An international artist representation agency approached Shrewsbury Colleges Group to get photography-enthused students involved in their I♥Shrewsbury project.
Tea & Water Pictures, based in London and New York, asked students to use photography to tell a story of somebody who lives or works in Shrewsbury. The winning student will have their photographs and stories published in the first edition of the I♥Shrewsbury magazine and will also get the chance to spend the day with Jørn Tomter, an experienced and professional photographer.
The aim of the I♥Shrewsbury project is to document people and their stories in the community, to eventually build up a body of work for the magazine and an exhibition. The concept was developed by Tea & Water Founding Partner Hannah Vicary (who is currently mentoring a former A Level Photography student) after Jørn Tomter launched his successful I♥ChatsworthRoad project.
Oscar Haywood Martin, from Caersws in Powys, was announced as the winner and his work was chosen for the project. Oscar studies A Level Photography, Electronics and Film Studies – and hopes to continue working in photography after college.
Oscar said: “Every time I walk between English and Welsh Bridge Campuses I notice a violin shop along the Town Walls and thought it would be perfect for this project. Julian Batey Violins is filled to the brim with orchestral stringed instruments and that created a great aesthetic for my photography. I spent a few hours speaking to the owner and photographing him and the store interior. I was so surprised when my work was chosen, but this is such a great opportunity for me.”
Stefan Greco, Photography teacher said: “Oscar was a deserved winner. This opportunity is invaluable for our students and for the photography department. A door has been opened for us to build a lasting relationship with Tea & Water Pictures with the potential to allow exceptional students to be offered opportunities for work experience, as well as professional photographers to deliver future talks at the College.”