AOP Accredited Courses - Graduates Magazine, Vol. 1

SHOWCASING GRADUATE WORK FROM A SELECTION OF AOP ACCREDITED COURSES MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF PHOTOGRAPHERS / IMAGE MAKERS & CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS

AOP

ACCREDITED COURSES

The AOP has long had an affinity with photography students and the continuing development of the relationship in supporting students of image-making is testimony to that.

We have an active Education Working Group which includes staff from the Accredited Courses, AOP Board and our own staff, to discuss the challenges facing students and ways to better support them with the resources we have and better prepare those that wish to enter industry.

We are well aware of the need to demonstrate employability within the sector and our aim is to support those courses that successfully apply to be a part of our professional community and give them and their students an edge, when it comes to professionalism.

See full Criteria for Membership on inside back cover.

“For anyone coming to the end of a period of intense study, it can be disconcerting moment, no less so for the current crop of graduate photographers and image makers, all entering an industry grappling with a changing commercial environment.

The wonderful thing about the AOP’s Accredited Courses are that by joining together in a best practice approach to learning we are seeking the best for our future creative leaders It is no small thing to choose a creative career, especially when the prevailing winds would seek to send you elsewhere, so it is with celebration and cheer that we acknowledge and applaud this years graduates, their tutors and institutions We wish you all the very best "

Adam Shaw, AOP Accredited Photographer & Chair of the AOP Education Working Group

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without the prior written permission of the copyright holders. The copyright in the individual photographs in this book remains with the Photographer or relevant rights-holder unless otherwise stated. The Publisher does not accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copyright © 2024 The Association of Photographers Limited All rights reserved.

www.the-aop.org www.aopawards.com

AOP

ACCREDITED COURSES

& Course Leaders

Arts University Bournemouth, Paul Wenham-Clarke

Arts University Plymouth, Gabriel Van Ingen,Programme Leader HE Photography

Buckinghamshire New University, Alexandra Murphy,Programme leader

Canterbury Christ Church University, Miranda Hutton, Course Director

City of Glasgow College, John Carberry, Head of Photography

Edinburgh College, Jon Lee, Course Leader - BA Professional Photography

Falmouth University, Oli Udy, Head of Photography

London College of Communication, Susanna Brown, Course Leader

London Metropolitan University, James Cant, Course Leader

Middlesex University, Alison Tanner, Programme Leader BA (Hons) Photography

Morley College London, Niki Sianni

Newcastle College, Zoe Korda, Course Leader

Norwich University of the Arts, James Smith, Course Leader, Photography

Nottingham Trent University, Jonathan Worth, Course Leader

Open College of the Arts, Dan Robinson, Programme Leader BA (Hons) Photography

Oxford Brookes University, Grant Scott

Ravensbourne University, Geraint Cunnick Subject leader:

Southampton Solent University, Nina Sverdvik, Course Leader: BA (Hons) Photography

Staffordshire University, Paul O'Leary, Course Leader

The Northern School of Art, Jamie MacDonald, Programme Leader of BA (Hons) Photography

University for the Creative Arts, Caroline Molloy

University of Derby, Gemma Marmalade, Course Leader

University of Central Lancashire, Jonathan Purcell, Course Leader

University of Cumbria, Rob Sara, Lecturer in Photography

University of East London, Adam Wiseman

University of Gloucestershire, Trudie Ballantyne, Course Leader

University of Hertfordshire, Mat MacPake, Senior Photography Lecturer

University of Northampton, Richard Whitehead, Programme Leader BA (Hons) Photography

University of Roehampton, Theo Price, Programme Convenor

University of Salford, Mark Hall, Course Leader

University of South Wales, Peter Bobby Programme Leader

University of the West of England, Nick Bright, Programme Leader

University of West London, Peter Bennett Course Leader

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without the prior written permission of the copyright holders. The copyright in the individual photographs in this book remains with the Photographer or relevant rights-holder unless otherwise stated The Publisher does not accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copyright © 2024 The Association of Photographers Limited All rights reserved.

