19 March 2019

With the photography and imaging industry a tightly contested field, a chance to be noticed on the international stage is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to boost their portfolio and build industry connections.

Illawarra-trained photographer, Julijana Griffiths, has recently been invited to contribute to an internationally recognised photography exhibition. As an exhibitor in the Head On Photo Festival her work will be on show at Mansell Wickes Gallery in Paddington from May 14 to May 31.

Her successful body of work was created as part of the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging at TAFE NSW Wollongong West.

Ms Griffiths photographed a photo-essay titled, ‘I Arrived With One Suitcase’. It includes an accompanying story that explores her mother’s arrival in Australia as a Greek migrant in the 1950s. Her mother was a proxy-bride which she said added an extra dimension to the story.

“To be accepted by Head On is huge, it is very big for me with where I’m at in photography,” Ms Griffiths said.

The Shoalhaven resident said the recognition was a powerful addition to her CV and a testament to what she had been taught at TAFE NSW.

“Entering competitions like this, learning how to approach a gallery and to host an exhibition, were skills my TAFE NSW teachers taught me while I was studying the Diploma,” she said.

“What they teach at TAFE NSW goes beyond photography, you learn how to run a photography business from the ground up. Having teachers who work with industry helped enormously in this regard.”

“From a business perspective the Diploma gave me practical hands-on experience. It covered graphic design, establishing a business website, commercial photography, interviews and modelling shoots, it’s very in-depth.”

TAFE NSW Photography teacher Irena Megaloconomos knows what it’s like to break into the photography scene. She was a student at TAFE NSW before working at the Australian Centre of Photography and then becoming a teacher.

“What distinguishes our graduates is, while they get a grounding in the technical skills, we also give them practical experience in composition, commercial and creative work,” Ms Megaloconomos said.

“TAFE NSW teachers work with our students to forge links with regional galleries, artists and professional photographers, working with local theatre, fashion designers and community groups. So we’re getting out there and raising awareness about our talented students.”

TAFE NSW offers more than 1,200 courses, Diplomas and Degrees at locations across the state and online through TAFE Digital. For more information phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 4421 9895, mobile 0466 375 552.