Freedom to roam
As a rule, people generally push back against rules that will limit their freedom. When told you must stay indoors, it seems like a natural reaction to immediately feel the need to step outside. This sort of restriction can also introduce a fresh appreciation of the world at large. When Covid hit and lockdowns were ordered, Judith van Gestel felt that same urge, the only difference was, she also felt compelled to capture what she saw.
“We just moved to London from The Netherlands for my husband’s work and I had to quit my job because of the move. Then Covid came and we were stuck at home with my husband in online meetings in the living room all day. I ‘escaped’ the house and cycled into the city with my new camera and started to photograph again. Soon people started to like my photographs, and I enjoyed it more and more. I was thinking about a new job and decided to focus on my photography. That is when I started to look for a suitable education.”
Photography, like many creative fields, is a world of enormous potential. As soon as a budding photographer tastes the possibilities, they are hungry for more. Digital photography has provided global access to simple yet sophisticated image making, but any professional worth their salt can attest, a point-and-shoot camera is only the beginning.
“I always enjoyed photography; I have taken some courses in the past to learn how to handle the manual setting on my Canon camera. But I was too busy with work and for quite some time I didn’t photograph at all. After our move to London, I treated myself to a new camera to document our new adventure.”
A thirst for knowledge
Judith was becoming more and more passionate about photography, and so her curiosity was piqued. She needed to know more and this would involve some decisions. When embarking on a high level of studies, it can be difficult to find the right fit. People have responsibilities, lifestyles and commitments to consider. And this was no different for Judith. It was then she found the Academy.
“I didn’t know at that time how long we would stay in London (now, 7 years later and still here) so I was looking for online self-study at first. That way I would be able to finish it even if we had to move back home before completing the study. The mix BAPH offered to follow classes for a few months combined with self-study suited my needs perfectly.”
As Judith became more absorbed in the coursework, she began to see how in-depth it can be. The Higher National Certificate course marries practical work with theory, giving students a rich and comprehensive understanding of the world of photography. Assignments may seem daunting at first but as with anything of worth, their value is found in how it challenges you.
“I learned that I just needed to start the assignment and that structure would form in due course. I enjoyed the assignments that required photo sessions the most. It triggered my creativity and my photographic skills. Assignments related more to history sometimes took a bit more effort to complete.”
These insights help students understand photography as a viewer therefore informing their own work as a photographer. This level of insight serves to enrich and embolden students to take their work to places they never previously thought possible.
“I realized I learned a lot from these assignments. You learn to look at other photographers’ work and learn about lighting, composition, visual language and that is very educational!”
Finding your voice
Judith is in the throes of discovering her own niche area, she is spreading her wings and stepping out of her comfort zone. Once students learn how to use their tools to their potential, creativity always follows.
“I am on one hand a fine-art street photographer and on the other hand a still life photographer. I am challenging myself with new techniques, really enjoy exploring and experimenting with the possibilities with movement and flash photography, which is visible in my flower photographs. I also really enjoy going out on the street and letting myself be surprised by what I see. I am starting to take my still life photography style (movement and blurring) with me out on the streets. Experimenting with it on the streets of London.”
There are many areas of photography that require technical lessons and others that include some historical learning, but the beauty of all education is really what you learn about yourself along the way. Doing new things and furnishing your mind with new perspectives and insights will only serve to open your own mind more. Judith has a newfound determination and a growing self-assurance that can only empower her as she evolves as a photographer.
“I learned that I was finally doing something I really enjoyed. Something I wanted to do, not something that was expected from me. Still, people around me need to get used to it, not really taking it seriously. But I'm putting that aside for now and going to show them why I'm doing this. It feels a bit lonely sometimes, but it also gives me freedom.”
Once the artistry is released, then the business needs to follow. But this does not need to be a corporate endeavour. Judith is currently tooling up on social media and carving out her place in the industry.
“I have invested in some other courses, finding my Artist DNA, learning a bit more about social media, building your online community and selling prints online. “
As Judith begins to truly feel like a photographer, she is setting her sights on a future as a professional creative. With her own visual language emerging, Judith’s work can be seen on her website Captured by Judith, and there is every reason to look forward to viewing Judith’s work on the walls of the galleries of London, and beyond.
Are you ready to explore your own Creative Future?
Whether you’re looking to change careers, develop your creative skills, or turn a passion for design into something more, the Academy’s Photography courses are designed to help you build practical, industry-ready skills from home with personalised tutor feedback and flexible online learning.
Explore now and discover where your creativity could take you.