www.the-aop.org www.aopawards.com

Megan White

The themes of nostalgia and identity that permeate Megan’s work offer a poignant reflection on the shared experiences of women. Through “The Girls We Were” project, Megan invites collaboration and diversity of perspective, incorporating anonymous confessions and poetry to enrich her photographic narrative.

www.megan-white.com @megmogphoto

Georgia’s Dog portraits reflect her passion for animals and showcase her technical skills and artistic vision.

www.georgiarosephotography.art @georgiarosephotography.art

Georgia Eason

Connie Flynn

Driven by a profound passion for storytelling, Constance aspires to carve her niche as a Unit Stills Photographer for film and television. With a keen understanding of how visuals can enhance narratives, she aims to capture the essence of a film scene but also intrigue viewers with glimpses into the stories unfolding in her images.

www.constanceflynn.com @constancef_photos

Charlotte Wright

Charlotte’ss practice focuses on location and sports editorial photography with a strong fashion vibe. Her work synthesises the use of analogue and digitalisation, looking at how narrative driven work is portrayed through a commercial output.

www.charlottekrwright.com @ckrwright

Matt Marshall

Matt specialises in Fashion & Editorial Projects that serve the purpose of telling a story, whatever it may be. He has brought visions to life for clients such as The Casual Basement, W Model Management and Mercedes Benz.

www.mattmarshall.co.uk @mattmarshall_photography

Beth Conway

Beth seeks to create not just visually appealing content but meaningful connections between brands and consumers. Every photograph is an opportunity to communicate a story, evoke emotions, and inspire action.

www.bethanyjconway.com @bethanyjconwaypics

Amy’s practice is based on the use of narrative in advertising different kinds of beauty products inspired by famous Disney films. All product attributes and aesthetics link to each chosen narrative, which is conveyed through use of props and character colours, to set the scene and make elements of the storyline recognisable for the viewer.

www.amykiaphotos.co.uk @amykiaphotos

Amy Ewer

Eve McCartney

Specialising in Product and Fashion Photography, Eve’s portfolio showcases her use of bold, vibrant colours that command attention. Her eye for detail allows her to create visually engaging content that brings hers and her clients visions to life.

www.evemccartney.co.uk @evemccartneyphotos

Lauren specialises in product advertisement, combining detailed product photography with the beauty of landscapes. Her latest project explores how technology is changing brand advertising, focusing on how digital advancements are reshaping marketing strategies.

www.lrbphotography.net

@lrb.aup

Lauren Barrow

Izzy specialises in editororial and lifestye photography. Her current project ‘Natures Grasp’ follows the daily lives of young farmers in Devon.

www.isabellemariephotography.uk

@isabellemarie_photography BA (Hons) Commercial Photography

Isabelle Anstice

Jake’s practice explores the idea that we have been given this beautiful thing that is called life and it is not appreciated one bit. Therefore he wants to document life so people can truly understand its beauty.

www.grenneycreates.com

@grenneycreates

Jake Grenney

Josh Seal

Employing obscure angles and fisheye lenses, Josh transcends the ordinary, infusing his photographs with a distinctive flair inviting observers to explore the intricacies of human interaction and urban landscapes from a fresh perspective.

www.jsealphotography.co.uk/ @jsealphotography

Paulo Benito

With a sharp eye for detail and a profound understanding of contemporary fashion, Paolo’s work transcends mere image capture; it narrates compelling stories that resonate with both the subject and the viewer.

www.paolobenitophotography.com @paolobenitophotography

Toby’s photographs work on capitalising the human element of the photography; being the subjects involved to create a connection to his audience and bring in a sense of familiarity and comfort that people relate to in their own way.

www.tobiaslever.co.uk

@lever.toby

Toby Lever

BA (Hons) Commercial Photography

Mea’s practice is influenced by her research on the importance of haptics within image making and her reading on Cooper’s Fundamentals of Hand Therapy, which describes the hands as “an information seeking organ”.

