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.
Alison Whiter, the creative eye behind South Gippsland photography business TanjilArt, was the winner of our 2022 Captured Student Photography Exhibition and Competition, before she completed her Certificate III in Visual Arts (Photography) course.
Alison's winning 'Grey Ghost' entry in TAFE Gippsland's 2022 student photography exhibition and competition.
“I decided to study visual arts/photography at TAFE Gippsland as I saw it as a way to further my photography skills and as I am mainly self-taught, I thought some formal training and a qualification would help me grow my small photography business,” Alison said.
“It was a bit of a shock stepping back into a classroom environment after so many years, but the course was very hands on and I quickly settled in. There were so many amazing areas of photography to try but, for me, the major highlight of the course was studio photography. This module really opened up possibilities for me as I now have my own little studio space to use and create beautiful portraits and images.”
Growing up in Eden, a small town on the far south coast of New South Wales, Alison was privy to many a stunning sunrise at the beach and capturing images out on the water. Scenes that have now become her childhood memories. Alison recalls that it was here where her love of photography was born.
“I had my first images published in a New Zealand yachting magazine after my family helped a yacht from NZ that had received extensive damage and had to withdraw from the Sydney to Hobart yacht race,” Alison explained.
“I was asked by a member of the crew to take some photographs of the damage and the process of the boats repairs to accompany his article for the magazine. I now live in Tanjil South, Gippsland Victoria and am a mother to one special little guy who loves to explore. So, we randomly pick somewhere within Gippsland to discover, and armed with my camera and plenty of snacks, we head off.”
Since completing her course, Alison is enjoying focusing on her business and in the process, expanding her portfolio with new elements of photography and continuously striving to discover and hone in on what sets her apart from other photographers.
“Sometimes the best images are created when you get out of your comfort zone,” Alison Whiter.
“I’ve been doing some work in the creative digital space and recently won an award at the Tanjil Valley Art Show. I do like it when the photographer makes the viewer think. It challenges you to see things differently and reminds us that the rules are there to assist you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t break or challenge them. Usually, it’s the photographers that take those risks that are the creative ones.”
Check out some more of Alison's work below...
Alison's creative digital work 'Storm in a Teacup' won her first prize at this year's Tanjil Valley Art Show.
Sand Dunes - photo entry in TAFE Gippsland's 2022 Captured student photo competition.
Alison loves photographing children, hers included. This is Dylan.