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City College photography graduate wins national award

31 October 2008

Gary Eastwood, a former Photography student at City College Brighton and Hove, has been named as the 'Take a View' Landscape Photographer of the Year 2008. The competition, sponsored by The Sunday Times Magazine and supported by the UK's leading tourist agencies, received thousands of entries and the winning images will premier in an exhibition at London's National Theatre from 18 November to 17 January 2009. Gary, who also works as a freelance journalist, had decided to retrain as a photographer on the National Certificate in Photography course when he was 38 and completed his studies at City College this June. His award-winning photograph was taken while he was out walking on Hove seafront with his dog, Barney, on a grey, cold and windy afternoon last December. Gary says:

'I take my camera out with me almost everywhere but on this particular afternoon, the weather was very unpromising and so I was resigned to just enjoying walking by the sea. However, as we reached the jetty at the end of Hove lawns, the sun suddenly burst through the clouds and bathed everything in an amazing amber light. I started taking photos straight away, trying to concentrate on capturing the wind surfers at the end of the jetty. But Barney kept wandering into the scene, and I kept moving him out of the way! He always seems to insist in being in my shots when we're out! After a while I gave up trying to keep him out of the shot and just continued to take photos. After about fifteen minutes, the sun disappeared and the sky returned to grey. When I got home, this image became a firm favourite of mine as I loved the light so much and the fact that Barney seems to be looking into the light. But I never dreamed that it would end up winning a national award like this.'

Gary Eastwood's award-winning photograph

Gary Eastwood's award-winning photograph

In light of his success, Gary feels that taking the plunge to become a mature student at City College was a decision that definitely paid off:

'From the start, the course offered a really friendly and supportive environment in which all the students could explore their own styles, within a framework of teaching, tutorials and projects. The tutors were all very approachable and very knowledgeable. Between them, I can't think of a question - no matter how specific - that they couldn't answer. The course provided me with the technical skills such as camera, studio and darkroom knowledge that are absolutely necessary for anyone wanting to pursue a career in photography. But it also offered an introduction to historical and social aspects of photography, and how it has been influenced by art.'

'During the year, I found myself continually inspired by the photographers and artists that we were introduced to. For me, this aspect was just as important as the technical skills. Since leaving the course, I've tried to pursue a career in photography in the knowledge that it is a very competitive industry and I'd taken a long-term view to building up my contacts and portfolio slowly. However, I've already started to gain professional commissions and I've absolutely no doubt that without the course, I wouldn't have had the portfolio, the skills or the confidence to even contemplate winning them or taking them on. Hopefully, this competition win can be another platform on which I can continue to build a career in photography.'

Graham Hulme, City College's Curriculum Team Leader in Photography, adds:

'From the beginning, I was delighted with Gary's dedication and enthusiasm towards his studies and I was impressed with his considerable ability to combine course work responsibilities with his journalistic career. Throughout the year, Gary was consistently a responsible and committed student, achieving an almost perfect overall grade. He was an asset to the College and a pleasure to teach.'

For media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk

About City College Brighton and Hove: Founded over 100 years ago, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of excellence. Every year, around 9,000 students, including many international and European students, choose City College as their education provider. Over 500 14 to16 year olds from local schools also attend the College. City College provides training to over 2,000 businesses and has a 'City Business Skills' department which focuses on employers' needs. Offering hundreds of courses from basic level to pre-University level, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.