Jacqui Hurst
My approach to teaching photography is practical and hands on. Encouraging the students to get to know how their cameras work so that they no longer have to think about which button to press before taking the picture. Devoting as much time as possible to composing images in camera. To discover and bring out the individual potential of each student, and inspiring them to keep taking photos.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?The students will gain a greater understanding of how their cameras work. They will become aware of the importance of light when creating an image, and how important it is to take time to look and really see.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I ask the students to do specific assignments so they get to know how their cameras work.
What inspires your own work?My work centres around gardens and people, especially people working. Light and colour are the vital elements when taking pictures. I have always admired the Old Dutch Masters, particularly Vermeer, with his shafts of sunlight cutting across his paintings. Edward Hopper's sparse compositions, and The Observer photographer, Jane Bown for her wonderful black and white portraits, which not only capture the essence of her sitter but also the period.
Where can students see examples of your work?On my website, in gardening magazines, and the books listed below.
Where did you gain your training?
I have over 25 years of practical photographic experience working with book publishers, national magazines, the press and private clients. IIP Diploma in Photography (1978-1980) Gloucestershire College of Art & Design. City & Guilds 7307 Training for Teachers (2003) Part One Complete (course halted due to course cut backs)
Teaching experience:I have run photographic courses at West Dean College and for the Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill in Suffolk. One day courses for private societies and museums, including a community workshop at The Imperial War Museum in 2008.
Is your work in any public or private collections?RHS Llibrary has a collection of my garden prints (2004) which I was asked to present to them after winning the Garden Writer's Guild, Photographer Choice Award in 2003.
Books and articles:Key Publications:
Scottish Island Knits - Rowan Yarns
Creating Wire & Bearded Jewellery by Linda Jones - Cico Books
From a House to a Home by Jemima Mills - Collins & Brown
Garden Crafts by Geraldine Rudge - Conran Octopus
Paper-Makng Decorating & Designing by B. Thackeray - Conran Octopus
Bread Making at Home by Tom Jain - Weidenfeld & Nicolson
The Good Old Fashioned Garden by Nigel Colborn - Anness Publishing
The Cottage Garden by Christopher Lloyd - Dorling Kindersley
Italian Family Feast by Valentina Harris - Conran Octopus
Classic Crafts edited by Martina Margetts - Conran Octopus
The Country Garden by John Brooks - Dorling Kindersely
NUJ
GMG/GPA (Garden Media Guild, formerly Garden Writers' Guild/Garden Photographers Association)