Level 3 Photography students now have their work on display in a popular shopping outlet, visited by millions per year.
The Ashford Designer Outlet, part of the McArthurGlen Group, wanted a new set of images for their VIP Guest Lounge, and approached our learners to see if they were up to the challenge.
The brief was to focus on local sights and scenery, but it was up to the students to determine the final vision of their pieces. To ensure they captured striking images, they worked independently, travelling across Kent in the mornings and evenings to create their piece.
One learner, Paige, focused on the bluebells, woodland trees and other foliage at the nearby Singleton Lake. She said about her work and her studies:
“It was our role to go around Ashford and Kent, and show areas that people may not visit or know about. I tried to find something that stood out and reflected the beauty of the town itself, which is why I chose Singleton Lake.
“Now that I’ve finished College, I’m looking into media for further study and work. I’d be really interested in running social media accounts and focusing on capturing content for these.
“The Photography course was so fun. Where the class was smaller compared to school, it felt more personal and there was a focus on 1-1 and peer feedback which was helpful.”
Fellow student Tegan, took her final image in Hythe, focusing on the Royal Military Canal, which runs for 28 miles between Folkestone and Hastings.
Tegan said of her work: “The Royal Miltary Canal is very historic. I decided to go there because when you see pictures of it, you can’t mistake it, it’s so easily recognisable.
“During the project I did try a few other locations, but this was the best one for me.
“I’ve now finished my College course but it’s helped me explore Photography as a hobby and I’d love to keep pursuing it.
“It means a lot to see my work here on display today, and joining in on real projects was one of my favourite parts of the course, alongside making new friends.”
Other artworks on display in the Outlet showcase locations such as Sunny Sands Beach in Folkestone, Samphire Hoe and Hamstreet Woods.
Marc Christmas, Lecturer, said of the project: “It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase their work, in such a prestigious site in Kent, and the students have worked so hard, capturing and delivering their final images.
“I hope their work will be seen for years to come, and the images could even be distributed to other Outlets globally which is exciting to hear.”
In addition to having their work on display, the students were also rewarded for their efforts by Retail Manager, Lee Collette, with a McArthurGlen Gift card and a selection of chocolates.
Congratulations to all of the students involved with this project. Many have now gone off to universities across the country to study Photography or other art-related disciplines.
If you’d like to make your mark on Kent with your artwork, why not explore our Photography course today, or learn more at an Open Day?
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