Photography is in the eye of the beholder

Our A-Level photography students from Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone attended The Eye International Photography festival at Aberystwyth Arts Centre recently.

About the festival

The three day festival, which takes place every two years, is founded by photographers for photographers and those who appreciate all forms of photography.

The students listened to presentations by leading photographers and saw work on display in several on-site exhibitions.

The learners attended seven lectures across the weekend including Kasia Wozniak who specialises in wet plate photography and fashion, a particularly moving lecture surrounding refugees and migration by Danilo Balducci and Welsh photographer (now photo editor for News Corp Australia), Neil Bennet.

The students also had the opportunity to handle historical photographs in the National Library archives, including the Native American works of Edward S. Curtis.

What the students thought:

Our students networked, asked questions and benefited from being submerged into such a creative, industry-based environment, with photographers who are at the top of their game.

The students who attended are:
Megan Thompson-18
Lucie O’Shea- 17
Kaitlyn Lewis- 17
Ellie Ball- 17
Ben Pinch- 17
Lauren Kelly- 18
Hailie Edwards- 17
Shannon Moores- 18

Student Kaitlyn Lewis, 17, commented: “Since attending the lectures, I now understand that photographers do not get their luck – they make their luck.”

Fellow student Lucie O’Shea, 17, said: “I have enjoyed the experience of The Eye Festival. It has given me inspiration, confidence as well as independence.”

Stacey Knight, A levellecturer, would like to thank the learners for their enthusiasm over the weekend, with a special mention to BA Photo journalism course leader Andrew Pearsall for the opportunity to collaborate with University of South Wales on this trip.

These experiences will undoubtedly benefit their A level work, personal statements and applications for a range of photography-based degrees but most importantly, the value and knowledge gained from such an important event in the photography world.