Then and Now Photography Symposium
The Hugh Baird University Centre held a photography symposium recently, bringing together a group of its undergraduates and staff for an afternoon of talks by visiting speakers currently making their mark in the photography industry.
The undergraduates are all studying towards either the Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) Top up in Digital Imaging and Photography at the Hugh Baird University Centre, both of which are validated by the University of Central Lancashire.
After a welcome by the symposium’s host, Hugh Baird University Centre lecturer, David Lockwood, the first of the guest speakers was Rob Battersby, who, having graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Fine Art, now lives and works in Liverpool. Rob’s personal photography work considers how the effects of economic and social policy shape the urban environment, whilst his commercial work maintains a client focus on architecture, art installation and editorial photography. He has been featured in exhibitions at the Tate Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery and as part of LOOK17 and is currently documenting the changing landscape of the North Docklands of Liverpool.
Former Hugh Baird College photography student, Alex Hurst was another of the afternoon’s speakers. After completing a BTEC in photography at the College, Alex went on to graduate from Liverpool John Moores University with a degree in Art History. Her career has included work with portrait and advertising photographer Dan Kenyon, as well as assisting legendary music photographer Mick Rock, New York based Sebastian Kim and fashion photographer Tim Bret-Day on assignments in Liverpool.
Also passing on her experiences was award-winning Liverpool based photographer, Lyndsay Roberts. Lyndsey achieved both a gold medal award and a commendation award from the Royal Photographic Society for best international creative images, which were exhibited in Edinburgh and published in The Royal Photographic Society Journal. She has worked as a commercial photographer and designer for more than twenty years, as well as teaching photography courses. She also runs community based projects in art and photography.
Digital Imaging and Photography lecturer at the Hugh Baird University Centre, David Lockwood, said:
“It was a great afternoon – the speakers shared their experiences of developing their work and careers which gave everyone lots to think about. Our BA (Hons) Top up students also made good connections with the photographers which should help them as they start on their own careers after they graduate.”
Two of the BA (Hons) Top up undergraduate who made great contacts at the event were James Borner and Natasha Green. James said:
“Attending the symposium was useful. I found Rob Battersby’s talk encouraging and inspiring because I have similar interests to the type of photography he does.”
Natasha added:
“It was really good that the symposium was made up of a photographer from each of the genres we are focusing on for our dissertations. It made it easier to make relevant contacts.”