www.meahodge.com @meahodgephoto

Mea Hodge

Josie is a fashion, editorial and lifestyle photographer who works with ethically crafted businesses in the South West. She aims to inspire others to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

www. josieswabeyvisuals.com @josies_visuals BA (Hons) Photography

Josie Swabey

Kira Sharples

For Kira, movement is more than a concept; it is a powerful reminder of life’s constant flux. It is the gentle sway of a leaf in the wind, the graceful arc of a dancer’s arm, and the never-ending ebb and flow of our daily lives. Life is an endless dance, and she enjoys the challenge of capturing its fleeting beauty.

www.kirasplace.com @ _kiras_place

Rae Barwell

An Ocean Full of Change is a project focusing on the distinction of oceanic behavioural patterns and looking at the parallels of that Iife with someone who has ADHD. The project focuses on how the two mirror each other and flow alongside each other.

www.raewellsart.com @raewellsartco

Harriet finds solace in utilising art as a therapeutic conduit for healing. With a focus on thought-provoking themes such as identity, self-care and gender.

www.photographarriet.com

@photographarriet

Harriet Rawlings

BA (Hons) Photography

Josh Parrett

Within his latest project Speedwell, Joshua embarks on an exploration into his hometown of Plymouth. As might be expected with a port city, its history is dominated by the trajectory of departure, most notably in this case, the voyage of the Mayflower in 1620.

@jtparrett

BA (Hons) Photography

Driven by a deeply personal connection, “P.S There is a light at the End of the Tunnel” holds profound significance for Lacey. Through this project, she aims to illuminate the path of resilience and hope, endeavouring to inspire others grappling with life’s challenges. If her work can offer solace and guidance to even a single individual, affirming the inherent strength within, then every endeavour will have been worthwhile.

www.laceyvarey.com

@lacey.varey_photography

Lacey Varey

BA (Hons) Photography

www.londonmet.ac.uk

Sophie Ackroyd

Wild Hound, 2024

Kathleen, named after my grandmother, explores my Irish heritage. I delve into what it means to be Irish, following her life as a young Catholic on a farm in Northern Ireland. This project addresses identity, my newfound post-Brexit Irishness, and honours her life while reconnecting with my roots.

sophieaackroyd.cargo.site

@sophieaackroyd

A Little Prayer for You

Curtains

MELANIE ASHBROOK

LIFE TURNING, 2024

Life Turning 27

Life Turning 28

‘Life Turning’ explores the cyclical nature of life as it moves between a mother and daughter. Memories of the enigmatic city of Liverpool and the time I spent there as a young woman. In revisiting, I’m searching for the ghost of a past self through my daughter in the present.

THE BOOT OF EAST END, 2023-2024

‘The Boot of East End’ is named for Victoria Park's boot-like shape on the map. This photographic diary captures brief but impactful encounters in Victoria Park, reflecting its diverse community. Through portraits of strangers, I explore distance and belonging. Documenting moments of beauty, generosity, and human connection.

https://jinyucao.myportfolio.com/ @jinyucao95

Mateus

Anisah

This project is informed by my grandmother's experience of dementia. Through this work I seek to articulate the transformative effects of dementia on identity, relationships, and the perception of life. Rather than simply witnessing the disappearance of identity, I hope to raise awareness and improve understanding of the changes experienced when dealing with this challenging condition.

https://casinifrancesca.myportfolio.com/ @francicsn

1

2

Untitled

Untitled

Joseph; Laid Out from Polygons – 3D in 2Dimensional, 2024

Andrea; God in glasses, 2024

Maurizio; The Roar, 2024

In this project I took headshot photographs with a single, empty piece of paper in front of each face to leave space for the completion of the other half of their face. Using my imagination, I completed these mixed media portraitures through digital drawings.

