Experimenting with photography styles can help identify your niche

Connecting with industry is one of Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia’s proudest philosophy, we live for those connections and securing opportunities for our students to have access to these real work experiences. Putting their skills into practice with hands-on experience on a client brief.

It’s even better when an alumna is the client. Lou Thomas, a communication design graduate and now Communications Design Manager for Optical Dispenser Australia, knows all too well the importance of having that real work experience during your studies. The brief was, “To grow and develop an image library for Optical Dispenser Australia to use for event promotions and social media engagement.”

The broadness of the brief and shoot focus meant that students each got to experiment across a range of photography styles, which included everything from event photography, product shots, portrait, editorial and image classification practice.

Student Work Credit: Yara Mike

Learning to create an image library

Starting with the end in mind was essential for this brief. For any photographer assigned to a client job, it’s pivotal to understand who the client is and how the images will be used. Optical Dispensers Australia is an association for the Optical Dispensers and their Affiliates community. They have built a network of leading optometrist service providers including the likes of Bayley Nelson and George & Matilda Eyecare and the International Opticians Association. All of whom need access to a range of quality images to promote their services and products.

Skills needed as an Event Photographer

Some of the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging students were able to attend Optical Dispensers Australia’s conference and workshops to experience first-hand how to shoot a live event.

During this onsite experience, Photography course students were able to put into practice their learnings on framing, lighting, angles, and incorporating visuals which reflect the client’s brand.

Student Work Credit: Ken Spain

The importance of lighting in product shoots

When it comes to photographing products, it’s a stand-alone “model”. For example, optical products have reflective areas which are challenging for photographers when on shoot. The students used the skills they have learnt from their course to combat this challenge and wowed the team at Optical Dispenser Australia of their new image gallery.

Student Work Credit: Ken Spain

Student Work Credit: Sanni Mattson

How Photography students benefit from a live brief

The opportunities for our design students are endless, our Industry and Partnerships team at Torrens University live and breathe Design and Creative Technology. They nurture these relationships to bring these internships and live briefs into the classrooms and want to see each of our students succeed before entering the real work.

These opportunities allow students to explore their creativity, technical skills and software to create their end product. These experiences may lead to new career opportunities where you can only imagine.