Leicester College - Student Photo Exhibition

10th February 2009

The Quay
Western Boulevard
Leicester
LE2 7HN

Leicester College has a fantastic track record in producing great photographers, and ever keen to promote their talents the college have organised an exhibition of their work at the Quay. Having done something similar, on a smaller scale in their first year, this event gives students a taste of what it would be like to organise a professional event for themselves, managing all of the resources available, from the booking of the venue, handling finances to organising catering. The upstairs balcony area of the venue has been cordoned off, and the exhibits are arranged along the wall. There were some eye catching exhibits on show, and of particular interest were those of Will, Josh and Nic (Josh having been a long time member of the Jitty and Nic, who has been a key contributor to our recent poetry book project).

Will’s work certainly grabbed my attention, pictures of tractors, swings, taken in the night with lighting from the back, and the careful calculated use of a smoke machine produced some evocative eerie images that looked incredibly professional and you couldn’t help but wonder if they would be reproduced in a photography magazine or as posters to adorn the walls of the multitude of students living in Leicester.

Next to catch my eye was Josh’s work. Urban decay captured expertly always makes for striking photographs, and certainly the pieces on show from Josh were precisely that. Taken before the snow landed, in good daylight conditions the ruined buildings looked like monuments from the great depression. In September Josh is hoping to be going to university, especially as his main passion is music photography and something he wants to do as a professional career. In the meantime Josh is co-running his own company, J3 Media!

And finally, but certainly not least, the works of Nic. Some of the exhibits were quite dark in nature, but her keen eye for detail and essentially what makes a great photograph are easily apparent. As well as two framed pictures on the wall, a portfolio book was available for viewing on a table which drew quite a crowd. As a result, two of Nic’s portfolio were sold on the night, and as recognising her talent, a clothing company have requested that she become their photographer as part of their merchandise PR.

With such stunning work on display, just where did she find her inspiration?

“Most of them come from my likes, dislikes and hobbies, others coming from the combined ideas of me and my close friends. We're always talking about potential shoots that I could do and if it wasn't for them I may not have done the print that got sold at the gallery!”

Well done to all of the students and Leicester College for such an excellent professional exhibition, and furthermore, a huge congratulations to Josh and Nic!