STUDENT SUCCESS: JAMES PHILLIPS, FACULTY OF ARTS

A budding photographer has snapped up a great career opportunity after completing his degree at the University of Wolverhampton. 

James Phillips is graduating from the Faculty of Arts with a first class BA (Hons) Photography.

The 21-year-old has already secured his first full time job as a studio/in-house photographer with a local furniture retailer, Cousins. 

James, from Sedgley, says the University’s excellent facilities were a major factor in his decision to study there. He knew he wanted to study photography, and having seen the five different areas in the photography studio to work from, as well as darkrooms for both colour and monochrome photography and a Mac suite with the latest software, he knew it was the place for him.

Like many students he faced challenges during his time at university.

“One for me was my confidence in myself - this came with time and experience, but I can also credit the University for helping me with this, as the staff helped to push me and the assignment briefs also gave me a nudge in the right direction,” he says. 

James developed an impressive portfolio of work whilst studying which focused on food photography and still life.  He secured commissions with the Birmingham & Midland Institute in Birmingham as well as the Bamboo Wine Bar & Bistro in Bridgnorth and the Luscious Dessert Lounge in Wolverhampton. He then went on to gain employment with Cousins.

The photographer is positive about his experiences at the University of Wolverhampton, and ambitious about the future.

“My future ambitions include further developing my skills with photography through my full time work and making contacts. I hope to work freelance in the future, with my own business.