A TAFE NSW graduate from Wollongong will exhibit her work alongside photographers from across Australia at a gallery in Sydney later this month.

Sue Dowling studied the TAFE NSW Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging, and a Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging, and has since opened her own photography business in the Illawarra.

Ms Dowling’s landscape photography caught the attention of curators at M2 Gallery in Surry Hills, who invited her to exhibit alongside creatives from across Australia.

As a recent TAFE NSW graduate, it will be Ms Dowling’s first time exhibiting her art professionally.

“I’m eager to share my work with the world, so it is an incredible honour to be selected for the Twenty Five: In The Landscape exhibition,” Ms Dowling said.

“To be an exhibiting photographer after only a short time as a professional in the industry is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Only 34% of professional photographers live in regional communities, but TAFE NSW is helping grow that figure by offering photography courses at its regional campuses, including Wollongong.

Ms Dowling’s career change into the photography industry came after years working as a teacher and navigating a bought of ill health.

“When my partner and I moved to Wollongong, I’d overcome my battle with ovarian cancer and decided to follow my passion for photography and take it up as my new career,” she said.

“I’d been taking photos for a long time, but I decided to enrol at TAFE NSW to hone those skills and boost my abilities in other areas of the profession.

“Studying at TAFE NSW gave me the practical skills I needed to take the next step and become a professional photographer.

“My studies boosted my confidence and I now have a much deeper understanding of the technical aspects of photography, especially editing and compositing.”

TAFE NSW Photography Teacher, Andy Zakelj, said a qualification in photography boosts students’ theoretical and practical skills.

“Our Certificate IV and Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging empowers our students with an array of skills they need to launch their career in the industry,” he said.

“The courses provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that broaden their knowledge and expertise across a variety of photographic genres.

“To see Sue succeed in being selected for the Twenty Five: In The Landscape exhibition and start building her own business is testament to her talent and hard work. It highlights that with a TAFE NSW education behind you, you can enjoy a successful photographic career not just in regional NSW but anywhere.”

The Twenty Five: In The Landscape exhibition is at M2 Gallery, Surry Hills from 14 – 17 June 2024.

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au