Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2025Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2025

THOMAS ASHFIELD | AMBER ASTON | INDERDEEP BASRA | ELOISE BEARD | LUI BRAHIMAJ | DANNI-JADE CRUICKSHANKS | TOBI DEGG | BONNI-JAY DUDLEY | CONNOR GRIFFITHS | LILLIE HARRIS | JORDAN HINTON | MADISON HOLLERON | ALEX HUMPAGE | MARIA LATEU-DALTON | CONNOR-JAY LAWRENCE | WANESSA LOBODZINSKA | SYDNEY MICKLEWRIGHT | BETHANY MOGG | MADISON MOUNTFORD | JULIA MULEWSKA | LIBBY-LEE MYRING | ANGEL REYNOLDS-HAILING | MASON WILD | EMILY WILLIAMS | LUCY WILLIS

Thomas Ashfield

My final project, “The Youth” explores the theme of today’s teenage culture. Inspired by Brandon Wilkins, I aimed to capture typical moments of youth having fun. The rise of social media and widespread communication has meant that young people are staying indoors more than ever and not experiencing what it’s like to be young. Instead of climbing trees, taking risks and making friends, it is now more common to play games and scroll through social media in isolation.

I hoped to motivate today’s youth to get out of their house, spend time with friends, have fun, take risks and experience what it’s like to be young. I used techniques such as fast shutter speeds and wide angles to achieve my goals to ensure that my images are not blurry and have a dramatic feel to them.

Amber Aston

‘Threads of Identity’, explores the theme of personality and individuality, expressed through clothing and physical appearance. Inspired by the works of Christopher Ward, my project aimed to capture the stories reflected in people’s eyes, telling their unique narratives through the lens.

Through these street portraits, I aimed to showcase the beauty and authenticity of every individual, hoping to inspire my audience to see the beauty within themselves. Despite the challenges of fear of rejection and lack of confidence, I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to connect to people and ensure the success of my project.

Ultimately, my hope is that ‘Threads of Identity’, encourages others to celebrate their own individuality and recognise the power and importance of self-expression.

Inderdeep Basra

My work, ‘Frames of Punjab,’ is a visual exploration of the streets of Punjab, particularly the Doaba region, where I document landscapes, people, and daily life. Through my photography, I aim to capture the essence of these spaces—their history, vibrancy, and evolving identity. From the narrow lanes of small towns to the energy of Amritsar and the serenity of the Golden Temple, my images tell stories of culture and transformation.

I was inspired by Punjab’s rich visual and cultural tapestry. Walking through these streets, I felt a deep connection to the people, the shopkeepers, the elders, and the children who define these spaces. I wanted to preserve these fleeting moments, capturing the contrast between tradition and modernity.

I use a documentary-style approach, relying on natural light and spontaneous compositions. Wide-angle shots provide context, while close-ups bring intimacy to individual subjects. Textures of crumbling walls, reflections in water, human interaction, and people driving vehicles define my visual language.

What makes my work unique is its impressive and emotional perspective. I don’t just capture aesthetics—I focus on expressions, gestures, and the energy of a place. My goal was to transport viewers into these streets, making them feel the atmosphere rather than just observe it.

I want viewers to experience a sense of connection—nostalgia, warmth, and the beauty of everyday life. My work aligns with documentary and street photography trends, emphasizing storytelling and cultural preservation.

This work speaks to contemporary photographers’ growing emphasis on storytelling, identity, and cultural documentation. In an age of fast, filtered imagery, there’s a return to slower, more intentional visual narratives—something I strive to reflect in my work.

One challenge was navigating unfamiliar environments while ensuring authenticity. Some people were hesitant to be photographed, so I built trust by engaging in conversations and patiently waiting for the right moments.

‘Frames of Punjab’ is an invitation to step into these streets through my eyes—to preserve memories, evoke emotions, and celebrate the beauty in the ordinary.

Eloise Beard

As a young photographer who discovered my passion during my early high school years, I always found myself trying to capture the best angles when taking any simple photos. This sparked the beginning of my long interest in photography.

I specialise in the genres of portraiture and still life, as I find these styles more enjoyable to photograph, resulting in better outcomes. I typically create darker images rather than brighter ones; however, I still photograph in both styles. I feel my best work has been created in a studio setting, as I like having control over my settings.

Throughout my time at college, I have participated in many exhibitions, such as an exhibition in the archives alongside second-year students’ work. Over my educational years, I have learned to perfect my images and use a range of techniques to enhance my photos.

My project is based on the theme of album covers and how music can be used as an individual’s coping mechanism. To do this, I aimed to make my initial images in the style of album covers. My photos reflect my personal style, as I typically photograph in a much darker style with a hidden message.

Through this, I aimed to convey upsetting emotions, creating a strong response in my audience by raising awareness of the issues I discuss. I faced many problems along the way through the creative process of my work, such as lacking desired items or needed skills, which were all overcome in the end. Overall, my aim in this project was to convey the different issues people face and how music can become a coping mechanism for these, highlighting the importance of being aware of these problems in people’s lives.

Lui Brahimaj

My final project, “Driven by Design,” focuses on capturing cars in everyday street environments. I’ve always been interested in how cars naturally become part of the landscape, how they sit on the street, catch the light, and add a certain vibe to their surroundings.

This project is about showing that even something we see all the time, like a parked car, can have its own style and presence. I focused on the shapes, the setting, and the way the car fits into the scene to bring out its character. For me, it’s about appreciating the everyday details and turning them into something worth noticing.