https://alexcsikosphotogda30.myportfolio.com

DUAL DIMNESIONS, 2024 @csikosalex

'Psalms' is a narrative series delving into the lives of a group of young men navigating the complex social climate of 2024. Set against a backdrop of societal evolution, the series explores themes of identity, friend-ship, and self-discovery Through firsthand storytelling, "PSALMS" captures the resil-ience and camaraderie of a generation facing change, offering viewers a mirror into the diverse experiences of modern youth.

https://jacobweardley0f00.myportfolio.com

@jahcob5_

Bruno Ferrer Cortez

2019 - Ongoing

‘Melancolía’ is an on-going project in which I explore ideas of nostalgia and longing. It speaks of the passage of time and ephemerality, represented by the imagery of chairs in quotidian spaces, drawing a connection to these themes by reflecting on the philosophical connotations that are, for me, represented by empty chairs.

www.brunoferrercortez.com

@brunferrer

Red Chair #1

Red Chair #2

ANDREA IRMENI

This project is a documentation of man-altered landscapes, exploring their unique presence and hidden narratives. Inspired by the ‘New Topographics’ movement, it focuses on the industrial and estuarial areas of the River Thames. The aim is to reveal the poetry within and challenge the objectivity of photography and encourage deeper engagement with our perceptions of different environments.

https://andreairmeniphoto.squarespace.com

@andrea.irmeni_photo

WestSilvertownMills

‘Gift’ explores grief, healing, and the enduring bond between father and daughter. Their unbreakable connections, even beyond time and space. Using my father’s old negatives, I create a conversation through nature photography, with each image serving as my response to his perspective. It enables me to revive our timeless bond and bridge the gap between past and present, life and loss.

www.katarzynakurczewska.co.uk

@kkasia.kurczewska

Timeless Connection

Bond of Love

I am a Sri Lankan photographer based in London. In ‘Tradition in Transit', I explore the complex interweaving of identity, migration, and the enduring significance of cultural legacy. I document the moving journey of Sri Lankan dancers who have migrated to the UK and face challenges in imparting a deep cultural knowledge to the younger generation while adapting to a new existence.

Echoes of a Demon

Eternal Rhythms

www.sisiraphotography.com

@sisira_maddumage

‘Would A Man Rob God’ is a diptych that focuses on the toxic and exploitative relationship between prosperity preachers who use hope and promises of wealth, whether in this life or the next, to gain financial advantages; and their congregation who spend their miniscule wealth to hopefully get closer to God.

www.jabrahnmaxgrant.com

Jess Mitchell

Drifting Away

THE FRAGILITY OF MEMORIES, 2024

www.Jesslucy.com Jess_Lucy7@hotmail.com @jesslucyphotography

‘The Fragility of Memories’ is about deteriorating memories using the materiality of photography. Focusing on the emotions that come with re-visiting my childhood home in Poole, photographing key places of memories as they resurface. Submerging these negatives into the seawater from Poole as a collaboration of memory and place, they start to slowly fade into the water leaving behind what is to be remembered.

CONCEALED, 2024

‘Concealed’ highlights individuals who are unique but want to hide this uniqueness. Participatory role through utilising a photo booth. My project uses the visual language of typologies to create diptychs that represent both the hidden and the visible in order to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.

https://graciemayfineartphotos.myportfolio.com/ @graciemayfineartphotos

Gracie, 2024

LAVINIA PASCARIU

My project explores femininity through portraits of imperfect female mannequins, revealing the raw emotions and hidden strengths often obscured by societal norms. By showcasing their damaged forms, I am setting out to challenge the notion of resilience as a facade and invite viewers to confront the authentic complexities of womanhood.

https://laviniapascariu.com

@lavinia.pascariu

Untitled 6

Untitled 2

Inspired by Orwell’s ‘1984’, Edward Hopper’s alienation, and cyberpunk aesthetics, my project explores solitude and disconnection in urban landscapes. It examines subtle forces of alienation in a capitalist society, where individualism, consumerism, and surveillance dominate. Through visual storytelling, I aim to reflect on and offer insights into our contemporary reality.

https://gennysian1210.myportfolio.com

@gennys1210

Untitled_3

Untitled_2

www.katarzyna-witkowska.com @k.witkowskaartphotography

‘Blinded by Light’ explores the intricacies of mental health and human emotions using auto-narrative techniques. By shedding light on the mind's dual role as an ally and adversary, the project embarks on a journey of self-discovery and collective healing. This endeavour creates external vulnerability, that I hope will foster personal and communal understanding and growth.

