Mark Prothero
Since completing your degree at Derby, how has your career progressed?
I completed my Degree at Derby in June 2010 and since the degree show which was the same month, things seem to have progressed nicely. My work was one of the five selected in total to be included in the Format international photography festival which was good to be included in a big event like that. I also got asked to take part in the Wirksworth arts festival as well so I felt the degree show opened a few doors for me.
Me and three other students from the course decided we wanted to show the work we made for the degree show in London, so we organised our own exhibition down there which went well and since then one thing has led to another. I was contacted by Gazelli Art House (commercial art gallery in London) shortly after who have since exhibited my work in two exhibitions in London and more recently in Azerbaijan.
Whilst studying at Derby I found out from a visiting lecturer about a 2 year MgA course in the Czech Republic at the University he was visiting from that was in English language (MgA Photography and new media) I got accepted onto it along with another student from my class at Derby and we started the following September. I'm currently based in Prague in my final year of the MgA course and I have recently started a job teaching photography and digital editing for a studio in Prague which has been a great experience so far.
What challenges have you faced along the way?
Nothing major (yet). I guess there have been a few small things for example moving abroad meant sort of starting from the beginning again in terms of getting contacts in the art/photography scene etc. But its all worked out ok so far.
What were the most important skills that you gained on your degree, that have helped you with your career?
I was already quite technically competent when I started the course at Derby but I was terrible at the theoretical side of the subject, which is why I initially decided to take the course. I would always struggle to put my ideas down on paper or into my images, but I think it's an important process to go through to find your own voice.
Having the time to experiment with different ways of working and discuss them with the quality of tutors at Derby was great, they bring the best out in people. I left the course feeling confident and felt I learnt a lot about the subject. I wouldn't be teaching photography now or be studying for an MgA without completing that course.
Why would you recommend studying photography at Derby, to prospective students
What I liked most about the course at Derby was the quality of the teachers and the facility's. I didn't have much of my own equipment when I was studying so it was great to always have access to high quality cameras, lights and darkrooms etc. For the size of the city I felt it had a good tradition of photography and that things were happening there, especially at Quad gallery and the Format Festival.
What advice would you give to students, who are trying to establish themselves in the industry?
Get out and get involved, don't wait for things to happen. Networking is important, try and get your work seen when possible.
What does the future hold for you?
I don't think about what's in the future for me, you can never know what's around the corner. Just enjoy the present.