Danni-Jade Cruickshanks

My final project, titled ‘The Attachment,’ explores the theme of possession and spiritual attachment. I was inspired by the work of Kelly Jean and Fritz Lang. Using editing software to darken the images, I employed low-lighting techniques to create an eerie mood. I also used photo manipulation to fit the images more into the horror theme.

My images and horror trailer reflect my style of gothic horror, as I have a passion for the supernatural. The message I am trying to convey is how powerful spiritual attachment can be. Through this project, I aim to give other people the chance to experience this theme. Despite challenges with timelines and other obstacles, I managed to create a trailer and images that I am proud of.

Tobi Degg

Titled “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder,” my project aims to bring attention to insect conservation and extinction by showcasing taxidermied insects that people tend to fear or freak out about in an aesthetically pleasing way, hopefully shifting the narrative that they are “gross” and making people less uncomfortable.

I believe more people will kill bugs on sight than will be willing to admit it. It doesn’t take much to forget our power over such small, often harmless creatures. Very few people understand the benefits these small creatures provide to us and our planet—they are recyclers, both prey and predator alike, and they often have symbiotic relationships with other living things. All of this benefits us. However, extinction rates of insects are rising.

It is a huge problem, with massive negative impacts on humanity if nothing changes. I hope to show people that the smaller creatures on our planet are just as important as the larger ones—no one thing is greater, and we are all equally important.

My project aims to bring about a sense of care for the things that make the world go round, as without insects, I believe we would not survive.

The moths, butterflies, and beetles were pinned by myself. Insects and insect taxidermy are a long-standing interest of mine, and I’m very fortunate to have been able to incorporate that into my project.

Bonni-Jay Dudley

I have always had a connection and love for art and narrative. I’ve been greatly influenced by my dad’s love of landscape photography growing up; his skill at capturing the passion and beauty of the natural world inspired me to learn more about this genre, translating his work into my own portraiture style.

I’m passionate about documenting real-life experiences and feelings through a model’s beauty and emotion. My style often focuses on the ethereal while blending a model’s natural beauty with otherworldly aspects to ultimately exude whimsy and juxtapose the mundane.

The chance to interact and communicate with clients, however, is what most fascinates me about photography. It excites me to be able to work with others and produce a product where the client looks and feels their best.

‘δυνάμεις της φύσης’ (dynámeis tis fýsis) focuses on showcasing the relationship between humans and nature, the light and dark energies that surround these connections. Through this body of work, I hope to present the importance of a naturalistic lifestyle.

I am heavily inspired by Wiccan culture; the way they honour the elements encouraged me to embrace nature itself in this collection and showcase the juxtaposition between good and evil energies.

This project presents these aspects through the medium of fashion, showcasing looks linked to Viking culture throughout history. By doing this, I am reminding an audience of the history of fashion and showcasing a culture that is widely overlooked.

Connor Griffiths

Ungodly and Divine’ is a visual representation of the religious and societal stereotypes around good and evil, showcased through the medium of original couture fashion. Through this body of work, I wished to celebrate the femininity of the models themselves, embracing their bodies and their natural beauty.

In ‘Ungodly and Divine,’ women are portrayed as ethereal beings, showcasing the common ‘evil is sexy’ trope, juxtaposing the stereotypical innocent, youthful, and good character seen in today’s media.

My work as a whole heavily leans towards presenting fashion to my audiences. Through this body of work, I aim to showcase drag-inspired elements as seen through the models’ makeup, hair, and dresses, to highlight a more youthful approach regarding religion and fashion, showcasing how its ideals surrounding the positive and negative can harmfully affect people throughout their lives.

Lillie Harris

“The Forgotten Pantheon” explores the overlooked or forgotten women in Greek mythology. My aim is to capture their power, natural essence, and etherealness, showing how they became these all-powerful beings through their stories. I intend to spread the message of powerful women and how women are mistreated.

Through “The Forgotten Pantheon,” women are portrayed as ethereal beings, beautiful but formidable. This pairing is a celebration of growth, resilience, and empowerment, mirroring the journey that women embark upon.

Each photograph within this series is a visual narrative of each pantheon story. The pomegranate represents a symbol of inescapable fate; by consuming the seeds, she seals her fate, ensuring she’ll always be tied to the underworld. With my representation of Nyx, the starry night over her face symbolises the celestial connection Nyx, as goddess of the night, has.

I aim to create a sense of understanding of the difficulties some women must go through, which will hopefully help inspire viewers to learn from their hard and traumatic times and become stronger people.

Jordan Hinton

This project explores what it is like to be a child within the foster system and how it affects our physical and mental health. Through my photography project, I intend to spread messages of awareness and support for other children going through or those who have been through the foster process.

Through my own experience of being a child in care, as well as those I have interviewed as part of this project, I have used photography lighting techniques to show the models’ upbringing. Those who struggled within the system were photographed with harsh lighting, juxtaposing those photographed using soft lighting who had a better experience.

Each photograph within this series is a visual narrative of life within the foster system, raising awareness about the physical and mental impact it has on us as children. I aim to create a sense of realisation, informing viewers that the life of a child in foster care is not what it is made out to be.

Madison Holleron

‘Captured in Crime’ explores the intersection of society, justice, and the human experience through visual storytelling. Inspired by Arthur Fellig, I aimed to capture the raw and gritty essence of life by creating carefully crafted studio scenarios that reflect the intensity and authenticity of real-world experiences.

