image making. As a result of her quest for finding an environment which would help develop her artistry, Anne researched schools in Victoria and visited PSC.

“I looked at a few places but just kept coming back to PSC. The atmosphere is so welcoming and friendly, that I felt inspired to jump into the deep end and take up full time studies here. Now that I’ve started, the tutors are very nurturing and they want you to do the best you can do.”

Despite having a busy lifestyle and being the mother of five, Anne listened to her heart and made a commitment of travelling down to Melbourne for her classes. The lifestyle of moving back and forth between places isn’t new to her. Ever since she left Scotland as a child to reside in Australia, she has been travelling all over the region which has made her extremely adaptive.

After her first semester at PSC, Anne has found a deep interest in still life photography. She enjoys trying out a range of lighting techniques, in natural environments and at the PSC studio.

"It’s been a very interesting semester and I have enjoyed a steep learning curve, as the course is very practical and challenging in a good way. The experience of learning here is so diverse, giving you a wide range of genres in photography to explore. The major lesson I’ve learnt is that it’s important to believe in yourself. I was initially worried about ‘not reaching the standards’, but I’ve overcome that since being here. I now feel like there’s nothing I can’t achieve."

Come to PSC Open Day and meet Anne, who will be happy to discuss her experience with you and offer you insights about studying photography. Anne and her husband currently host the Nug Nug Wah Homestead, which you can check out here, you can also follow Anne on her exciting Instagram channel @nug_nug_wah_homestead. Feel free to contact us and learn more about our full time options.

"I live in the countryside, in a place called Nug Nug which is in the North East of Victoria. I’m currently doing my Advanced Diploma in photography at PSC – as I’ve always loved photography. For someone who has been telling her children that they can do anything they want to, I thought it was time I took up the opportunity to pursue my passion."

Anne McCallum is in her first year at PSC and is finally honing her creativity in the arts. She describes her inclination towards photography as something that was passed down to her by her mother who was a singing teacher and artist, and her father who ‘always had a camera in his hand’.

After years of working in a variety of industries such as nursing, hospitality and retail, Anne has recently been exploring her interest in visual communications and image making. As a result of her quest for finding an environment which would help develop her artistry, Anne researched schools in Victoria and visited PSC.

“I looked at a few places but just kept coming back to PSC. The atmosphere is so welcoming and friendly, that I felt inspired to jump into the deep end and take up full time studies here. Now that I’ve started, the tutors are very nurturing and they want you to do the best you can do.”

Despite having a busy lifestyle and being the mother of five, Anne listened to her heart and made a commitment of travelling down to Melbourne for her classes. The lifestyle of moving back and forth between places isn’t new to her. Ever since she left Scotland as a child to reside in Australia, she has been travelling all over the region which has made her extremely adaptive.

After her first semester at PSC, Anne has found a deep interest in still life photography. She enjoys trying out a range of lighting techniques, in natural environments and at the PSC studio.

"It’s been a very interesting semester and I have enjoyed a steep learning curve, as the course is very practical and challenging in a good way. The experience of learning here is so diverse, giving you a wide range of genres in photography to explore. The major lesson I’ve learnt is that it’s important to believe in yourself. I was initially worried about ‘not reaching the standards’, but I’ve overcome that since being here. I now feel like there’s nothing I can’t achieve."

Come to PSC Open Day and meet Anne, who will be happy to discuss her experience with you and offer you insights about studying photography. Anne and her husband currently host the Nug Nug Wah Homestead, which you can check out here, you can also follow Anne on her exciting Instagram channel @nug_nug_wah_homestead. Feel free to contact us and learn more about our full time options.