Photography students collaborate on live briefs at Holme Pierrepont Hall
Students from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have been gaining hands-on industry experience through a series of live client briefs at the historic Holme Pierrepont Hall in Nottinghamshire.
Published on 1 June 2026
Categories: Current students; School of Art & Design;
The project brought together Year Two students from BA Photography, BA Sports Photography and BA Fashion Photography for a ‘Field’ week at the end of April. Working on location, students responded to professionally focused briefs set by external partners, developing their creative practice in a real-world environment.
BA Photography students collaborated with MADE Magazine to produce content for its July/August 2026 issue. Their work will feature in both print and online editorial over a two-month period, offering valuable insight into the demands of a live publishing brief. Students also responded to a brief from Nottingham-based company Skin Solace, creating product and lifestyle imagery across the hall and its grounds.
Alongside this, BA Sports Photography students, led by course leader Assunta Del Buono, worked on projects with NTU Sports Associations and clubs, as well as GB Archery. The national team travelled from across the country to take part in a dedicated shoot. Meanwhile, BA Fashion Photography students, guided by David Dunan, captured models on site as part of their professional development briefs.
Selected outcomes from the week were showcased on screens in the Design and Digital Arts (DDA) building in early May. Students, staff and industry partners came together to celebrate the work and reflect on the experience.
Martine Hamilton Knight, Module Leader for Live Assignments, said: “This was the first time students across the three photography courses have come together on location to engage in professionally focussed briefs. The opportunity to work in such a stunning historic setting was embraced with both enthusiasm and creative skill building. Everyone involved was emphatic that the week was a true highlight of their degree study to date.”
Industry partners also praised the collaboration. Michelle Rogers of MADE said: “It was really great to catch up and to see what the students have been up to. We can see that it’s been a huge amount of work for you all - and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Natalee Onyeche from Skin Solace added, “the images are amazing, I’m grinning from ear to ear.”
For students, the experience provided valuable insight into professional practice. BA Sports Photography student, Amelie Rudkin reflected, “The experience of working to schedules and client briefs helped me develop skills in planning, communication, and problem solving under pressure, while also showing what it's like to work in fast-paced environments with expectations and client requirements.”
Students also took on roles behind the scenes. Maddie Cox, BA Photography student who, along with Amelie was part of the week’s production team added, “Being able to assist on the production team was an incredibly valuable experience to be able to watch the work behind the scenes transform into such a positive experience for those involved.”
Reflecting on the wider impact, Maddie added: “Having these opportunities are so valuable as creatives, adapting to unfamiliar environments greatly benefits skillsets and mindsets. It was amazing to watch and experience this first hand.”
The project highlights NTU’s commitment to collaborative, industry-focused learning, giving students the confidence, skills and experience to prepare for careers in the creative industries.