Using dark, eerie lighting as well as handmade props, I was able to create images that resonate with the chilling true crime theme. Throughout this project, I aim to spark thought and discussion about safety, morality, and societal structures that influence criminal behaviour.

Despite the challenges of brainstorming studio setup ideas and ensuring diversity among the images, I found inspiration in the work of other forensic photographers.

Alex Humpage

My photography journey started many years ago when I got my first camera. Over the years, as my skills grew, I shifted my focus from nature and wildlife photography to commercial photography.

My inspirations come mostly from higher-end commercial photographers like Nori Inoguchi. However, each brand has inspired me individually. My equipment and techniques are quite fluid and vary with each photo to create a unique aesthetic, which I feel is a valuable skill as I hopefully progress to working for a variety of higher-end commercial photography clients while being able to share a variety of techniques and skills with others.

Over the last few years, my photography has evolved in many ways. Improving my skills and finding my own niche has helped my work develop. My biggest achievement will be becoming a “Lessons from Auschwitz” ambassador and being able to speak and exhibit my photos in front of hundreds of people, including a Holocaust survivor.

Maria Lateu-Dalton

My Final Major Project is focused on knife crime in Wolverhampton. There has been a rise in knife crime in Wolverhampton and in a small town on the outskirts called Merry Hill. Knife crime is a major issue at the moment throughout the UK. I mainly focused on knife crime in Wolverhampton because it was rarely reported, but since halfway through last year, knife crime in Wolverhampton has become much more common, with many incidents involving gangs.

My inspiration came from Henri Cartier-Bresson, who took a lot of street photography with blurred people in motion, creating interesting photos. I am including this technique in my project, as the culprits of these crimes often have their faces covered with balaclavas or other types of face coverings, or they look down to avoid being seen on camera. The message I want to convey through my work is: “Hand in the knife if you’re thinking of carrying one, as it will save a life from death or injury.”

My work is taken in a contemporary photography style, capturing different environments and versions of street life around Wolverhampton. I take my photos in real-time, in scenes where knife crime typically occurs, such as side streets, underground passageways, or isolated parts of parks. Many knife crime victims are threatened into going to isolated places so that the perpetrator can commit their crime.

My challenges during this project included being careful about where I was taking photos and finding the right time to photograph my models. It took some time to get the statistics on knife crime because they are not readily available, and for a student to be interested, it was seen as more of a concern due to the seriousness of the crime.

To overcome these issues, I had to ensure that I was not intruding on anyone’s privacy and that I was not getting myself into trouble, especially when taking photos in underground passageways, which are mostly used by drug users and people in gangs.

Connor-Jay Lawrence

Unseen Worlds’ explores isolation through documentary photography, capturing modes of transport and portraying living conditions, fashion, and cultures while addressing loneliness, inspired by Martin Parr. I also like to reflect my ideas with architecture serving as a backdrop, mirroring the contrasts of human experience.

My skills will be showcased using the rule of thirds technique while problem-solving to capture the best possible images. Despite the challenge of shooting in crowded areas, I was able to capture solace, which relates to my personal interests and the theme. Hopefully, my project inspires people to absorb the world for what it truly is day to day.

Wanessa Lobodzinska

My name is Vanessa Lobodzinska, and I go by NessasLens_. I am a photography student deeply passionate about fashion, aiming to capture the stories and emotions behind the clothes. To me, fashion is a powerful expression of identity and culture. My work explores the interplay of style, personality, and narrative, creating visually striking and emotionally resonant images.

My goal is to show more than just trends, highlighting the human element in fashion and how it shapes us. I focus on creating a bond with my models to make them feel comfortable while keeping it professional during photoshoots, pushing creative boundaries while maintaining attention to detail. Inspired by the ever-evolving nature of fashion, I draw influences from various sources, from art to street style.

I envision myself contributing to major magazines and big brands, shaping the visual language of the fashion industry. Ultimately, I aim to create compelling, timeless images that reflect the diverse landscape of fashion, capturing today’s stories and imagining the styles of tomorrow.

Sydney Micklewright

The theme I have chosen for my final project is surrealism, using both portraiture and still life to showcase a wide range of this theme. I drew inspiration from surrealist artists like Salvador Dali to inspire individual shoots, given the large differences between ideas in each shoot. I used a variety of techniques to help my process and plan throughout this project.

One of these techniques was conducting a location recce to thoroughly evaluate the different factors I needed to consider for these shoots. I used photography techniques like multiple flash to create my images. The majority of my work focused on post-production, using tools like Liquify, Twirl, and color correction.

I feel that these images reflect my personal style due to my overall artistic background before pursuing photography. This also reflects my style because I created many of the props for these images and manipulated them to fit my vision. I want to convey the theme of surrealism by using very artistic images to reflect elements like the dream world that inspired the surrealist movement.

Bethany Mogg

For my Final Major Project (FMP), I chose to focus on my biggest interest—cars. I had a clear vision from the start, aiming to capture both the main bodywork and finer details like tyres, headlights, and rear lights. I applied techniques I’ve learned, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines, which helped enhance the overall quality of my images.

The goal of my project is to showcase different car brands and highlight how each model stands out through unique design elements. One of the main challenges I faced was dealing with concerns about car owners’ privacy. I remained professional, explaining that even with number plates visible, owners couldn’t be identified, and I also offered to blur them if requested.

This project was deeply inspired by my passion for cars, and I’m proud to say it pushed my skills and exceeded my own expectations.

