Courses Studied: Level 3 Photography

Where Are They Now? After completing his course at Weston College, Jacob completed his Degree in Photography at UCW and further completed his Masters at The University of Gloucestershire. After starting a pop-up studio in his hometown of Burnham-on-Sea and working as a Creative Director for a local charity, Jacob is now focused on his freelance photography. 

Before I started at Creative Arts Weston, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my future, and I was struggling to decide which direction to take. Photography was the only thing that I had any kind of interest in, so that seemed like the best choice. Creative Arts Weston had fantastic photography facilities and, as I wasn’t particularly academic and preferred a hands-on approach to learning the Level 3 course seemed like a good option. 

I quickly realised I had made the right decision as the College immediately felt like a safe environment where I felt comfortable and confident enough to begin expressing myself creatively. With access to a huge variety of facilities, I was able to experiment with different photography types and techniques. 

Working with the tutors at Creative Arts Weston was an incredible experience for me. From the start they were completely supportive and able to adapt the studies, and the pace of learning, to suit me. I remember having a huge sense of achievement when I completed my degree and realising just how much the tutors had invested in me, not only as an artist but as an individual too.  

I don’t believe that I would be an artist today without my time at Creative Arts Weston. My years there made me realise that there was a whole world out there - and gave me different perspectives on that world. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go and find my place in the world without the support from my tutors and peers.   

The relationships I established at Creative Arts Weston endure today. The tutors became not just mentors but friends, and I still speak to them now. As a photographer I work on my own for much of the time so maintaining good working relationships is important.  

Following graduation, I worked for a while as a director of cinematography, but I decided I wanted to further my studies, so I went to the University of Gloucestershire to take my Master’s in Photography.  

In 2020, with so many artists struggling during the pandemic, I started a pop-up studio, called The Brickworks, in my hometown of Burnham-on-Sea. This was in a bid to give Somerset artists a place to come together and showcase their creative talents. We created a physical display for young artists to display their art and ran a podcast series for them to discuss their work too. 

When The Brickworks had finished its run, I moved to Bristol and started work as a creative director for Artspace Lifespace, a registered charity that recycles vacant, under-used and problem properties into thriving creative resources. 

I’m now focused on my freelance photography work. As a documentary photographer the projects are often personal to me which means it is demanding, but fulfilling, work. I am frequently challenging social perspectives, and this naturally forces me to challenge myself. 

My advice to anyone studying now is to remember that listening is more powerful than talking. Listen to the tutors, and to other people working in the industry, and take it all in so that you use their knowledge and experience to help shape your own future experience.