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Frame at last - old skills needed for new photography course

Posted on May 3, 2008 - Filed Under Photography |

A new course at Coventry University is hoping to attract students of all ages for a BA (Hons) degree in Photography.
Course Director Paul Smith is a former student of the university and a renowned artist in his own right having exhibited all over the world with an extensive portfolio. His work in multiple self-portraits has been used commercially as he created the cover for the Robbie William’s album “Sing when you’re winning”.
During his time at Coventry University, Paul was one of the last students to come through the Fine Art course in 1995 and specialised in photography, so it is fitting that he has come back to Coventry to re-launch the new degree.
Paul wants to encourage anyone with an interest in photography to consider joining the course as it could open up a whole new career.
Paul said:
“With the emergence of digital photography, more and more people are taking pictures and producing some wonderful work. However, our course will focus on teaching from the grass roots upwards and students will be skilled in both traditional and modern techniques. As the course will have a commercial bias, many of them could seriously consider photography as a career.”
This exciting new course builds on the strength of existing photographic work that is already thriving within the Media and Communication department. One former student who specialised within photography as part of her Media degree is Jaskirt Dhaliwal. She’s now a much sought-after freelancer working with the BBC. She has already had several exhibitions of her work and last year during her final year of study won the national award from the Photo Imaging Council.
The new photography course will impart the skills necessary to meet the challenges posed by the latest developments within photographic technology and help to develop the critical tools for thinking about the role of photography within contemporary media.

Leading the course development is programme manager and principal lecturer, Jonathan Shaw. Jonathan is a commercial photographer and photographic artist. His work has been used in advertising, commercial design, public art and installations. Commissions have included work for Arts Council, Volkswagen and the Manhattan Loft Corporation. He has two books published about his work.
Jonathan said:
“The department has teaching staff who are also well-respected practitioners and to complement this I would like to see a good mix of students of all ages and backgrounds on the course as I really feel that everyone has someone to bring to the table. A good eye, an interest in the world around you and bags of enthusiasm for the subject is as good a starting point as anything.”
The equipment that will be used on the three-year course has been especially acquired and during the duration of the degree, students will get the chance to use a range of facilities such as darkrooms, digital imaging suites and video editing units. The course tutors are nationally and internationally recognised as practitioners in the field.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the course can ring the recruitment team for more information on 024 7688 8062.

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