Madison Mountford

“Fallen Angel” represents the themes of exclusion and diversity within adolescents. I have chosen this as my theme due to my own past, struggling to fit in within society as a child and often being outcast. This is a normal experience and happens quite often.

My project aims to allow those who feel this way to understand and conclude that being different is simply a form of individuality, and you don’t have to ‘pluck your wings’ in order to fit in. Keeping your own strands of individuality will forever help.

Julia Mulewska

This project undertakes an exploration of the Medieval era through photographic means, with the intent to evoke emotional resonance, nostalgia, and visual intrigue. My enduring fascination with the architecture, symbolism, and atmospheric qualities of this period has informed this work. Structures such as castles, cathedrals, and ruins offer rich textural elements, dramatic lighting, and profound historical significance. The inspiration for this project derives from medieval folklore, dark visual tones, and the inherent mystery associated with this era.

Technically, I employ a Canon 4000D DSLR camera equipped with both an 18–55mm and a 75–300mm lens. This configuration enables the capture of expansive architectural forms as well as detailed, intricate elements. I primarily shoot utilizing natural light, capitalizing on the golden hour and ambient illumination to enhance mood and shadow play.

Compositionally, I rely on leading lines, symmetry, and the rule of thirds to establish balance and depth within the images. Post-processing is performed using Adobe Photoshop, where tonal adjustments, subtle sharpening, and noise reduction are applied to improve clarity.

My photographic style is characterized by a moody, minimalist, and atmospheric aesthetic. I employ soft contrast, subdued color palettes, and meticulous framing to underscore the spiritual and emotional resonance of medieval spaces. Emphasis is placed on textures, stonework, and the interaction of light with architectural features such as windows, arches, and carvings. Through this approach, I seek to convey a personal connection to these sites—spaces that evoke a sense of timelessness and profound meaning.

Emotionally, my objective is to communicate reverence, mystery, and awe. I aspire for viewers to feel as though they are entering a different realm, where history, spirituality, and imagination converge. While the subject matter remains rooted in history, my methodology is influenced by contemporary photographic practices, particularly in its minimalist aesthetic and narrative-driven approach. The overarching goal is to inspire contemporary audiences to find renewed significance in ancient architecture.

A significant technical challenge involved capturing images in low-light conditions without the use of a tripod. This was addressed through the utilization of faster lenses, increased ISO settings, and meticulous handheld techniques. Additionally, securing access to certain sites necessitated careful planning and adaptability.

This project holds considerable personal significance, as it integrates my interests in history, storytelling, and visual art. It serves as a conduit between the past and present, transforming ancient architecture into emotionally compelling imagery that encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and establish a meaningful connection with enduring heritage.

Libby-Lee Myring

The concept of this project is to show the beauty standards of women. I think this is important to showcase because today’s beauty standards are so high, and it’s important to show that you don’t have to live up to them.

What inspired my theme was showing femininity in my previous project called Diversity. I thought it was important to show that women in dresses are normal and that they shouldn’t be sexualised or told “not to wear that” by a man. The techniques and processes I used in my work include a mixture of colour and monochrome.

The message I have conveyed through my work is that women can wear anything they want. My work relates to contemporary art by having an elegance to it, and all my images will flow as a collective, making people think of beauty when they see the collection in person.

Angel Reynolds-Hailing

My project is about the day-to-day life of living in care, as one of the children raised in the care system. My work closely relates to my life, as I was raised in care since the age of 5. Living in care is a different experience for everyone; it really depends on who their caregiver is.

My idea developed into a project by taking photos of people who have been or still are in care and by projecting lyrics onto people wearing white. The lyrics were written by me and Jordan. My work is different and unique because it’s about life in care and how it affects the children forced into the system.

Mason Wild

This relates to my work as I’m creating a movie and studying Film/TV at university. This will extend my knowledge by giving me experience in the industry and field of work, helping me understand the job and how I can create and produce content.

This will also enhance my creative ability, as I can apply everything I’ve learned from self-taught videos and knowledge, testing what I’ve learned and identifying areas I need to work on.

Emily Williams

I have always had a strong liking for sculptured stone buildings; they tend to draw me in to take a closer look.

For this project, I wanted to put you in my shoes and invite you to dive into my images and see them from my perspective.

Lucy Willis

The concept of my project is to compare and show the differences between rural and urban areas. I wanted to highlight these differences by including the lifestyles, wildlife, architecture, and tourism in each area. I also wanted to interview people about where they live and if they feel a connection to it.

I thought it would be important to interview people to show how the area where they live affects their mental health. Including the effect on people’s mental health based on where they live was important to me because it would show which of the two areas is the best to live in.

My project relates to landscape and documentary photography because it includes photos of rural and urban areas to showcase the differences in architecture and wildlife, and environmental portraits to tell the story of the person who was interviewed about where they live.

I have always had a strong liking for sculptured stone buildings; they tend to draw me in to take a closer look. For this project, I wanted to put you in my shoes and invite you to dive into my images and see them from my perspective.

The Refugee Project 2024The Refugee Project 2024

At last year’s Dudley Holocaust Memorial event, we were commissioned by Lord Ian Austin to explore the life stories of the current refugees and migrants who have sought sanctuary and safety in our community of Dudley. 

This project, which included photographs, video interviews and paintings, culminated in an exhibition at Dudley Archives in February this year which celebrated the resilience, diversity, inclusion, togetherness and community of our local refugees. 