Petrified

LAVINIA ZOICA

INTROVERTED, 2024

‘Introverted’ is a meditative exploration through the lens of an introverted observer who captures the essence of fleeting moments, focusing on reflections as a metaphor for the stories that go unnoticed. Each image, a silent narrative and an abstract representation of the street, is a visual poem dedicated to the quiet observer within us all.

https://laviniazoica.photography

@laviniazoica

Untitled #6

Untitled #1

BA (Hons) Photography

PHASES

PHASES is a collective presentation of portfolios by Final Year BA Photography students at Middlesex University, showcasing the diversity and depth of their artistic explorations.

Phases refer to distinct stages or periods through which something or someone progresses during development. The term often relates to successive steps in the process of growth and transformation, which we believe is greatly displayed within the portfolios represented.

The photographs within these portfolios embody years of intensive work, experimentation, and discoveries. PHASES is a celebration of the talent, passion and creativity of our students, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves into their worlds and perspectives. This series highlights the individual achievements of each participant, whilst also creating a coherent vision of the groups collective artistic growth.

https://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/photography-ba-honours/

Image - Sandra Destreza

https://www.instagram.com/jens._.photography_/

Neon Fatales

Drawing inspiration from the Femme Fatale archetypes in cinema and popular television shows, I have created a fictional photographic narrative that highlights the confidence, beauty, and femininity of my subjects. My images merge cinematic visual language with dramatic neon lighting to create an atmospheric series of portraits and landscapes. Captured primarily in urban locations around London, such as Soho and London Bridge, I scouted these settings for their striking neon and artificial lighting. Additionally, my work is influenced by the renowned film; Last Night In Soho, which I thoroughly researched.

Jayda Nathan

https://www.instagram.com/jericho8162/?hl=en

Conceptual Paragon

Within a cityscape, people’s lives and experiences are dominated by man-made structures, from small buildings to towering skyscrapers. When people gaze up at these constructions, they rarely take the time to notice the distinctive shapes and patterns that each building possesses.

This series of photographs intends to reveal the unique architectural design of the structures and draw attention to visual aspects, striking shapes and patterns. The photographs articulate a conceptual approach, where the cityscapes are layered and abstracted to forge a new perspective.

Jericho Adiwarna

https://www.instagram.com/vlgyibence/

Bence Volgyi

Purposeful Living

As a Hungarian, I grew up within a world of Eastern European traditions, and it is these memories that have inspired my photographic work. The staged photographs presented in this series represent nostalgic experiences, rural environments, and traditional rituals from my childhood.

There are several historical and traditional connections between Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Czechia that trace back to Visegrad (Hungary) in the 14th century. Despite conflicts and disagreements influenced by misunderstandings and external powers, we have always been connected by our beliefs and traditions.

Another inspiration for establishing this project is to present an alternative lifestyle, highlighting its remarkable occasions and characteristic aspects.

https://www.instagram.com/quto.jpg/

Caleb Hudson Carrington

VIVID - MOOD - STARE

I have always been passionate about the creative arts. I incorporate tone, saturation, and colour into my photographic work, reflecting my fascination with animation and cinematography. Everything that piques my curiosity in life, whether it’s a daily encounter, an event, a person, or a location, serves as inspiration for my work. My longterm goal is to launch a career in advertising, but not limited to that field.

