World Photography Day is annually celebrated all around the world on August 19 by all photographers (both amateur and professional); it was established in 2009 upon an initiative of an Australian photographer named Korske Ara.
Photography is a unique phenomenon, as thank to it one can go back to the past. By reviewing photos, we recall many significant moments of life. Besides, for some people, photography is not just a hobby, but a profession and even an art.
Graduate of the Faculty of Physics and Metallurgy, Anastasia Ozhgibesova, is the Head of the SUSU Photo School. Anastasia Sergeevna told us about the opportunities that the SUSU Photo School provides for students, as well as about what skills one needs to have in order to become a photographer, and what are the today’s tendencies.
– How did you engage your life with photography?
‒ I’ve loved taking pictures since I was a child, and in 2010, having joined the SUSU Photo School, I stayed in the photography society for good.
– What competencies one should posses in order to become a professional?
‒ One should have knowledge of the technical aspect of photography, possess a special vision of a picture, be sharp-eyed, communicative, stress-resistant, and constantly learn something new in the sphere of photography and art.
– How long have you been the Head of the SUSU Photo School? What are your responsibilities?
‒ I have been heading the SUSU Photo School since 2014; I am responsible for organizing the education process. Each year, we hold photo contests on the occasions of the Victory Day and the Mother’s Day; a photo contest within the Spring at SUSU festival, a Russia in Students’ Eyes contest in order to reveal and reward talented young people of the university. Lately, I’ve been taking part in these contests as a jury.
– What opportunities does the SUSU Photo School provide?
‒ In the Photo School we teach how to take pictures; the School unites people dedicated to the common thing. From August 20, we start admission to the study group. Lessons are to start in September. Within the course, students study artistic photography and photojournalism, graphic editors and methods of photo edition, and what’s more important – they get practical experience in photojournalism. This is the only photo school in the city where there is the possibility to undertake internships by taking part in real-life events. Our students’ works get displayed at contests and exhibitions.
– Does age or experience define professionalism of a photographer?
‒ Age does not define professionalism; a good example is our graduate and nowadays a teacher, Gleb Lunin. In 2014, at the age of 24, he became the youngest member of the Russian Union of Art Photographers. His works are acknowledged in the world’s society and annually hold prize-winning places. But he wouldn’t have achieved such success if not for his everyday practice in photography.
– What tendencies exist in photography nowadays? How often do they change?
‒ Tendencies come and go, but classics remains. At the SUSU Photo School, we provide knowledge about classic photography, and we always encourage experiments provided they correspond with the basic standards of photography.