Dudley College Photography students worked with local art photographer, Anand Chhabra, to produce a compelling set of images, while our technician/artist, Chris Davies, made some wonderful paintings to complement the students’ work. 

Our TV and film students also conducted interviews with the refugees featured in our exhibition to explore their individual stories and investigate more deeply their sense of feeling supported and welcomed by the community of Dudley. 

Thanks to the Dudley Archives, we also researched some fascinating historical refugees who had made Dudley their home in the past and contributed to society in often very interesting cultural, artistic and scientific ways. 

Thanks to all the wonderful people and especially to the refugees who worked with us on the project, many of whom are English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students here at Dudley College. It was an amazing and often humbling experience to meet people from Ukraine, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Uganda and lots of other places and learn more about their culture, experiences and traditions. 

The opening night of our exhibition at Dudley Archives in February was a huge success, with more than 100 visitors who came to see the work on display, talk to the refugees and watch the interviews conducted by our students. It was also featured in local newspaper, the Express and Star.

Chris Davies’ portrait of one particular refugee, Mansoor, was also featured in this year’s highly-acclaimed RBSA Portrait Prize exhibition, which was on show at the society’s gallery in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, recently. 

Phil Brooks, photography course tutor
Maddison Wellsbury, 2nd year photography student
Miah Bryan, 2nd year photography student 

Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2024Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2024

LEXIE BAKER | MIAH BRYAN | HOLLIE CARRINGTON | COREY CHALLENGER | JOSHUA HARPER | BETH HEWITT | JESSE JEWKES | GRACE JONES | MEGAN NOCK | SARAH RALPH | CHARLIE SOUTHWELL | MADDISON WELLSBURY | CALLUM WOODALL | VALENTINA ZIVANOVIC

Lexie Baker

For as long as I can remember, I have had an absolute passion for baking, so this was the main reason I chose to photograph a selection of my creations as it combines two of my favourite hobbies, baking and photography. Having recently been diagnosed as gluten-intolerant, my eyes have been opened to the possibilities

and endless trial and error that gluten-free baking involves. My project focuses on displaying a wide variety of my favourite baked treats which I have managed to adapt the ingredients of, to show people that being gluten-free does not have to mean boring!

I feel very strongly about this topic as the price of gluten-free products in all supermarkets in comparison to standard products are astronomical. Food intolerance sufferers have no choice but to pay! Furthermore, the majority of supermarket gluten-free treats I have tried are somewhat lacking in taste which motivated me to get in the kitchen and experiment with different flours, raising agents and extras to see what worked and what didn’t. Many alterations resulted in failed attempts but after months of persevering, I believe that I have found many great substitutes to replace ingredients that I would have used before my gluten-free journey.

In a world where dietary restrictions can sometimes feel limiting, I want the world to see that having dietary restrictions is not the end of the world and that it just means you have the opportunity to get creative and experiment with different recipes!

Miah Bryan

My final major project aims to showcase the progress and development of my photography skills. During my time at Dudley College, my confidence levels have significantly increased, leading to an increase in my photography knowledge and proficiency in various techniques.

The theme for my final major project is called Pure Essence. I produced this name because the work uses light painting and expresses the individual’s essence through light. My theme for the final major project highlights the use of light painting to create a spiritual aesthetic in the images. The colours used in the photographs evoke a sense of one’s essence or aura emanating from the body, making each person’s essence unique and intriguing.

My work is characterised by its artistic nature, captivating viewers with its vibrant colours and calming effect. My work was created to appeal to a wide audience. My photographs encourage individuals to interpret the images in their own way which gives a sense of connection and appreciation for the diversity of one’s essence.

Hollie Carrington

Photography, for me, is more than just capturing images, it’s a means of storytelling, a way to freeze moments in time and preserve emotions, experiences, and

perspectives. Through my lens, I seek to uncover the extraordinary in the ordinary, to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

My approach to photography is deeply rooted in observation and connection. I am drawn to the light and shadow, the colours, and textures in everyday life, Whether I’m documenting landscapes, portraits, or street scenes, I strive to capture the essence of each subject, to convey its unique character and narrative.

I believe that photography has the power to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Each photograph is a reflection of my perspective, a window into my vision of the world. Through my work, I aim to inspire curiosity, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our planet and its inhabitants.

Corey Challenger

Roots and Reflections: Faces of the Black Country 

All my photography is an exploration of the vibrant and diverse community of the Black Country. Through my lens, I seek to capture the essence and spirit of the people who call this region home. Each photograph is a window into the lives, stories, and emotions of individuals who contribute to the rich tapestry of this unique cultural landscape.

In my work, I aim to celebrate the resilience, strength, and beauty of the people of the Black Country. From intimate portraits to candid moments, I strive to portray the authenticity and depth of human experience. Through the interplay of light, shadow, and composition, I invite viewers to connect with the subjects on a profound level, to see beyond the surface and into the soul.

Moreover, each image is a testament to the power of visibility and the importance of honouring and amplifying marginalised narratives. I hope to showcase how great the older generation were and are, in terms of their work and credibility, to the younger generations. I also want to be able to reach to the older generation and have them reminisce on a previous time.

Ultimately, my photography is a testament to the resilience, beauty, and complexity of the human spirit. It is a tribute to the strength and diversity of the Black Country community, a celebration of identity, and a call to action for greater inclusivity, compassion, and social justice.

