<p dir="ltr">The AOP Student Awards were established in the 1980s, to recognise and highlight emerging photographic talent across the UK. The AOP are the leading organisation for professional photographers and image-makers working in the creative industries, with members who have included some of the most influential photographers in the history of the art form. Students chosen in the AOP Student Awards are seen by leading commissioners and names within the photographic industry.</p> <p dir="ltr">As Best in Show winner, Matt Marshall won a tailored AOP Membership Package and advice from the AOP on advancing his business practice as a professional photographer, £5,000 worth of FUJFIILM equipment and support from FUJFIILM to create a short marketing video about his work, support from a FUJIFILM-approved Professional Lab who to advise and print a series of images for his portfolio, a £500 booking credit from PEERSPACE to book studio spaces for his shoots, to be used within a year of being awarded the prize, and a one year subscription to CAPTURE ONE.</p> <p dir="ltr">Matt said: “It was an incredible honour to win the awards and be recognised for my work. The calibre of entries made for tough competition, so for mine to stand out was brilliant. The resources that Arts University Plymouth offer to students, and the knowledge that my lecturers have passed on to me, are the reasons I have achieved what I have today. I intend to stay in the South West and develop my practice further, taking on commercial briefs primarily from a fashion and editorial perspective, but not limiting myself depending on what opportunities become available.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I chose Arts University Plymouth primarily because of the incredible location and I’ve learned during my studies that the South West is a sleeping giant for creatives. Establishing a core client base here is my current plan and I'm available for contact via my Instagram handle <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattmarshall_photography/">mattmarshall_photography</a> and through my website <a href="http://www.mattmarshall.co.uk">www.mattmarshall.co.uk</a>.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Gabriel Van Ingen, Senior Lecturer &amp; Course Leader for BA (Hons) Photography and BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at Arts University Plymouth, said: “The AOP Student Awards 2024 were a fantastic success for Matt, Georgia and Amelia, and further external recognition that Arts University Plymouth is one of the best universities in the country to study photography.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“On a personal and creative level for Matt, winning Best in Show is a fantastic achievement. The confidence that he will gain from this kind of industry endorsement will help to boost his professional momentum and act as a platform to launch his career within the creative industries. Matt already won an EIZO UK Student Award last year and his work has now been shown at Free Range and seen widely by peers across the industry. The period when you first graduate is one of the most difficult for any professional, establishing your creative practice and building the connections who will commission your work in future. The external recognition of winning these AOP awards will help Matt to stand out from the crowd and build a successful career.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">“Looking across the chosen images from BA (Hons) Commercial Photography and BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing at Arts University Plymouth, I hope that anybody choosing a university to join this September will take note of the quality of work that our students are creating. We’re putting the emphasis on supporting students to build strong bodies of work that future employers will respond to, on encouraging students to push the boundaries of their creative practices, experiment and take risks, and to engage with the opportunities that are available. Combine those things and that’s the key to achieving success, which is why Arts University Plymouth won University of the Year for South West England at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.”</p>

<p dir="ltr">BA (Hons) Commercial Photography student <a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgiarosephotography.art/">Georgia Rose</a>, who was chosen as a Finalist in the Things category of the AOP Student Awards, is a photographer who has most recently specialised in product and animal photography, both in the studio and on location. Georgia’s series of colourful portraits of dogs were selected for the AOP Student Awards.</p> <p dir="ltr">Georgia said: “My personal journey into photography began when I started photographing my own dogs as part of my A-Level practice. Honing the more commercial elements of my practice at Arts University Plymouth, I focused more on product photography for advertisements. Equipped with a range of new skills, I began photographing dogs in studios again, working to capture their unique personalities. Seeing the results, I’m confident now that I can offer a broader range of services and use my abilities to create compelling visual narratives that resonate with audiences and exceed client expectations.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing student <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ameliaclifton.creative/">Amelia Clifton</a> was a Finalist in the People category, chosen for a series of images where she acted as photographer, styled by BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing student Megan Lim. Amelia specialises in editorial photography, blending traditional analogue and digital techniques, focusing on capturing the essence of the clothed figure by exploring the dynamic relationship between the human form, texture and the built environment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Amelia said: “Hearing that my work was chosen as a Finalist is an incredibly rewarding experience. In my world, collaboration is not just encouraged; it's integral to every project that I take on. The images shortlisted for the AOP awards could not have been achieved without the amazing stylist Megan Lim. Collaboration makes projects that much stronger, it’s about allowing other creative visions to shine too.”<br /></p>

<p>“The unparalleled support from lecturers has stood out as the best aspect of my time studying at Arts University Plymouth. They consistently go above and beyond to offer guidance and assistance with our projects. Their willingness to share their expertise, provide constructive feedback, and dedicate one-on-one time has been invaluable in shaping my artistic development. Whether it's discussing conceptual ideas, refining technical skills, or navigating creative challenges, their help has been instrumental in my growth as a photographer. Their passion for teaching and genuine investment in our success create an environment where I feel encouraged to explore, experiment, and push the boundaries of my craft.”</p>

<p dir="ltr">BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at Arts University Plymouth equips students to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive photographic industry, providing the knowledge and skills to flourish. Students learn to combine visual awareness and innovation with technical excellence, professional understanding, and business competencies.</p> <p dir="ltr">BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing at Arts University Plymouth encompasses fashion media and fashion marketing, disruptive technology and changing consumer behaviour, placing students at the forefront of fashion communication. This creative and hands-on degree is for students who aspire to work in fashion imaging, styling, social media and marketing.</p> <p dir="ltr">Email <a href="mailto:commercialphoto@aup.ac.uk">commercialphoto@aup.ac.uk</a> or <a href="mailto:fcm@aup.ac.uk">fcm@aup.ac.uk</a> to speak to a member of the expert academic teams or visit the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/graduate-shows-2024">Graduate Shows 2024</a> to see work by graduating BA (Hons) Commercial Photography, BA (Hons) Photography and BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing students and get a feel for what life would be like studying at the University of the Year for South West England, as voted by students at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.<br /></p>