An image taken in the 1960’s by Don McCullin haunts me. It exposes young rebels who have been stripped, and are being coerced with rifles by government soldiers. Their eyes staring right into the lens with desperation. I’m struck by his work, and the emotional control required enabling the production of these images. The work of McCullin exemplifies, for me, art in its most commanding and compelling form.

My personal interests have always been focused on the arts, as an intellectual pursuit and a vocation. I view Photography as a vehicle for my curiosity towards people and cultures. Studying Psychology at AS gave me a platform on the way the mind works and art enables me to continue this exploration in a manner that suits me personally. I love to have that real expression in my images and to be able to see the organic, raw emotional connection between the lens and the subject.

I love using film and less interested in the technical brilliance of today. I am by no means dismissing digital as I understand the importance of it in society and open to using it alongside skills acquired by using programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator developed through studying Graphic Design at A level. I love being able to design a product and see it slowly materialize. I was awarded the schools photography prize in 2010 for my black and white film images.

On a visit to Nepal, I had the opportunity to photograph not just the stunning mountain landscapes but also to document episodes of civil unrest caused by a national maoist protest. I am intrigued by power of observing and documenting conflict.

I am strongly motivated to pursue a career in the arts and I believe that your course would give me the strongest platform to take this forward.