Joshua Harper

This project highlights the decline of analogue watches in recent decades. Analogue watches have lost relevancy to the youth as learning digital has been the dominant clock face to learn as analogue is left to the dust. The younger generation will look to their phones for the time instead of analogue watches.

This project has been one where I had fun in the creation as it allowed me to play with different aspects of brand photography, especially experimenting with different styles. I think this project has fully engaged my creativity, as it has pushed me to play around with different techniques and has been an adventures experience for me.

The challenges I had along the way were understanding how to approach this style of photography, as it can be very meticulous with its small details. I have taken inspiration from Edward Fury as he has dabbled in this range and has been an influence on me and this project.

Beth Hewitt

This project draws attention to the problematical nature of the world around us and as we see it. Involving different boroughs of the Black Country, the intended purpose of the project was to unite our community by allowing people to be heard and what they feel the United Kingdom could work on. My inspirations come from photographers such as Phil Loach and Daniel Meadows due to their incredible work ethic in terms of social skills and digital storytelling.

The gratification theory has been used to identify the target audience and develop the intentions for the project. This specifically fulfils the needs of others identifying and relating with the work (Personal Identity), learning (Information) and encouraging social integration. The specified target audience is directed at 18+ and aims to encourage a deeper perspective of our country and how it affects everyone.

I have thoroughly enjoyed tackling this final project and seeing everything come together in the end. I am most proud of stepping outside my comfort zone and getting stuck into the humanistic approach most photographers use. I stepped aside from my typical studio photography to focus on the art of documentary and ‘The world we live in’.

I have faced challenges such as a lack of willing participation in communities, which only deepened my appreciation of different areas and supported the nature of the project. This project is a significant step on my journey as it has initiated my path to studying journalism at university and becoming more confident, a great listener, creative, compassionate etc. This project has also helped me fulfil the role of the person I aspire to be.

I think my target audience will take valuable information away from it about the world they live in and how they identify with their community. My project explored a range of topics such as the heritage/history of the people I got to know, opinions on our country and advice for our generation. It is a powerful project as not only were photographs taken, but I also took time to hear the individual’s stories. My documentary images exhibit a place we call home and draw beautiful pictures of the world around us.

Jesse Jewkes

I believe in the power of the still image, I feel photography is a great way of capturing momentous occasions, times of joy and is fundamental to the way we express

ourselves. I enjoy capturing the fun times and taking pictures of deep meaning as well as showing beauty in the ordinary and mundane.

The idea I decided to go with for the final major project was to use a technique called projection image photography, this is a technique where you use a projector to project images on to a subject or model. This is a remarkably interesting type of photography and I think you can get interesting images from it. I decided to give it a go because it was something new that I had not tried before.

I came up with the idea to project colourful words onto someone which evolved into using numbers not words. This project gives the feeling of humans becoming increasingly in contact with technology and how they are starting to almost blend seamlessly with technology as humans technology are becoming inseparable integrated. The target audience for this project is people who enjoy projection image photography.

Grace Jones

In my photography, I strive to capture the profound beauty that resides within the solitary moments of life. My work explores the complex layers of loneliness, presenting it not as a state to be feared, but as a powerful and beautiful aspect of the human experience.

Through intimate portraits, I delve into the inner words of individuals, revealing the silent strength and vulnerability that often goes unnoticed. Each subject, framed against minimalistic backgrounds, tells a story of solitude and introspection, inviting viewers to find a piece of their own reflection in the quiet spaces between light and shadow.

In contrast, my landscape photograph offers a broader canvas, where vast, untouched terrains become metaphors for the expansive nature of solitude. These serene and often desolate environments highlight the inherent beauty in isolation, suggesting that there is a certain peace and clarity to be found when one is alone with the world.

Beauty, in my work, is not confined to the traditionally picturesque but is discovered in the raw, unfiltered moments of life. By embracing both the starkness of empty spaces and the nuance of solitude, I aim to create a visual dialogue that resonates with the universal human condition.

My photography is a celebration of loneliness as an essential, enriching part of our existence, where both portraits and landscapes converge to illuminate the understated elegance of being alone.

Throughout my work, I invited my models to reflect on their own encounters with loneliness and find solace in the shared nature of this deep human emotion.

Megan Nock

My project, ‘See the music’ includes an artistic approach to album covers. Every photographic cover represents a song and its lyrics somehow linking to the image. This project allowed me to step outside the box and think on a deeper level as well as expand my style of photography to a more expressive genre.

My target audience are collectors of album covers, music lovers and people with a creative eye. I want my audience to listen to the music and view the images from my perspective. People outside the intended audience could still benefit from my work as it is an activity for all and can create a brand-new experience for music itself.

Inspirations for this project comes from artists such as Jack Bridgeland on the SN37 Agency or album covers in general because there is always some sort of theme or underlying aesthetic included.

My final project represents all the new knowledge of photography that I have been shown throughout the past two years at Dudley College. It will represent how my editing photography and research has improved and how my ideas have a new perspective. This will benefit me in the future to grow as an artist, not just a photographer and support me to explore new themes.

Sarah Ralph

Product photography is the art of capturing high-quality images of products for use in various marketing and promotional materials. It is a crucial element in magazines, advertisements, and social media campaigns, it showcases products in their best

light to entice potential customers. Effective fragrance photography involves meticulous attention to lighting, composition, background, and post-production to highlight the bottles intricate designs, luxurious packaging, and the brand’s essence. High-quality images can significantly enhance a fragrance brand’s online presence, create a sophisticated and desirable image, and ultimately drive sales by providing customers with a clear and attractive representation of the products.