I am always seeking out fresh approaches that challenge the status quo of conventional photography, hoping to bring a new perspective to my work in the world of advertising. I draw inspiration from different artistic and photographic genres. Finally, while I am eager to continue developing and progressing as a photographer, I am also excited to see where my journey in photography will take me.

https://www.dagmetel.com/

Dagmara Metel

Susurri Spei

Susurri Spei (Whispers of Hope) explores the profound yet often overlooked effects of parental alcoholism, revealing the emotional and psychological struggles of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA). As an ACoA herself, the author uses analogue photographs, mixed media techniques, alternative photographic processes, archival family materials, and personal journal excerpts to illustrate this project. It transcends mere documentation, offering a powerful expression of the artist’s own journey and a poignant social commentary.

The visual narrative delves into memory, identity, the subconscious, and mourning, presenting an ongoing process rather than a retrospective. Susurri Spei invites an exploration of emotional and temporal boundaries, aiming to foster healing and connection within the intricate maze of human experience.

https://www.instagram.com/reggie.photography_/

Reggie Saunders

In-Mind

My photographic work draws from my personal experiences with mental health and ongoing recovery. This exhibition features a variety of photographic approaches, including self-portraits, landscapes, still life, and visual distortions. Creating these photographs has been a cathartic process, enabling me to channel and express my perspective on coping with mental health challenges. It is my hope that my photographs act as a relatable visual framework that allows viewers to gain a sense of the everyday struggles that the mental health community experiences.

https://www.joannapriorphoto.com/about

Joanna Prior

Diaphanous

To be diaphanous is to be transparent. Diaphanous portrays the body and femininity of a woman, relating to the notions of confidence and empowerment of one’s own body through experimental, alternative processes and post-production. The visual differences allow the ‘flaws’ to shine through and become normalised, appearing both permanent and natural. This series is personal, intimate, and relatable. Its purpose is to emphasise the transparent reality of natural beauty through Lomography by mixing beauty and destruction, achieved by soaking the film in various liquids. In every translucent moment, we find strength. Embrace the beauty of transparency and discover your beauty within.

https://www.instagram.com/juanest22uk/

Juan Esteban Solano Arcila

State of Mind

The project ‘State of Mind’ aims to visually expose the different places that I associate with various mental and psychological states. The idea began with a desire to mould, sculpt and craft different Dioramas, but without inspiration to create meaningful scenarios for these dioramas, beyond their mere construction.

Using the photographic concept of capturing one’s own reality, I decided to fully embrace this idea and manipulate every aspect of the scenarios, effectively modelling the picture itself. ‘State of Mind’ is the overall project title, but each piece has its own title, providing a hint of what these scenarios represent to me. It is important to highlight that the scenarios depicted in the photographs are visual constructs of how I imagine them to be.

https://www.instagram.com/luca2gaspar/

Which road leads to W? I keep looking for an answer, but it doesn’t seem that there is one. These roads keep changing; once you get on one, it is impossible to come back from it. It is impossible to find it again. The only thing left to do is to keep advancing. Does this road lead to W? I am tired of these questions, and so I’m just going to keep moving forward. In the end, I don’t care about W; I just want to keep moving.

Luca de Gaspar

https://www.instagram.com/nathalya_photography/

Nathalya Moreira de Jesus

The individuals I photographed are from Latin America and have immigrated to London in search of a better life. Many of them face challenges in securing employment due to difficulties in English proficiency, which hinders their aspirations to become doctors, teachers, or engineers.

In total, I photographed ten people. Except for one young boy in a school shirt, all expressed aspirations that they feel are blocked by age-related barriers. As a result, most of them currently work in occupations such as cleaning, maintenance, driving, and tattoo artistry.

As a photographer, my goal is to amplify their voices. I empathise with their struggles because I too once believed my dream job was unattainable. Therefore, I aim to help these individuals find purpose and dispel the misconceptions that they hold about life in London.

I Didn’t Fear Death Till It Came...

The idea for this project ‘I Didn’t Fear Death Till It Came...’ emerged from experiencing two family deaths within two years. Although grief is a universal experience, we often choose to keep feelings of anger, guilt, and loneliness to ourselves. How is it that even when going through similar trauma, we let these emotions drive us apart instead of bringing us closer together? This project explores isolation, distance and the release of emotions. Take a peek into our individual experiences with grief and the visible distance it has created between us. https://www.lukakarablikovaphotography.com/work-1

Luka Karablikova

https://www.instagram.com/rexcapture/

Rex Kei

Fashioning Reality

Essential to me as an artist is to work true to my passions and desires.

