We met up with our former student Elizabeth Oldfield, who now is studying for her BA (Hons) in Photography and Moving Image.
Name:
Elizabeth Oldfield
Course:
Access to HE – Art & Design
Q. Tell us a bit about the course?
A. The course was to gain a level 3 diploma, which enables students to move onto level 4. The course was a stepping stone for me to go to university. I was able to learn a range of skills and it boosted my knowledge and confidence. As a mature student, and being out of education for nearly a decade, I felt that I needed to ease myself back in and this was the ideal course.
Q. What are the main benefits of studying this course?
A. The main benefits to the course are being able to get back into education and slowly move into a structure that is similar to a degree. It also gives students more information about different courses and how to apply for university. In regards to personal growth, it gives the learner the opportunity to engage in several art forms and you are encouraged to work on both strengths and weaknesses to make the most out of the learning.
Q. Tell us about your favourite moment at Calderdale College?
A. My favourite moments at Calderdale College for me were being able to work with something I enjoy. I love meeting new people and taking part in the end of year show at Dean Clough. The experience at Calderdale encouraged me to take the next steps in my career and that was to go onto a degree programme.
Q. Would you recommend Calderdale College to others and why?
A. Yes, I would. The staff are enthusiastic and helpful, and you get the right guidance throughout the course. From personal experience, the course and tutors were supportive and accommodating to personal circumstances, which is really helpful when you have a family and home life to balance.
Q. What was your ambition for your career when you first started at the College?
A.When I first started at Calderdale College my career goal was to become a freelance professional photographer. I wanted to use the course and my degree to determine which field I would like to go into and build a portfolio of work to showcase my skills.
Q. How did Calderdale College help you get to where you are now?
A. Calderdale College was the stepping stone for me to get onto the degree level course. It also gave me confidence and I was able to get the right help and guidance to successfully move on to my next steps. With growth being important to me, I had to build my confidence so I could take to move on to bigger things, and Calderdale College helped me do that.
Q. What do you hope to do next? What are your plans for the future?
A. I would like to complete my BA and then I will be using spare time to build my portfolio over a range of genres, such as landscape, portrait, fine art and contemporary. I will then look at further education such as a master’s degree. During this time I would like to build up my client base and gain a good reputation within the photography industry.
I am currently working on my latest piece of work ‘Addition’ which is a personal series about how changes in life can affect the emotional and physical aspects of yourself. This is part of my final project on my degree. The narrative behind the series is being kept tightly under wraps for now but it will be published in June 2019.
Links
www.elizabetholdfieldphotography.co.uk
www.facebook.com/elizabetholdfieldphotography
Instagram & Twitter: @eoldfieldphoto
