Skip to content

Photography alumni return to NTU to inspire current students

2013 graduates Patrick Sampson and Imogen Wright delivered a guest lecture this February

Photography alumni Patrick Sampson and Imogen Wright
Patrick Sampson and Imogen Wright

Two alumni from the BA (Hons) Photography course at Nottingham Trent University returned to campus this month to deliver a guest lecture to current Photography students. Patrick Sampson and Imogen Wright, both 2013 graduates, came back to talk about what they have been up to since they graduated, with the hope of inspiring current students with their tales of success.

Patrick currently works as a photography assistant to another NTU graduate and very successful photographer Pål Hansen, who as one of London’s most published photographers has worked with the likes of Ringo Starr, Javier Bardem, Sophia Coppola and many more besides. Patrick has been assisting Pål for four years, and was recommended to Pål after graduating, so the course had a very direct effect on his being employed and starting a new career in the industry.

Since graduating he has also been featured in a number of photographic competitions, produced photo books and essays, some of which have been published and sold internationally. He has also has his photography work used for music album covers, and was a featured artist by WeTransfer in 2016.

Discussing his time at NTU, Patrick explained: “I knew that NTU had a highly esteemed Photography course. I was surprised to enjoy the theoretical side of the course so much, and found out that I loved writing essays, something I hadn’t enjoyed in my previous education! Taking knowledge from lectures and building it to put into my own work was really rewarding.”

Imogen currently works for the artist Yinka Shonibare MBE as his Personal Assistant. She also runs his gallery and artist residency space Guest Projects, located beneath the studio in London. Before working for Yinka Shonibare, she completed various internships and voluntary work to build up her portfolio of experience, one of which was offered to her through a university connection. She subsequently secured a role in the prints department at Flowers Gallery, a commercial art gallery in Shoreditch.

On her time at NTU, Imogen commented: “NTU was highly recommended to me and after visiting on the open day and seeing the available facilities, the examples of graduate degree show work and the opportunities offered on the course, I knew instantly that I wanted to study here. On the course, I learnt how to be confident when speaking and sharing ideas about my own visual practice. I also learnt a lot from my tutors and my peers. I really felt that my degree prepared me for employment, as I was able to increase my time management skills and productivity.”

She added: “I would highly recommend the course to anyone who has an interest in studying photography. There’s a great balance between visual practices and theory practices and the facilities are great. I would recommend the arts courses as a whole, as many of my friends studied at NTU, completing degrees in Textiles, Fashion and Graphics – all of whom had a great experience studying there.”

Linda Marchant, Photography lecturer in the School of Art & Design, taught Patrick and Imogen, and was delighted to welcome them back. She said: “It is always exciting following the careers of our graduates, and a genuine pleasure when they come in to share their knowledge with our current students. The talk gave invaluable insights, experience and expertise into the photography industry, and provided a space for students to ask questions about career options and journeys. The talk was motivating, generous and informative, and much appreciated by all.”

Published on 26 February 2018
  • Category: NTU Arts; School of Art & Design