Introducing PhotoPhone, a photography podcast hosted by two Falmouth photographers
13 August 2024
Photography MA (Online) Course Leader Jesse Alexander and Photography BA (Online) lecturer Clare Bottomley have created PhotoPhone, a podcast exploring photography within higher education.
In conversation with colleagues, recent graduates and other professionals, Jesse and Clare address the big issues that concern those involved in learning and teaching in photography, as well as exploring issues for those curious about photography education.
The inspiration for the podcast came from the ‘radio phone-in' framework in which the hosts call out for listeners to dial in with their questions and concerns, which they would then provide answers to. As Jesse told us: “As the name alludes to, the idea behind PhotoPhone was more of an old-school radio phone-in than a podcast, where we'd listen to peoples' questions and concerns about studying photography and, like the proverbial agony aunt and uncle, Clare and I would offer words of wisdom and sympathy. As soon as I pitched this to Clare, she pointed out that I was actually proposing a podcast!”
Now on its fifth episode, each one addresses an issue drawn from a pool of anonymous submissions. The podcast has featured conversations with Falmouth Photography alumni, practicing photographers and academics from across the academic photography world, and has covered some fascinating ground, including the role of class in photography, imposter syndrome, and balancing creative practice with full-time work.
On the experience, Jesse said: “We've had some wonderful unprepared conversations with colleagues teaching photography and discussed things like teaching criticality, as well as conversations with our alumni about things like how to manage studying with other commitments and their experiences post-graduation. The podcast format is completely new to me, but I think we've had some great conversations, and I hope that the relaxed, somewhat ‘Heath Robinson’ approach, aids that somehow!”
If you would like to submit a question or potential topic, you can do so via this form.