This is my final draft of my Personal Statement. After a few attempts i felt this was the one.
Personal Statement
Photography has become a key part of documenting the world
around us. Through both negative and positive viewpoints, it has shaped the way
we think and feel using different forms of imagery. I too want to become part
of this community as a photojournalist and feel the best way to do this is to
study Photojournalism at University.
I have chosen to pursue a career in photojournalism as I feel it
is one of the most important aspects of photography. The images taken have
meaning and purpose allowing an outsider to witness events they may of
otherwise had never thought about. It is a way to express feeling or emotion
about a subject you find fascinating or feel strongly about. The ways in which
a photojournalist can use images to tell a story or portray the exact feelings
of their subject makes the photographs more fascinating. A photographer that has
inspired me personally through my studies is Ansel Adams. Although not
completely relevant to photojournalism, after seeing his original work at the
Maritime museum seeing the quality of his prints and how travelled the world to
take pictures has left me keen to achieve this also.
I decided to study Photography at the City of Bath College as
apposed to partaking in A level study as I felt College would give me a professional
and specialized approach to the subject, enabling me to be more creative within
my own work. Whilst studying the current Extended Diploma, I have gained experience
in client based work from photography assignments set through the bath
chronicle, and a more confident approach when taking photographs or working
with people. One of my most successful projects was Supernatural. Using
practical skills learnt in sessions I created a series of ghost like images. I
felt these to be some of my most successful images and enjoyed the process of
taking them. I am currently completing a work experience placement alongside a
professional photographer to get a better understanding of photography as a
profession. I hope to gain more understanding when using equipment on a
professional level as well as gaining more information about going into
freelance photography.
Outside of college I enjoy entering photographic competitions
and also enjoy playing the guitar. I currently have a part time job and have
found that having a job has helped me develop independence as well as allowing
me to become more responsible both inside and outside the work place.
Upon leaving University I hope to work for a newspaper or music
magazine as well as raising awareness to issues around the world through my
photographs and personal experiences. A place at University will enable me to
do this as well as broadening my knowledge and skills as a photographer and
gaining a more developed understanding of my chosen career path.
Photography has become a major part when building my future. By
studying at University I will be able to gain the skills and knowledge to
achieve what I want both in life and in a career.
