Camille Jourdan’s Personal statement

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 for you. 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 a range of work experience, I have learnt different skills that would 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.
While teaching, I learnt how to be more responsible for the girls 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,
where 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 while at the restaurant. 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 developing countries documenting the
people’s lives, using photography to help and 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. 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.