Photography student begins placement at Cornish dairy

What kinds of things have you been up to?

I've worked on various projects during my placement, primarily updating Rodda’s photo archive. This involved capturing everything from their cream teas and recipes to promoting their new vanilla clotted cream and preparing content for the Christmas season. I also had the chance to photograph several of their events, which was a highlight for me. One of the most rewarding aspects has been spending time on their dairy farms, photographing their beautiful cows and the families who run the farms. As I wrap up my placement, I’ll focus on corporate photography, including staff headshots, shots of the creamery and production lines, labs, and other business facilities.

What have you learned from the opportunity?

I’ve learned a lot throughout this placement, particularly efficient photography skills and how they can be applied professionally. I’ve gained experience managing large-scale photo archives, understanding how to capture brand identity through imagery, and working with different subjects, from products to people and livestock. This placement has also helped me sharpen my skills in event photography, which requires quick thinking and adaptability.

What skills did your course provide you with going into the placement?

My course has been invaluable in preparing me for this role. It gave me a solid foundation in visual storytelling, which has been crucial in aligning my photography with Rodda’s brand narrative. The project management skills I developed have also played a key role in helping me efficiently organise shoots and meet tight deadlines.  Beyond technical skills, the course equipped me with the confidence to approach Rodda’s in the first place, teaching me how to present myself and my work professionally. I’ve also learned how to effectively communicate with clients and capture their vision from creative briefs, which has been essential during my placement.

When did you first become interested in photography?

My interest in photography began when I was around 13 or 14. During family visits to Portugal, I took my camera everywhere to capture the landscapes and the unique moments shared with loved ones. Each photo was a way to freeze those experiences, allowing me to relive them repeatedly when I returned to England.

As I continued exploring photography, I found it was more than just a hobby; it became a creative outlet that allowed me to see and interpret the world in new ways. It might sound cliché, but over the years, this initial spark of interest has evolved into a deep passion, driving me to explore and continually share my worldview through the lens.

Are you looking at your third year any differently now that you've done this placement? Do you have any more projects or placements on the horizon?

This placement has definitely influenced how I view my third year; It’s provided me with a clearer sense of direction and helped me pinpoint specific areas of interest I want to explore further. I’m particularly drawn to event photography and working with animals, as I’ve discovered how much I enjoy the challenge and creativity of capturing dynamic moments in fast-paced environments.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore opportunities as a freelance photographer. I’m currently collaborating with The Aussie Smoker, photographing their food at weddings and other events. Additionally, Rodda’s have invited me to stay on and contribute to future projects while I complete my final year of study, which I’m thrilled about.

External links

Raquel's Instagram

Raquel's website