PhotographyAt the time, I was looking for a BA Photography Course in London that wasn’t tailored to a specific direction. I wanted to explore contemporary photography at a university that provided professional equipment, teaching both digital and film techniques. Middlesex met these requirements including having a global vision in photography and owning sophisticated facilities. I was particularly impressed by the campus as it was a peaceful place to study.
The first thing that attracted me was the variety of photography styles that were being taught. The first year course offered a range of avenues such as fashion, documentary, architecture and landscape enabling one to choose their preferred area. I knew I wanted to become a documentary photographer but I also found the other types of photography offered by Middlesex to be very interesting.
I had three university offers at the time of applying, two of them with similar courses both theory and practical, but I would say that Middlesex University was my favourite. I also found their digital lab to be the best one.
One of the best aspects of the BA Photography course at Middlesex University was its lecturers. They helped and motivated me to become the photographer that I am now. Photography is all about passion and perseverance. Passion was a key term I heard often at university, it was something our lecturers continuously repeated that has stuck with me.
I found the teaching methodologies of the classes very interesting. The class as a group would discuss each other’s projects and provide support and feedback. We had lively discussions about photography, art, compositions and style. This helped me to improve and push my photography to the next level, thinking of new projects and new ways of approaching each theme.
I already had a relatively clear idea on the type of photographer I wanted to be before I started the course, but my time at university helped me to focus my work towards documentary photography. It took away the initial ideas and misconceptions about being a photographer and made me focus on the important things I wanted to express through my work.
I enjoy the industry because I am really motivated when working on a project and developing it. The work is very important to me so it doesn’t feel like work but rather just doing what I love. On the other hand, I would say that it is very hard initially to make a living from photography. At the same time, I could work for clients and fulfil their needs but my main aim is to focus on developing my own brand.
The most effective way has been continuous practice and doing projects all the time. Constantly exploring the world with my camera has also been beneficial because I can analyse the shots and decide on the aspects of my photography that I need to work on.
I observe professional photographers in contemporary and draw inspiration from them to stimulate my visual mind. I also read a lot about photography, from books to magazines to critic’s articles, anything that I find interesting.
They should ensure they have passion, perseverance and contacts. If you have passion and perseverance, but no contacts you will end up with a lot of nice projects just sitting on your computer. A good way to get your work out there is to send it into competitions, magazines, journals, editors and events. Once you have done that for the next five to ten years, remember passion and to keep using opportunities to promote yourself.
I think that a career in photography is a very personal one. For me, it is an exploration of the world that surrounds me and the world that I have in my mind. It is a journey of self-exploration, a search for my identity in photography. So my advice is listen to yourself and do what your heart tells you to do.
It would have to be my first solo exhibition at the University of Salamanca with my project about Poliomyelitis or getting into the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize. What I am most proud of is what I have learnt whilst photographing. I am proud of what I have learnt and experienced while taking photos, being able to share people’s moments and this has helped me to develop both personally and professionally.
See more at www.bernatmillet.com
