Snapper Gets Students In Focus (From Crewe Guardian)

Snapper Gets Students In Focus

3:40pm Thursday 26th November 2009

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ONE of the UK’s top professional photographers spent a day putting students in the picture at South Cheshire College.

Award-winning Colin McPherson took time out to talk to groups of media, graphics and photography students at the college’s Dane Bank Avenue campus.

Colin, 45, is a photo journalist and freelance photographer based in Liverpool and has staged photography exhibitions across the UK and Europe.

His portfolio of work covers all forms of photography from press and portrait work to sports photography.

Students had the chance to ask him questions and take a closer look at his work.

Colin talked about the influence of the digital age and the enormous potential that now exists in the photography industry.

He said: “When I first started in the profession, very few people had an interest in photography or it was something they did as a hobby but now everyone is consumed by it and has a camera.

“I’ve enjoyed talking to students about the profession and the purpose of the visit has been to explain the potential that there is for a career in this ever-changing industry rather than pass on technical advice.

“Hopefully students have benefited from the sessions and have found it useful for their courses.”

Student numbers for full-time and part time photography courses at the college are now higher than ever.

Linda Buchanan, media lecturer and Gifted and Talented co-ordinator, said: “Having a professional photographer of Colin’s calibre spending a day in college was very useful for students.

“It gives their courses enormous credibility and also highlights the exciting opportunities which are available in the world of photography.”

Kirsty Broadbend, a first year foundation degree student in Graphics and Digital Media, said: “Photography forms a part of the course and I was in awe of some of Colin’s work.

“He is a fantastic photographer and it has encouraged me to try different things with the camera in the future.”

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