Photography graduate features in Top 25 to Watch

We recently chatted to Elizabeth about being selected, her work on Outlines, and her upcoming plans.

How does it feel to be featured in LENSCRATCH’s Top 25 to Watch?

To be shortlisted for an award like this is incredibly validating. It feels wonderful to have my work recognised by industry professionals. I am so grateful to have been selected alongside so many talented artists worldwide.

You were also a finalist in the places category of the 2024 Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards – what was that like?

Being shortlisted meant I got to exhibit some of my work at Free Range 2024, a project that showcases work created outside of London in a gallery in Shoreditch. That was an amazing experience. The event itself was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work to a diverse audience. It was so lovely being able to connect with fellow artists and graduates from all over the country and to have so many inspiring conversations.

I found it really interesting to talk with students from many universities, to hear their thoughts on photography, and also to exchange ideas and plans for the future. These discussions provided me with new perspectives and ideas to further develop my practice.

Being a part of such a dynamic and vibrant exhibition has definitely fuelled my motivation to continue exploring and evolving as an artist. Exhibiting at Free Range has opened up so many new opportunities for the future and given me confidence to progress into the next chapter after graduating.

Some of those photos look familiar - were they taken in Cornwall?

Yes! My entire project was shot in Cornwall. I photographed in many different locations around the county, ranging from forest-looking areas like Idless Woods to coastal paths I found on walks around Perranporth.

As my project required me to make installations in these locations, it definitely came with some difficulties. Luckily, my fellow photography students were really helpful and assisted me with the making of my work. I think I would have struggled without their support.

The weather conditions were also an obstacle in many of the photoshoots. As this project began in September, and was shot in Cornwall, it meant that a lot of the time it was very windy and raining. Because of this, I left many shoots completely drenched and very cold; however, it was all a part of the experience and I managed to get the best photographs from those days.

What can you tell us about The Zinnia Collective? Did you help set it up?

The Zinnia Collective has been around for nearly a year now! A group of us have been friends from the beginning of university, and we have always helped each other out with our projects and collaborations.

Zinnia came together originally from a plan to do an exhibition outside of university. I was studying in Sweden at the time, and so Edward Brilliant contacted me about joining.

During the process of planning this exhibition, we decided to make it an ongoing project, and so we came together as a collective. We all felt that we had the same drive and passion to really move forward with photography, and so wanted to continue with hosting workshops, photography events, and exhibitions.

Coming together as a collective has been the most rewarding experience. I really value everyone's support in the group. As we transition into leaving university, we continue to hold crits where we can discuss ideas for our next projects and go to each other for advice. We have so many more plans and ideas for our next steps, and I cannot wait to see where The Zinnia Collective goes.

What were the most important things the Photography BA taught you?

I learnt a huge amount on the BA Photography course. The tutors and technicians went above and beyond, and they are huge contributors in making the course so successful!

There was such a supportive network on the course. Our lecturers had so much passion to help us to fulfil our potential and were always more than happy to answer any questions we had.

The Photography degree emphasised critical thinking and analysis, which really helped me refine my artistic concepts. The photography facilities are the best around, and while studying, I really took advantage of what was available.

I am so grateful for the support I received from the staff, and they have continued to help us and give us support since graduating from university.

What's next?

I have been asked to be a part of an exhibition at Art Centre Penryn which has been curated by James Meredew in late September. I will be exhibiting alongside another member of Zinnia Collective, Beth Laws, and my third-year tutor, Oliver Raymond Barker.

The Zinnia Collective also has an exhibition in London at Bell House in Dulwich in mid-October. In the meantime, I will be starting up a new photography project in September.

External Links

Elizabeth’s website and Instagram

The Zinnia Collective on Instagram