Turning passion into practice: Lottie Farndon’s career-ready journey at Solent

“I chose this course because I have always had a passion for photography and knew it was something I wanted to do as a career, I love the practical aspect of it and how it is a creative subject which engages my brain and challenges it at the same time. I chose to study photography at Solent because the range of equipment they have to lend out at the hatch is amazing, ss well as the darkroom facilities which I have been able to make lots of use of over the past two years.”

Turning a passion into a career

Lottie is developing both the technical and creative skills that are helping prepare her for a future career in photography and education.

“After leaving Solent I would love to go into a career of teaching photography. Whether that is teaching secondary school, A-levels, or even becoming a university lecturer.”

For Lottie, photography is something she hopes to share with others, helping inspire the next generation of creatives.

“I want to be able to show the passion I have for photography and pass that over to other people who are just beginning their own journeys in photography. I would love to take a year out and travel, taking pictures along the way, I have always wanted to explore the world and use photography as a way to document it, so learning these new skills during my degree will allow me to take some great landscape and documentary images.”

Learning by doing

A major part of Lottie’s experience at Solent has been learning how to use professional equipment and facilities across different areas of photography.

“We have been taught how to use lots of the different equipment the university hatch has to offer. From digital cameras with different lenses to film cameras which we then developed ourselves. During my two years on the course, we have also learnt how to set up and lay out a photography exhibition at industry standard, which would help me if I wanted to go into this specific area of photography.”

I have gained lots of hands-on experience working in both the university’s colour and black and white darkrooms, it has been an interesting skill to learn because not many places have these facilities open for people to use.”

Working in the darkroom has also given her a greater appreciation of the origins of photography and traditional photographic processes.

“It has helped me to look at photography on a deeper level and see where it originally started. Learning the lighting setup has also been really useful because I am now much more confident in studio setups. It has led me to know which camera I would like to buy myself once I graduate.”

Support to develop creative confidence

Support from lecturers and technical staff has also been a key part of Lottie’s university experience so far.

“My lecturers have been super supportive through my first two years here at Solent, whether that’s during tutorials and giving me feedback on how to improve my work or helping me take it one step further. The technical instructors have helped me with more practical equipment such as the darkroom and lighting equipment.

I have also found the lecturers to be very supportive with mental health issues and making sure me and my classmates are doing okay mentally, as they feel this is more important than getting the work done on time.”

Bringing the industry into the classroom

Throughout her studies, Lottie has also had opportunities to hear directly from established professionals working within the photography industry.

“We have had many guest lecturers such as Rankin and James Cannon come to the university to talk to us, they talked about how they made it into the photography industry and what made their work stand out. They also talked to us about the work they have created and what their own day-to-day looks like in the jobs they are doing.”

This summer, Lottie will also gain first-hand industry experience through a work placement in London.

“I’ve got a week of work experience in London with a company who works with photography in advertising and retouching,” she explains. “They have worked with many different brands such as Nike. I’m looking forward to seeing what knowledge and experience this helps me gain in real life.”

Building skills for the future

Lottie feels the opportunities available at Solent have played a major role in helping her move closer to her future goals.

“Overall, the most useful thing I have learnt from Solent is how to use all the equipment they offer, I think this is important for my degree because to be a photographer you need to know how to use camera and lighting equipment.

I wouldn’t have been able to get these opportunities without coming to Solent, so I am very grateful for all it has taught me and how it will help me achieve my goals in the future.”

Finding a community at Solent

“Solent so far has been such a great experience, I have made friends for life both on my course and in the halls of residence where I lived in first year. The environment is great with good study spaces and communal areas. I would recommend Solent University to anyone looking to study photography.”

If you are interested in following in Lottie's footsteps or another creative route, find out more about our art and design courses at Solent.