New photography course is 'welly' worth it

A new course in Commercial Photography which has been launched by Robert Gordon University in conjunction with Aberdeen College is the first link up of its kind in Scotland.

The Bachelors (BA) course, which combines practical photography with key activities in relation to business start up, as well as theoretical study, is being delivered jointly by Gray's School of Art and Aberdeen Business School at the University, alongside Aberdeen College. It allows those who have achieved an HND in the subject from Aberdeen College to enter into the third year of the University course so they can top up their qualification to degree level in just one year.

Karen Catto (34), a mother-of-two from Northfield, Aberdeen, is enjoying great success since beginning the degree programme, having already achieved an international commission. During a visit to Stavanger in Norway to visit her dad, Karen purchased a pair of wellies from a Danish chain called Ilse Jacobsen.

The mature student later used the wellies in a photo shoot with a wedding dress and sent the images to her family to see. Her step-sister emailed the shop with some of the shots and they liked them so much that they asked to buy the copyright for use in advertising. The image has since been used in a Stavanger newspaper.

Karen explained: "The theme of the original photo was 'Trash the Dress' and it was part of my practical project for the course. It was really good fun and I am pleased with the results. I am particularly enjoying critical and contextual studies part of the course and also finding the practical projects especially relevant as they give me a chance to experiment with my photography. I hope that this will enable me to take forward my business, Moments Photography, and perhaps teach part-time."

Mick Eason, course leader for Commercial Photography at Gray's School of Art,

added: "The course is the only one of its kind in Scotland in terms of the link up between college and university for this particular subject. It was developed in response to market research and the students undertake a programme of theoretical study that supports the practical and creative aspects of dealing with commercial photography. I am really impressed with the diverse talents this year's cohort boast and I am delighted to be part of success stories like Karen's."