The simple act of capturing a moment in time is not only an opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of the world through images, it also plays a crucial role in documenting history, culture and daily life.
August 19 is World Photography Day – a day to recognise and appreciate the art, science and history of photography and to commemorate the impact photography has had on society, culture and communication since its inception.
We’re celebrating World Photography Day by recognising the amazing work of our visual arts/photography students, former and present, whose passion for the art has led to exhibitions, awards and even careers.
About to wrap up his Certificate III in Visual Arts (Photography), student Jay McGown might be relatively new to photography, but he is certainly no stranger to the workforce. With a 22-year IT career under his belt, Jay merely wanted to develop his skills from bird photography to a more artistic level. But undertaking his course at TAFE Gippsland has helped him take his skills to new heights.
“My partner and her family are ‘birders’ (bird enthusiasts) which I guess, I am as well now, and they would drag me along and to take photos of birds so we could identify them later should they not get a clear view of them through the binoculars,” Jay explained.
“This opened up my passion for photography, seeing some of the amazing photos of birds from other photographers, I soon found myself upgrading my camera and embracing birdlife.”
Jay's 'Running Wild' entry in the 2023 Captured Student Photography Exhibition and Competition won him 1st place.
Jay took everything he could from his experience, for example the technical skills of how to use a camera, developing a desire to learn more about photography as an artform. So much so, he’s been able to turn his love of landscapes and trail running into a side hustle.
“I’ve been working freelance photographing trail running events which takes me to some magnificent places and oddly enough seems to combine sports photography (not that different to bird photography) with landscapes photography,” Jay said.
“What I love about photography in general is that, while it can be quite technical, it is definitely an art to capture a story. Being able to capture runners as they traverse some stunning landscapes can be physically demanding at times but has such a powerful storytelling aspect.
“My experience at TAFE has taught me many new aspects to photography and certainly helped develop my skills in landscape, studio and photographic art. You get to spend hours fine tuning skills, experimenting and being surrounded by people who have their own styles and perspectives. This challenges your own creativity and helps develop your own ability and storytelling.
“I still love taking photos of birds, but more often am searching for that beautiful landscape. I often see things in nature that makes you go wow. The skill is being able to capture it a way that rekindles the original awe you experienced.”
Check out some more of Jay’s work below...
The Heart of Australia - photo entry in TAFE Gippsland's 2023 Captured student photo competition.
Rivers of Mist - 3rd place in TAFE Gippsland's 2023 Captured student photo competition.
Golden Morning - photo entry in TAFE Gippsland's 2023 Captured student photo competition.