Kenny, Carlisle, 2024

28 Nov

Last week the University of Cumbria invited me to spend a day with their students as a guest lecturer. The brief was very simple: inspire the next generation of photographers. Sure I thought, I do that EVERY DAY on my insta story so why not try it in real life. And so, I spent a day with the students, showing them a complete shoot, from brief to delivery. Was I impactful? Was I awe inspiring? Did I blow their minds with my amazing artistry and raw talent? It’s not for me to say. But yes. Yes I did.

Basically the photography department invited me in to talk to the students and then show them how to do an actual shoot, from start to finish. It was a tonne of fun, and the students were great; I loved it. And in the spirit of transparency, here are the images we shot on the day.

This is Kenny, a member of staff who works in the workshop. Kenny was a delight, and didn’t seem to give a single shit about there being 25 students in his workshop watching me photograph him. We ended up doing three setups at different stations, ending with the portraits of him in front of the backdrop, whilst he lit a wooden sword on fire. Very cool.

Big thanks to Rob, Michael, and Morwenna at the University Photography Department, as well as the students, who seemed to enjoy it(?). I’d love to do more public speaking - if you’re reading this please let me come and yell at people. @photography_at_cumbria @cumbriauni @creatives.cumbria