Camille Jourdan’s Personal statement draft 4

The more that I learn about photography the more I become interested and passionate
about the subject. I love photography as there are lots of techniques to learn and
experiment with, It also allows me to be creative and express my opinion in many
different subjects. There are always new artists to research and be inspired by such as
Elaina Constantine with her bold snapshot fashion photography or Neil Krug with his
dreamy album cover art. I first became interested in photography from fashion
magazines and photographs of all genres posted online, especially on Instagram. I
realized then that I wanted to learn the theory used behind the camera and how to
compose my frame to create a masterpiece. While looking at different courses to
study at college, I was won over by the presentation given by one of my
teachers, who told us about the wide field of opportunity that photography opens. I
want to attend University to further those opportunities and my skills. I want to learn
at a higher standard of education about photography and how I can think more
daringly and uniquely, with new and excitingly creative projects. I’d like
photography to be part of my future career and I think the best way for me to be
successful is to have a degree in this subject.

Through various work experience, I have learnt many different skills that will aid me
while studying at University. For two years I worked alongside my dance teacher as
an assistant, teaching ballet and tap to girls between the ages of three and five. I
learnt how to be more responsible for the girls when in my charge and I also became
more patient as the girls gradually understood the exercises we taught them. I worked
as a waitress in a seaside restaurant over the busy summer holiday. From my
experience, I learnt to work efficiently and to have good customer service. I worked
in a team of co-workers which helped me become a better team player to create a
smooth and steady flow of business. I learnt to work well under pressure and to give
each costumer a good experience. I have completed some service projects including
cleaning and fixing up a local play park so children could play safely and making up
food packages for the homeless and given them to organizations that distribute them.
I have also knitted hats for premature babies in the hospital. From my experiences, I
have learnt how to work hard for worthwhile causes and I am interested in working in
struggling countries to help and document the people, using photography to improve
their situation.

As part of my work experience last year, I worked with the Poole Society to recreate
old photographs taken of Poole and the quay. I worked with Poole Museum to
recreate a painting by Henry Lamb, to do this I worked with a team of classmates to
model and take the photographs. We had to recreate the angle, lighting and
composition of the painting as best we could. I also took portraits of my mum for her
childminding leaflets and business cards. Before attending college, I was home
schooled where I achieved overall grades of A through my hard work and dedication
to my education. This taught me to become self- motivated within my studies and to
rely on myself. I am a finalist in this year’s
Dorset Art Prize in the year 12-13 entries, which has really boosted my confidence in
my abilities. I entered a fashion shoot of a jacket made entirely out of plastic bags, to
raise awareness of plastic pollution and its effects on the Earth. I have performed in
front of hundreds of people in showcases put on by my dance school, which has
taught me how to be a confident public speaker. I’m enthusiastic about my work, I
always aim for the best grades, I have good time management, good communication
skills and I’m a visual fast learner. I would bring these skills and characteristics to
this university which would help me throughout my degree.