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Art College Hosts Leading Photographic Industry Visit

Photography students from Cleveland College of Art & Design’s (CCAD) university level campus were given the opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain invaluable experience following a visit by the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP).

Chris Harper, Chief Executive of the BIPP visited the degree students at the specialist art and design college to give a series of lectures on the photography industry and seminars on fashion, wedding and portrait photography, alongside BIPP Fellow, Kevin Wilson.

As part of the lectures, Chris and Kevin discussed their career development, provided an overview of the photography industry and how technology has changed the photographic landscape from film to digital. The students were then treated to a series of practical photography sessions in and around the college site in Hartlepool, using their skills gained during the course and taking on board the expertise and advice from the BIPP team.

BA (Hons) Photography student Adele Plunkett, 48, from Wingate in County Durham, said: “It was amazing to see the work of Chris and Kevin and to get an insight into their professional practice. Their mentoring and encouragement of my work in a portfolio review has filled me with more confidence to achieve my goals now.”

CCAD is one of only 10 education institutions which has its BA (Hons) Photography degree affiliated with the BIPP. CCAD Photography lecturer, Richard Whitehead, said: “This prestigious visit is the first by the BIPP Chief Executive and has proved to be a fantastic day for the students, who were able to get hands on experience and benefit from the vast experience of two of the UK’s leading photographers. Our affiliation with the BIPP is critical to our course, and we encourage students to be members and to gain a professional edge on their CV.”

BIPP Chief Executive, Chris Harper, said: “Kevin and I found the work of the students at the college to be a testament to the skill and creativity of both lecturers and students. We had a great time viewing the students work and look forward to our next visit. Cleveland College of Art and Design is an inspirational establishment and the BIPP is delighted to be associated with it.”

The BIPP is an internationally recognised qualifying organisation with over 100 years’ experience in supporting photographers. The not for profit organisation delivers education, qualifications and professional development to photographers, ensuring the future of the professional photographic industry and helping to represent professional photography to government and industry.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kathryn Clapham .