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- Images from BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Photography student Flo Brookes
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- Images from BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Photography student Flo Brookes
The BA14 Media Exhibition is open until Saturday 28th June and features work from across our School of Media and Communication. As part of our Class of 2014 series we are showcasing the work of graduating students whose work will be featured in the exhibition. Here BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Photography student Flo Brooks talks about her final project, future plans and advice for future students.
LCF: What have you enjoyed most about studying at LCF?
Flo Brooks: The creative environment at LCF is like no other. For me, it is this creativity that makes studying at LCF so beneficial for anyone interested in the fashion industry. Working amongst some of the world’s most talented individuals, and learning from some of the most highly established tutors working within the industry has had a huge impact on my skills as a photographer and has really helped push my work further than I could have ever have imagined. It is this, and the freedom offered on my course that has given me the space for self-exploration and improvement, both professionally as a photographer, and on a more personal level, making my time at LCF so valuable.
LCF: What inspires you?
FB: Inspiration is all around us, and where we pull our ideas from usually varies from person to person and project to project. However, throughout my time at LCF, I have learnt that my main interest and source of inspiration comes from people of all different walks of life. My passion for photography is down to this interaction with individuals, and exploration into the way they live their lives is what sets my images apart from other photographers.
LCF: What is most important to you about fashion?
FB: Fashion’s relevance comes from the eye of the beholder, this is what makes fashion so exciting – it is personal to each individual. Fashion has so many meanings and interpretations; it is constantly evolving and being adapted, but for me it’s this link with the person wearing the item that makes fashion so important.
LCF: How would you sum up your final project?
FB: My final major project was a life changing experience for me both professionally and personally. My project was based on the title, ‘The Art of Transformation,’ in which I decided to push my personal boundaries as far as I could by choosing a completely new subculture of people living in London to focus the main body of my research on. I chose a group of people who fashion their identities very differently from the average person, and with which I had no previous connections, in order to allow my project to progress unpredictably. The Drag Scene in London was a fascinating and eye opening industry to work in. I landed a job as the photographer at one of London’s most famous drag venues, Madame Jojo’s. It was here that I found a platform for my work and research into the drag way of living. Throughout my project, I aimed for the viewers to gain an insight into this fantastical world, and to develop their own opinion, rather than providing particular answers to what I learnt. There was no definitive end to my final project, which will be useful when starting in the industry as I intend to carry on this body of research.
LCF: What are your plans for the future? And how do you feel your course will help you?
FB: Alongside working as a freelance fashion photographer, there are many things that I am hoping to do. Firstly, I want to carry on exploring the drag scene in London with the intention of eventually publishing my work. I have learnt so many fascinating things from some extremely talented people and I hope that others would enjoy following my journey themselves. Secondly, during my time at LCF, I have come to appreciate the work of others. I have learnt skills that I believe will be very beneficial in the photography industry. My dream is to one day own my own gallery so that I can play a part in showing the world the hidden photography of so many undiscovered talents.
LCF: What advice would you give someone wanting to study for a BA at LCF?
FB: Patience is key to success. I think it is important to remember that good things come to those who persevere, and to take full advantage of extra courses and talks offered by the university. Also, go in to LCF with the mind-set to be the best that you can be because half-heartedness will get you nowhere.