Flowering into Photography 

Flowering into Photography 

“I knew I would love it the first class I had,” says Zoe Bebbington, when discussing her experience studying at UniSC.     

 Currently in her third and final year, majoring in visual communication and minoring in social media, Zoe unpacks her past and current experience at UniSC and how they have shaped her art.     

 “Going through school, I loved photography and digital art,” Zoe grins. She explains how this was when she discovered her love of layering and manipulating photos to create something new.     

Zoe was convinced that university would not be on her radar. “I didn’t really have many expectations of university when I first started, as I had never really thought of going. I took a gap year, as for a very long time I struggled with what I really wanted to do.”     

Unfortunately, Covid-19 had other plans for her, allowing for plenty of free time. This was when she says that her love for design began to grow, and through social connections, she discovered UniSC design courses. She loves that so many classes at UniSC incorporate a practical component to the course work, allowing students to play and explore the photography equipment. For Zoe, this hands-on approach fuelled her inspiration.   

“Being very hands-on has allowed me to broaden my ideas and views on topics design throws my way.”    

 Through this practical, skills-based approach, Zoe created her favourite collection of works. The assortment is called Flora and displays more like a magazine spread, showcasing people surrounded by a range of flowers, most of them wearing flower crowns. Zoe explains her inspiration was to portray how colours and emotions share a relationship, and how this connects to the feelings of the audience.   

  “This course has definitely opened the door to some job opportunities for me. Having studied both visual communication and social media has definitely widened my opportunities for a place of work.”  

Zoe fully believes her degree will aid her job search after university, as her skills were put to practice during her placement. She mentions that most of the tasks she was given were for skills she was familiar with and has applied in an academic setting. She expressed that a great way to expand one's work experience is through such networking.  

“It’s a great way to build relations in the industry, just getting that foot through the door.”  

 Zoe is excited to further her career in the creative industries, and to be constantly learning.     

 “I love being able to discuss new, creative and innovating ideas, and applying to my work.”   

Writes Matilda Thompson.
Photos: Courtesy of the designer.