Going to University
September 14th, 2009
I walked out of the interview convinced I hadn’t got it; that I hadn’t said enough or shown that I had enough of a clue. I didn’t mention having had a number of exhibitions, photographs in local and national newspapers, having worked with a number of high profile clients. I did say that I’ve developed and printed film, and didn’t enjoy it much – that can’t have helped.
The interviewers didn’t seem that interested in the Internet but possibly a little impressed by my mention of the History of Photography podcast by Jeff Curto I’ve been listening to lately and my love of photography books. I said I would check out the university library after the interviewer told me they had a great selection of books and told me where it was, but I couldn’t find it so scurried out the door hoping he wasn’t watching.
I had felt that my desire to show modesty and maturity and genuine love of photography didn’t come across as much as I would have liked. Before asking “Have you got any questions for us” I quickly remembered one I had memorised for just such an occasion, in response I was told that last year there were about 130 applicants for 24 places. My immediate thought was “Shit, I’m never getting in now!”
The course, headed by Belfast-born photographer Paul Seawright, is based in University of Ulster‘s Belfast campus, lasts for 3 years and should open me up to many other areas of photography as well as probably squashing many of my current ideas of what makes a good photograph/photographer etc.
Photography was just one of those things I started doing, never thinking it would completely take over my life.
Unfortunately I know the course won’t be easy – or should that be fortunately? – plenty of essays and reading. I’m not exactly a fan of either. And did I forget that I’m awful at remembering names and dates? Indeed two of the modules in the course’s first year are titled ‘History of Photography’ (Pt 1 & 2).
As boring as it may be, I do understand how vital history is to the course, and to fully appreciating the art and discipline of producing a photograph. As mentioned, I’ve been listening to the History of Photography podcast by College of DuPage Lecturer, Jeff Curto, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois over the last few months. Always an informative listen, I’m enjoying this small head-start into my own classroom-based learning.
There’s also the brilliant ‘Genius of Photography‘, BBC Four documentary series, which uncovers the earliest methods and purposes behind the discovery of photography. A definite must for any student.
As I mentioned, the class is due to be a modest 25 or so in number, and with a few “induction” trips planned, it should hopefully be easy-enough to get to know my fellow students. A night in Bushmills (the distillery?) on 26th Sept followed by 3 nights in Paris for the Paris Photo Festival in November. There will be extra memory cards bought.
It was two days before my interview that secured my place that I asked on Twitter for everyone’s favourite photographers, traditional and contemporary. I got many replies. I Googled each, and two days later pawned off those I could remember as my own. My very favourite photographers. The one’s with the easiest names to remember. I stumbled. And failed. Most I had forgotten. My interviewees, of which there were two (who’s names I’m sure I will get to know in a couple of weeks), must have been thinking: “He just got those names from Twitter, he doesn’t know who Richard Avedon is.”
If that is what they were thinking, they would have been right. I’ll pick this stuff up.
Having done some developing and printing in the past, I know what to expect, though I don’t like it much. Again, I understand the need for it in the course, why it’s essential to learn the traditional methods. I just won’t like it much. However, I will try and I’m looking forward to getting immersed in this old-school photography lark.
Today I enroll/register with my passport photograph, ID and other essential items, hopefully returning with a little more insight into the course and more excitement. I will be continuing to write about my experiences as well as looking into all those studenty bits and pieces, as well as new nerdy t-shirt purchases to make me look cool.
