Simon Weldon
Simon Weldon graduated from BA (Hons) Commercial Photography in 2013
Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at the University of Derby?
The Commercial Photography degree at Derby is focused on being self-employed and making a living out of photography. This doesn’t distract from how creative you can be on the course – the more creative the better, especially in a competitive market.
The University has fantastic darkroom equipment and is one of the only universities in the country to offer colour printing.
It didn’t take me long to figure out that going to university was really a choice to improve my chances of getting a job, in a career and subject that I have a real passion for.
How do you feel to be part of FORMAT 13?
Fantastic! It’s a great festival and I remember seeing the last one when I had just started at Derby. There was a real buzz about the whole event. Having my work Blast Sequence –16 to 24 aseries of powerful images of blasts at a Derbyshire limestone quarry, displayed as part of it this time means a lot to me personally. It’s a marker point to where my career is now and I hope it will open more doors for me in the future.
What support/opportunities did the University of Derby provide whilst you were studying here?
The tutors were always there to help me when I needed them; I was able to walk into their office on campus at any point and start a discussion about ideas and issues I had so I could deliver on my project work. This was important to me.
What are your future plans?
I’m focusing my efforts on a new project called Small Trades: Revisited which is a project inspired by Irving Penn, looking at new and modern trades alongside much older professions. I’ll work on this whilst exploring practical work experience opportunities.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to study this course at the University of Derby?
Find something you enjoy photographing and stick to it - my general theme was industry. Focusing on something you really enjoy and expanding what is possible within your chosen genre will really help you get the most out of university from the word go.