In order for my creativity to grow I use mixed media such as colour and black and white analogue film and hand printing techniques, although the results are not always guaranteed. To bridge the gap that analogue processes alone cannot cover, I utlilise digital photographic post-production to complete the process.

I take the seen or unseen worlds from fantasy and fiction to create realities which I envision. I choose to do this through the medium of fashion photography.

https://www.instagram.com/phrooshe/?hl=en

Roberto Frusciante

The House

The House is an imaginary space that offered me the opportunity to freely express my imagination, a concoction of surrealism, fashion, sensuality, humour and a child like curiosity.

In its obsidian walls my friends talents are celebrated and their beauty is fostered, much like the houses of the ballroom scene. A reclamation of space for queer individuals and our intersection of also being Gen Z, whom hope to actually own a house is a far opportunity.

My vision for the different rooms comes from an appreciation for the queer artists from the past and the present, and it wishes to add to the conversation about what is queer art and whom is it for.

https://www.instagram.com/destreza.docx/

Sandra Destreza

The Coat Thief and Her Accomplices

During my early teen years, we would visit my grandmother whenever we had the chance in Cologne, Germany, where she retired and resided with her husband. I don’t remember much from those years except for the fact that my mother would raid her mum’s closet for clothes – specifically coats – that she no longer used.

These vivid early experiences have fuelled my curiosity and obsession with memory, compelling me to create a layered narrative touching on themes of identity, migration and the intriguing ritual of unpermitted borrowing and/or exchanging of items and clothing between family members.

‘The Coat Thief and Her Accomplices’ is a body of work that is drawn from the latent remnants of that simpler time, translated into a fictional crime narrative.

https://www.instagram.com/meggiehopepho/

Meggie Fisher MORIBUND

For this project, I embarked on a journey that aligns the boundaries between the tangible and the ethereal where I delve into the concept of existence, capturing fleeting moments that I believe hold spiritual significance. Inspired by a connection with nature and my own sense of spiritualism, I seek to unravel the essence of the universe when it comes to the rural landscape of our environment. Nature for me, is not merely a backdrop but a sacred canvas where every leaf, every gentle breeze, and every misplaced stone holds history or alternatively an omen of sorts. Using the technique of printing liquid light onto unconventional canvases such as tree bark and dried leaves, these fleeting moments of time have been encapsulated upon a fragment of its own environment, becoming a piece of ephemera to reflect apon. At its core, this ongoing body of work strives to illuminate the connection between life and what comes afterwards, offering a lens for introspection.

https://kimberleykaye.com/

Kimberley Kaye

Route - Weg - Road

The series represents a return journey back to my hometown of Ovifat in Belgium travelling by rail. Making observations through the window allowed me to reconnect with the natural environment I grew up in.

Incorporating the way I viewed the world as a child creating these images, I carefully thought about each element. Finding feelings and emotions inside of me that I lost over time, such as freedom, love and nostalgia. This voyage allowed me to use art as an expressive way to heal.

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

https://www.instagram.com/wullphy/

Behind Closed Doors: Capturing the Realities of Sex Work

This project endeavours to reveal the raw and deeply human stories of sex workers through evocative imagery, emphasizing their social and emotional experiences. It delves into the intense feelings and challenges they navigate while enduring a profession often plagued by stigma and mistreatment. Exploring themes of sexuality, social labels, and the complex motivations behind choosing this profession, the project seeks to foster empathy and understanding.

Centring on Jhoana, a transsexual worker in London, it highlights not just survival but also empower ment and resilience. Each image serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to persevere amidst adversity, aiming to spark meaningful conversations and advocate for societal change towards more compassionate and equitable treatment of sex workers.