By accurately depicting the elegance and allure of perfumes and aftershaves, excellent product photography can influence purchasing decisions and elevate customer satisfaction, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.

From the beginning of my photography journey, I have always had a keen interest in product photography. I find I am often drawn to images that experiment with vibrant colours and unique compositions.

Throughout this project, I have explored and tested a range of techniques and methods to produce images that have the same captivating effects as the ones that inspired me. This included the use of coloured gels, multiple lighting setups such as wrap around lighting and a range of interesting compositions created using a variety of props.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this project and I believe my final images exemplify high-quality product photography and effectively showcase my skills in this field.

Charlie Southwell

My final major project is titled Imagining Tomorrow’s Magazines Today, and it consists of creating magazine covers in the style of well-known magazine brands, putting my own twist on the images. I aim to show magazine covers designed in unique ways that do not correlate with the norms of cover design in today’s media and push people to use unusual techniques more often in the future.

My intended audience includes artists and graphic designers as I wish to inspire them to use unique techniques in their work. Others outside of my target audience can still benefit from my work as they can see the simple aspects of graphic design and photography and learn that it is okay to use different techniques no matter what people think about them.

During the creation of my final major project, I am most proud of planning and executing my first idea and seeing how well it turned out after post-production. The first challenge I had to overcome was during my first shoot, where I did not have access to a black background, so I had to use a white background instead which did not fit with my vision. I overcame this by changing my planned colour scheme so it would fit with the background and not look out of place.

This project has played a big part in my development journey as a photographer as it has helped me to understand the world of fashion photography and how important photographers are for the fashion industry. This work has also helped me develop my skills for my career as a fashion photographer.

My wish is that any artist or designer will view my work and understand that you do not have to abide by the standards of today’s media industry to fit in and that you should follow your own ideas and explore unique styles that suit them.

Maddison Wellsbury

For my final major project, I wanted to explore a theme that I really enjoy doing but will also increase my confidence in my photography skills at the same time. This project has allowed me to edit and manipulate my own images in a way that also shows off my editing skills and also demonstrates my type of photography.

The theme for my Final Major Project is architecture and landscapes. The name of my project is Urban Architecture. I have chosen this theme as I want to display to my audience that styles of architecture and buildings can change over time due to manmade or natural reasons. I have used and applied skills that I have learnt, using Photoshop over a long period of time. While going along with this project I have demonstrated times where I’ve had to solve problems such as how I wanted to achieve types of images and that I wanted to create and show how my images will be manipulated and edited. I hope by creating these types of images it will make the audience appreciate the environment we have around us.

My work is inspired by a few landscape based photographers, such as Paul Brogan who is a town based architectural photographer.

Callum Woodall

The theme for my final project is about hidden disabilities which builds upon past projects such as Diversity. My project, Hidden Surface, encourages the audience to reflect on the subject’s disabilities. I want to show that those with disabilities are not alone, and they should express their differences (where most hide). My aim is to showcase and celebrate these differences through my work. Some of the photographers that inspired me to do this project are Alex Ten Napel and Zoe Proctor because of their cooperation of monochrome to express more details of their subjects’ facial features creating a more emotional connection within their work.

This project has allowed me to become more independent and develop a flexible approach to my work, expressing creativity and maintaining full control over the project, from developing consent forms, holding meetings, and working with models for each shoot.

Whilst studying at Dudley College my three greatest achievements are:

> Working alongside international photographer Rob Hornstra and Arnold Van Bruggen as I received a worldwide published acknowledgement (book about the Black Country) for my assistance and knowledge around the Black Country

> Helping raise over £23,000 for a baby-loss awareness charity by climbing the highest mountain in England (Scafell Pike)

> Becoming the diversity representative for the whole college

Valentina Zivanovic

I think photography is a powerful tool to express yourself – it can help us to appreciate and enhance other people’s work even more. I personally love working with musicians and music, and this is what my project is based on.

I enjoy playing around with Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance my images. I’m pretty good at studio photography, but really, I prefer taking pictures of natural and spontaneous moments. Ross Halfin is a big inspiration for me when it comes to photography. In the future, I hope to work with bands to photograph gigs and help produce images to promote their work.

This project is my interpretation on many styles of album covers, seeing what ground I could cover and what worked best with that. Each piece of media should evoke a different feeling however, most are based around a form of censorship or psychedelia. There is also a use of AI in certain images but not all – for example, some of the borders I created were partially created using AI to make them appear more spontaneous and psychedelic.

I chose to place all of the mock-up CDs into physical cases and place them on a rotating display to give a more tangible feeling to my works. All these works are fictional, although some display actual musicians.

Photography BTEC National Diploma Level 3 2024Photography BTEC National Diploma Level 3 2024

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

EVENING CLASS

Here in Dudley, our students’ journey towards professional image-making has seen them seeking to find their own creative voice, whilst building meaning into their photography, growing in confidence, becoming a supportive community, learning to articulate their work as well as dealing with responses to their work, all whilst maintaining enthusiasm, inspiration, and motivation. 

We have sought to promote kindness, community, and diversity. We have continued to strengthen our close relationship with Dudley Zoo, Dudley’s Gentleman’s Songsters and Dudley Remembers and Dudley Holocaust Memorial Day. One of our students is now Diversity and Inclusion rep for the whole college.

