LO4 - Personal statement

This is the personal statement that I would submit when applying for photography courses at university:

From a very young age I have been fascinated by photography. As I have grown older this fascination has turned into a passion and I have pursued this passion inside and outside of my academic life for the past 5 years. I am constantly experimenting with different styles and techniques trying to further my skills and build up an exciting and captivating portfolio.  

One of my particularly favourite types of photography is music, whether it’s promotional organized shoots for artists or capturing them in their element during live performances,; I have found that there is a constant stream of inspired and powerful images based around these artist’s work. I was particularly drawn to the work of Anton Corbijn, who’s work with bands like Joy division, Depeche Mode and U2 was key in developing their identity and public view. 

I have already worked with multiple bands taking photos myself, these were used by them for promotional work and to be posted across their social media profiles. I am very proud of this work as I think that I managed to create interesting and stylish images just using models in my city centre. I think that my photos fitted the local punk-esque semantics that the band filled their work with. This style was inspired by artists like Corbijn but I would like to think that I added my own perspective and ideas to the images, making them my own. I also didn't need to edit any of these images which I think demonstrates my use of composition and making the most of my environment in my images. 

Another Shoot which I am proud of involved using 3 models stood in front of a projector. Although the projector was the most influencing factor in this shoot, I think that I was able to direct my models and compose them well teach image so that my photos achieved the maximum effect possible from these photos.  

I wish to pursue photography academically so that I will be exposed to a wide range of styles and techniques that I otherwise wouldn't. I also enjoy the idea of working alongside other passionate young artists, that we might inspire each other and work together to develop our own unique feel to images.