When Tech meets Art
Photography is a unique combination of visual artistry and technical prowess. Those who focus only on the creative aspects and are eager to quickly capture images, often find it challenging to take on the technical skills of photography. Cameras, lighting, lenses, image processing and editing, are all complex and varied machinations of the field. But once the photography urge is realised, people soon develop a thirst for this very same technical knowledge.
Stephen Farnworth is a post-grad diploma graduate of the Academy of Photography, and he has been a hobbyist photographer since his teenage years. It was only later when he started to see his true potential behind the lens, that he embraced the manual mode of his camera and jumped into learning more. Having earned a Distinction, it is clear he followed the right path.
“I recall buying a photography book to learn how to use the camera, but I must admit, I never had time to read the book, so the camera remained in auto mode. I quickly moved on to compact cameras, these cameras were ‘fit for purpose’ at the time, capturing family holidays and gatherings for the photo album. As I travelled more and captured many beautiful places around the world, I realised I needed to develop my photography skills further.”
Stephen has a master’s degree in technology management, a post graduate diploma with distinction in Project Management and a background in engineering, which may have been helpful when first approaching the inner workings of a manual camera. It also meant that he was going to need to find a course that would support his eagerness to tool-up on his skills and achieve an accreditation but also support his schedule and other personal responsibilities.
“After researching various online learning organisations that offered formal qualifications in photography, I found the academy ‘Post Graduate Diploma course’. This was perfect as it offered a self-paced online learning environment for me to achieve my goal.”
One step at a time
As Stephen progressed through his course, his learning and knowledge would deepen. Like any new endeavour, the initial stages can feel a little daunting, but no one has ever successfully climbed Everest in one great leap. What seems enormous at first, soon becomes manageable when broken down into smaller steps.
“I found the course to be both challenging and interesting. Each assignment was a challenge because the assignments not only required practical evidence to demonstrate skills, but the assignments also required in depth research to show evidence of knowledge learned. This was very interesting because I not only learned the ‘how’, but also the ‘why?’ with a lot of incidental learning.”
There is a reason photography is a large and varied profession. It is a medium that is both revered and steeped with intrigue. Since its inception, it has been a powerful force of creativity, cultural influence and journalistic importance. Photography is a layered and historic medium that continues to surprise and delight. Stephen found as he got his teeth into the coursework, the adage was true - the more you learn, the less you realise you know.
“I was surprised at how much there is to learn about photography, there is much more to photography than just pointing and shooting. The academy’s online portal was very well structured to guide me through this learning. I recognise now, after 3 years with the academy, how much I didn’t know and how much I have learned.”
Building a business over time
And indeed, there is much to learn. While the academy offers enormous flexibility, sometimes students need an additional nudge to get them over the line. Studying involves time management and some self-discipline to keep it under control. For Stephen, the time rolled in fast and the three years he had allowed for completion seemed to arrive in a blink.
“My advice for anyone thinking of studying for the Postgraduate, would be to create a timeline and just keep chipping away at each assignment, regularly checking your progress to the timeline.”
But time does fly when you’re having fun!
Stephen, now a graduate, is focusing on building his own freelance practice and establishing himself as a professional. With a burgeoning interest in portraiture, events, fashion and macro photography, as well as a wealth of talent. There really is no stopping him.
Watch this space as “Farnworth Photographics” grows and expands into a bolder business offering “project management from planning to delivery, for corporate, fashion, sports and social events. As well as portraiture, in studio and on location.”
Webpages – www.farnworth.au & www.farnworthphotographics.com
Instagram – www.instagram.com/@stephenfarnworth
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/stephenfarnworth