As well as exhibiting our diversity project at Dudley Town Hall last October, we have recently had the pleasure of working with local refugees from all round the world, who have made Dudley their home. It has become a local yet international collaboration. This has been our biggest, most important project to date – The Dudley Refugee Project – It was a year in the making – commissioned by Lord Ian Austin – featuring many of our ESOL students and other refugees, including a number from Ukraine.

Our recent exhibition at The Dudley Archives was attended The Mayor of Dudley. This work exposure involved students working alongside art photographer Anand Chhabra, who won the Mayor’s Civic Award for art last year, for his work with us, which involved a collaboration with Historic England, celebrating High Street Heroes, for our national touring exhibition, featured in the Guardian newspaper.   

This year, two students worked in their own time, photographing with Dudley Caribbean and Friends Association, helping them with their own photography and raising awareness of the social welfare needs of the elderly African Caribbean community in Dudley.  

During the course, we have raised money for The Royal British Legion, Children in Need and most notably for Ronnie and Friends, for whom we helped raise over £22,000 towards building a baby bereavement room at Russel’s Hall Hospital in Dudley, by abseiling off the college and climbing the highest mountain in England, in winter.  

Frequently these students demonstrate their drive and aspiration by staying late and are often still working when the evening class arrive and sometime even help teach them. From our shared induction in the sports hall, on day one, onwards, we try to break barriers between curriculum areas and levels. We have visiting speakers most weeks, often old students coming in, to give back and inspire.         

We aim to enable a supportive, intrinsically motivated community. My students don’t need commendations or stickers; they work through their lunch or volunteer to photograph college events at weekends. They feel they are working, not just for their own skill-development, personal experience or portfolio-building but often for the greater good.  

Phil Brooks, course leader, photography

Photography Class of 2024 Highlights

SCAFELL PIKE CLIMB FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

DUDLEY REFUGEE PROJECT

DUDLEY ZOO CARNIVORES COMPETITION

Photography BTEC National Diploma Level 3 2023Photography BTEC National Diploma Level 3 2023

BTEC NAT DIPLOMA IN PHOTOGRAPHY YR1 | BTEC NAT DIPLOMA IN PHOTOGRAPHY YR2 | STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY EVENING CLASS

This creative cohort endured testing times through the COVID-era, at school, but have now built their confidence, cohesiveness and created a collaborative, supportive ethos. In terms of inter-department collaboration, they have photographed most college dance, musical theatre and drama events since the summer. All 2nd years are currently making promotional images for music students. Only one of our students considered going to university at the start of the course. Now 7 or 8 out of 11 are going to university and not only local ones. This year we have organised many talks, including from Gloucester University, Staffordshire University and Coventry University. We have travelled for workshops to The University of Wolverhampton and Hereford College of Arts. Also, previous students from Falmouth University, BCU, etc, have come back to work with us and inspire us.

Since Christmas, we took part in a special cross-curricular upgrade fashion shoot, inspired by Andy Kruczek’s talk and mentoring, later exhibited at the YMCA shop. Recently, we exhibited across 3 campuses for the college’s Equality and Diversity Day, as well as having a Conservation Photography exhibition at The Dudley Archives. Last year’s student Zoo Book raised hundreds of pounds for the orangutans of Indonesia. Following our work with Anand Chhabra, for Historic England, 3 students have been selected to exhibit their High St Heroes work across England, including London and Derby’s Festival of Photography.

This creative cohort endured testing times through the COVID-era, at school, but have now built their confidence, cohesiveness and created a collaborative, supportive ethos. In terms of inter-department collaboration, they have photographed most college dance, musical theatre and drama events since the summer. All 2nd years are currently making promotional images for music students. Only one of our students considered going to university at the start of the course. Now 7 or 8 out of 11 are going to university and not only local ones. This year we have organised many talks, including from Gloucester University, Staffordshire University and Coventry University. We have travelled for workshops to The University of Wolverhampton and Hereford College of Arts. Also, previous students from Falmouth University, BCU, etc, have come back to work with us and inspire us.

We are currently working with staff and students at the IOT, pioneering an educational app for students with communication difficulties, to be used across Dudley Schools. This year, one student won Dudley Young Photographer of the Year and another won a top 10 UK student award, for an image, later exhibited at the national Photography Show. In addition, one student has had a very fruitful work experience engagement with Thomas Dudley. We are currently making a ‘Ronnie and Friends’ Baby Loss Awareness book as well as this excellent yearbook. Following our work with The Holocaust Education Trust and the Dudley Holocaust Memorial, we recently had a meeting with Lord Austin, who together with the Mayor of Dudley, is commissioning us to photograph local refugees to celebrate their contribution to the community, for a forthcoming exhibition. In so many ways, this group have exceeded expectations and we wish them continued success in the future. We’re proud of you! Keep in touch – Class of 23!

Phil Brooks, course leader, photography

Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2023Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2023

AISHA ANAM | MAMADU CAMARA CEESAY | HARRIET DREWERY | JESSICA GILLARD |
GEORGIA GOULD | THOMAS HENDRIE | CAITLIN MORTON | MARNI PARKES |
OLIVIA RHODEN | JORDY WEBB | CASSIDY WOODROW

Aisha Anam

Mamadu Camara Ceesay

Harriet Drewery

Jessica Gillard

Georgia Gould

Thomas Hendrie

Caitlin Morton

HCA One to Watch Award – 2nd place

Marni Parkes

Olivia Rhoden

Jordy Webb

HCA One to Watch Award – 1st place

Cassidy Woodrow