Camille Jourdan’s Personal statement draft 3

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 various work experience, I have learnt many different skills that would aid
me while studying at university. For 2 years I worked alongside my dance teacher as
an assistant, teaching girls in-between the ages of 3 and 5 in ballet and tap. While
teaching, I learnt how to be more responsible for the girls when in my charge. 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 while at the restaurant. I have done a
few 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 baby hats for premature
babies in the hospitals. 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
homeschooled where I achieved overall grades of A through my hard work and
dedication to my education. Being homeschooled 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 12-13-year entries which has really boosted my confidence in
my abilities. I entered a photograph and a jacket made entirely out of plastic bags to
raise awareness of the plastic pollution and its effects on 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, I have 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 course.