Surrey students snap up new photography initiative
Press Release

Budding student photographers from Woking College are helping to record the contemporary cultural life of the town from a young person's perspective as part of a brand new course.

Together with tutor and professional photographer Christiane (Christiane) Zschommler (Zschommler), they were on site this week, (November 30) to capture the progress of the Lightbox's building as part of the Viewfinder project, which involves photographically documenting the development of the town’s first museum and gallery. During bi-monthly visits to the Victoria Way site, they have braved all weathers in order to record a part of Woking's cultural life that is currently hidden from view.

Using a combination of traditional and contemporary photographic equipment, including digital, SLR and even mobile phone cameras, the first and second year students will use the evidence and experience they gain from the project as a major part of their A level photography coursework.

The Viewfinder project is in its innovative first year and was developed in conjunction with former teacher and lecturer Tina Cockett, who is Head of Learning and Access at the Lightbox. "This was a really exciting opportunity to involve the students and give them a real experience of what it is like to work as a photographer," she said.

"Normally galleries would hire a professional in to create a picture diary like this. We value the viewpoint of young people and this is just part of our on-going initiative to develop ideas and create ownership of the new gallery among this group. "

The work produced by the students will form part of the first exhibition in the new building when it opens Summer 2007.

Christiane Zschommler, Photography Tutor at Woking College, commented, "Working on the Viewfinder project gives our students an opportunity to see what being a photographer is really about. Documenting the progress of the new building gives them something concrete to work on and helps them to focus their ideas.

"The project is a very valuable experience for the students because it enables them to leave the classroom, go out into the local community and experience a new learning environment. It creates an important connection between the College and the Woking community.

"By being a significant part of this exciting project, I think that the students will be encouraged to use the new Museum and Gallery. I hope that in 10 years’ time they will tell their children that they were able to document this important chapter in Woking's cultural history," she added.

Woking College offers A-Level Arts & Design courses including Art, Textiles, Design Technology, Art History and Photography.

For further information, please contact: Woking College, Rydens Way, Woking

01483 761036 or www.woking.ac.uk

The Viewfinder project is supported by the South east Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (SEMLAC).

For further information about The Lightbox, please contact: 01483 725517

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