Udo shining at student photography exhibition in sydney

His debut exhibition at Sydney’s Design campus is a huge milestone in his journey as a photographer – and we couldn’t be more excited for him.

Meet Udo Bucher: the student photographer behind the lens

Udo has always had a camera in his hands, from when he was just 12 years old. After his first experience seeing his film develop in a darkroom, he was hooked.

“I was given my first camera at age 12 and got to see my film and prints being developed in a darkroom. My interest has grown ever since,” Udo says.

By the time he was 18, Udo had already had a successful submission to an international exhibition that toured Europe.

After high school he went into a career in science, technology and manufacturing, but following a 45-year-long career, he decided to return to his true passion – photography and art.

Why Billy Blue?

He chose to study at Billy Blue College of Design to get the foundations and find direction in the vast world of photography.

“At that time, I was still unsure about which direction I would take within this broad field,” he says. “It’s fair to say that my pursuit of photography has always been driven by passion and ambition.”

Billy Blue gave Udo the perfect environment to experiment and develop his style. The Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging exposed him to a range of photography fields, allowing him to explore various genres and techniques.

“At Billy Blue, we are exposed to many of those fields where we can experiment and develop skills and style. We find out what we like and what we are drawn to,” Udo shares.

He dove into different styles, finding his unique voice along the way. Udo’s work reflects the influences of several great artists and photographers, which he says was nurtured by both his lecturers and his own research.

During his studies, Udo’s work earned him recognition in the photography community. He was highly commended in several photography competitions, including being a runner-up in People Photography of the Year by Capture magazine and placing 10th in the 2024 Capture Awards in the Landscape category, among others.

Morning Glory by Udo Bucher, recognised in the 2024 Capture Awards.

“One of the pivotal subjects in the Photography course is Folio, where students produce a high-end cohesive body of work,” he says. “It’s analogous to a thesis – the culmination and high point of a student’s journey.”

His work grew and evolved, leading him to a breakthrough moment: his debut photography exhibition.

Udo’s initiative and drive definitely set him apart. He didn’t wait for opportunities to come to him, he created them. He regularly took the lead, setting up professional headshot sessions on campus for a low fee, which were then used by students, alumni, and academics in their professional portfolios.

Student photography debut exhibition in Sydney

Udo’s debut exhibition took place at design campus in Ultimo, which was set up as a professional gallery, and it was the perfect space to showcase his hard work and passion.

For Udo, having this exhibition was a major achievement.

“Becoming known as an artist was and is a primary driver for me. Getting your first exhibition is a significant milestone and achievement.”

It’s no small feat to produce an exhibition, and Udo’s opportunity at Billy Blue allowed him to skip the traditional waiting lists at most galleries.

“Having status gets you exhibitions, but to get exhibitions requires having status,” he says. “Billy Blue gave me the opportunity to bypass this route, but I still had to prove myself worthy of this amazing opportunity.”

Udo Bucher at design campus.

“I received a lot of compliments and invaluable positive feedback. It helped to underpin confidence and ambition and further develop my own ideas about where I’m going.”

The positive response gave Udo the encouragement to keep pursuing his art.

About the displayed artwork

Udo’s exhibition featured a collection of photographs that showcase his journey and development as an artist.

“I spend time scouting for locations. They must have great mood, composition, and evoke an emotion within me. After discovering a great location, I might choose to place people in the scene and weave a story that relates to the people,” he says.

His work captured a mix of scenic interpersonal stories, beauty, portraiture, and abstract landscapes – each piece reflecting a different aspect of his evolving style.

“My exhibition showcases the evolution of my style and several genres that I’ve explored while at Billy Blue College,” he says. The variety of styles and genres reflects how much he’s learned and the different directions his photography could go.

“It was fantastic to see all of Udo’s hard work come together in such a high-quality exhibition. The standard of the works on display is impressive, and it’s a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft,” says Guy Sherlock, one of Udo’s lecturers.

Udo’s advice for current and future students

For anyone thinking about studying photography or considering their own exhibition, he’s got some advice: “I would recommend having a clear vision and goal, and having the drive, energy and momentum to both organise an exhibition and pull it off. It’s a lot of work and potentially expensive, so be sure to have clear goals.”

He adds that exhibitions might not be the best route for everyone, especially for those pursuing commercial or fashion photography, where building an impressive portfolio could be more beneficial.

Udo's exhibition at the design campus.

Looking back, Udo reflects on his rewarding moments.

“I’m rewarded when I’ve created a beautiful artwork that I’m satisfied with. The exhibition itself was highly rewarding, and the positive feedback I received helped solidify my confidence and ambition.”

The road ahead looks bright for Udo, and we can’t wait to see where his photography journey takes him next.