My interview to Unification newspaper

The photographs were displayed in a beautiful old building called MUSE. This Romanesque Revival exhibition building opened in 1893. The three-storey facade features arched windows, coloured bricks, reliefs and intricate carvings depicting Australian fauna and flora. Before the opening of the Powerhouse Museum, the Technology Museum was located here.

Head teacher of the photography department Mark Woszczalski said that today there is an exhibition of works by students who have completed their studies in the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging course.

— This course allows you to strengthen your creativity and develop technical skills that will help you succeed as a photographer. Students gain knowledge to work in various styles of photography and learn from industry experts in the most modern conditions, — said the head teacher.

The exhibition featured photographs of 11 graduates. These were a variety of photographic projects, each of which is a series of photographs united by one common idea and reflecting the interests of their creators — views of the wonderful nature of Australia, its wildlife, portraits of veterans who participated in military operations, black and white photographs of the most recognizable buildings in the world, photographs, glorifying the beauty of the female body. The main prize went to Maria Poleshchuk’s project — photographs from the world of fashion.

The exhibition was very popular and was visited by a large number of people. In the morning, before the opening, there was a line of people wanting to see interesting works by talented authors.

— Maria, I know that you were engaged in photography before coming to Australia. How useful was it for you to attend the classes and diploma at TAFE?

 — The advantages of these classes are that you not only gain technical knowledge of how to shoot, but the course helps shape you as an industry specialist. It is also important that you learn the requirements that you need to fulfil when working in this business, and what the requirements of this profession are. Communication with fellow photographers was also important. Some of them work in journalism and other industries. Creating such a network of useful contacts also plays a role in finding further work. As an example of a positive result, at the invitation of Janna Madorski — Team Leader of the Fashion & Interior Design Media, Art, Design and Entertainment, I will participate as the official photographer at the Sydney Wearable Art Gala, which takes place at the Enmore Theatre, where TAFE alumni are also taking part design departments. The group leader highly appreciated my works that were presented at the exhibition.

— Who are the teachers of your course?

— Wonderful teachers, many of whom are professional photographers with more than ten years of experience. They teach techniques and give you the opportunity to express yourself and work creatively.

— What will be the next step for you, would you like to continue working in photography?

— Of course, I plan to work in the field of commercial photography in the fashion world. This gives you the opportunity to express yourself not just by shooting, but by creating an image as if you were creating a painting. Today at the exhibition I presented my work in this area. In the photographs here there is a model from Sydney, Lena Holt, as well as other models who today work in New York, Paris, and London. The creation of such photos in the field of fashion always occurs in interaction with other people — stylists, makeup artists, clothing and accessory designers, and magazine editors.

— Who in our community would benefit from taking this photography course?

— Apparently, to different people. These can be those who are still little familiar with this occupation, which is so popular today, to gain technical knowledge and learn how to use professional lighting equipment. For this, there is a Certificate 4 course, which lasts about six months. Those people who are engaged in photography, but would like to rise to a new level of understanding the process and creating truly creative works, will also be interested in taking training. The next step is obtaining a diploma in photography. To do this, you can continue your studies for another year and receive a diploma.

Text: Vladimir KOUZMIN

Photo: Vladimir KOUZMIN, Victor Hawk

Kouzmin, V. (2023, December 5). At a photo exhibition at TAFE ultimo. “Unification” — Newspaper of the Russian community of Australia since 1950. https://www.unification.com.au/en/articles/1701465611/?fbclid=IwAR1giwV4dLdc9Z7uimd7FL8qWYlZzfxwIvHRRLPZIKnMufRuAyNqgn5XKe8