Wilmer Urbano Llanos

https://www.instagram.com/harrisonogarro/

Colour and Culture on Stoke Newington High Street

This portfolio is centred around the wide variety of food and drink spots and cuisines celebrated in the heart of Stoke Newington. From a technical standpoint, the colour combinations in each image were deliberately captured at night to emphasise the growing vibrancy of the high street. The aim was not only to highlight the rich cultural aspects of Stoke Newington High Street but also to showcase the diverse colour schemes found in each shop front.

Harrison O’Garro

https://www.instagram.com/shanleymiaphoto/

Shanley Taylor

This series is a collection of black and white photographs that aim to capture and convey the dynamic and repetitive movement of the sea and the therapeutic experience it provides to its audience.

My goal was to invite the viewer to explore the tranquillity and a moment of peace that can be found amidst the chaotic rhythm of the waves.

Each image is a frozen moment in time, where the patterns created by the movement of the waves are completely unique, just like a fingerprint. I aim to convey the ocean’s chaotic yet calming everchanging nature, creating a sense of connection for the viewer.

Paris2000@live.co.uk

The drive of this project is mental health and the enjoyment of basic things in life. Mental health and the methods that can help aren’t talked about. Some of the methods can be so simple and fun to do even if you don’t suffer from anxiety or overthinking.

Just looking up at the clouds and taking in the natural beauty of the world, watching the clouds float by for ming shapes. But sometimes, these shapes can mimic things that we see in life, like people’s faces or things we see in our own life experiences. I’ve taken some of my images and added drawings to them to show what I’ve seen in the cloud formations.

Paris Johnson

Lisa Bonollo

https://www.instagram.com/liz_piks/

Passionate about capturing the vibrancy of the world, I find joy in blending movements, shapes, colours and the organic and intense beauty of the natural world and the people I photograph through my lens. I want to evoke a sensory experience of the unseen that engages the viewer on multiple levels. Through sight I encourage reflection and introspection thus inviting them to explore the intricate connections between us all.

In this world of beauty, where dreams take flight, I aim to capture moments, both dark and light. So into each frame lies a tale to be told, Of the symbiotic dance between past and presemt sight, Human and the natural world; Each a multi-sensory experience not only to be seen But to be felt and told.

https://www.instagram.com/kafefetoto/

Maksim Petkov untitled.

ACCREDITED COURSES

Criteria for Membership

Our Accredited Course membership is able to provide support and industry expertise to photography courses at FE, HE and post-grad levels, as long as the course can provide evidence that its course content and delivery responds to the current demands in the professional photography sector.

Additionally, institutions must integrate substantial elements of our publication, Beyond The Lens, into the course delivery, usually as part of any Professional Practice or Professional Development (PDP) module(s).

If your institution offers additional courses related to image-making and photographic practice, we can offer a package to accredit those courses too. Please get in touch with us to discuss.

To become an AOP Accredited Course, the institution must:

Hold a fair copyright policy as applicable to their students and not seek to take any IP from them.

Demonstrate a satisfactory provision of lensbased and/or electronic imaging and wish to seek a stronger liaison and involvement with the professional photographic industry.

Pass an assessment visit of any on- or off-site facilities, including studios, digital suites, darkrooms, and the library. We would also like to talk to current students and teaching staff on the course.

By joining, you commit to a minimum term of membership of 12 months. This will be renewed automatically on its anniversary unless you give one calendar month's notice to the AOP, in writing to info@the-aop.org. Membership will continue on a rolling basis until such time as you decide to cancel.

You also commit to abide by the AOP Members' Charter and Code of Practice, which can be found here.

For more information email us at info@theaop.org

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without the prior written permission of the copyright holders. The copyright in the individual photographs in this book remains with the Photographer or relevant rights-holder unless otherwise stated The Publisher does not accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copyright © 2024 The Association of Photographers Limited All rights reserved.

www.the-aop.org

www.aopawards.com

AOP ACCREDITED COURSE GRADUATES 2024 MAGAZINE