Dave Tipper on the lasting influence of an MA in Photography
19 February 2025
Recently selected for Source Magazine’s MA Photography Graduate Showcase, Dave Tipper’s work sheds light on the overlooked military history of Old Winchester Hill. In this interview, he reflects on the themes behind his project, ‘In Search of Ernest’, his experience of studying Falmouth’s online Photography MA course, and how his studies have influenced both his photographic practice and his role as an educator.
Congratulations on being selected for Source Magazine’s MA Photography Graduate Showcase! Can you tell us about the work that was featured and the themes you explored?
Being selected for Source Magazine’s MA Photography Graduate Showcase was a wonderful end to my studies with Falmouth. My featured project, ‘In Search of Ernest’, explores the hidden history of Old Winchester Hill, a site used by the military for mortar testing during World War II. Weapons were fired into the hillside, leaving behind physical scars like craters and shrapnel, as well as a lingering sense of unease. The work also acknowledges the human cost of war, referencing the accidental death of Ernest Longhurst of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade.
Photographed using a 1940s British MPP Micro Technical large format camera, the long and unpredictable exposures mirror the uncertainty and conflict of the era. The images aim to capture the palpable sorrow and pain that seems to reside within the area of the forest most impacted by this activity, offering a glimpse into this not-so-distant past. The work explores themes of the lasting impact of conflict on both the landscape and the collective memory.
I am still feeling the energy of graduating from the MA.
What drew you to the online Photography MA course at Falmouth University, and how did it meet your expectations?
For me, Falmouth was always my first choice because of the lecturers and their reputation for excellent teaching. Working full-time also meant I needed something flexible that would fit around my life. I really enjoyed my time at Falmouth, and although it was an online course, I felt personally connected to fellow students and staff.
As Subject Leader for Photography at Barton Peveril College, how has studying for your MA informed your own teaching practice?
One of the main reasons I joined the Photography MA was to delve deeply into my own practice. I had reached a point in my career where I needed support to refocus and refine my photographic methodology. This naturally informed my teaching practice and understanding of the bridge between sixth-form education and university-level study. Access to visiting speakers on the MA has also significantly supported my personal and professional development.
Have there been any theories, techniques, or approaches from the course that you’ve incorporated into your teaching?
The MA helped me develop many aspects of my scheme of learning, including areas such as photographic theory and environmental sustainability. Although I have a good knowledge of photographers, the course introduced me to new work and different ways of working with the medium. I really pushed myself during this course, and by taking the advice of my lecturers, I found myself experimenting in ways I had never tried before.
What advice would you give to fellow educators or anyone considering postgraduate study in photography?
There are a few ways to answer this question. Firstly, it can be tough, and you have to work incredibly hard. Although this might initially sound off-putting, it's actually why I joined the course, and it was massively rewarding. Secondly, my studies brought new energy to both my photographic practice and my teaching. My students have been genuinely interested in my experience on the master’s, and it has sparked their interest in their own future study. Many months on, I am still feeling the energy of graduating from the MA.
You can see more of Dave's work over on his website and Instagram
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