Vanessa Sparkes returned to education to study photography at City of Wolverhampton College. After completing the Level 2 Award and Certificate evening course in 2024, she progressed onto the Level 3 Award and Certificate in Photography to build on her skills and challenge herself with more advanced practical and written work.
“I chose this course because my dad loved film photography, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. After completing the Level 2 Photography course in 2024, I was eager to push myself further.”
“The course is intensive but incredibly rewarding. So far, I’ve developed 35mm film, created a split print in the darkroom, taken part in a creative studio portrait shoot, learned advanced lighting techniques, improved my editing in Photoshop and Lightroom, and even captured long‑exposure images of the city’s Christmas lights.”
“I’ve progressed a great deal, from having very limited knowledge to feeling confident shooting in full manual mode and understanding the exposure triangle. The studio and darkroom were daunting at first, but the tutor Chris explains everything clearly. Keeping a detailed digital sketchbook has also helped reinforce what I’ve learned.”
“I regularly use the darkroom and studio outside of normal hours to practise with other students. The facilities are fantastic, and booking time with Chris gives you the freedom to experiment and learn. I’ve tried so many new techniques, like light painting, and honestly, I’m loving every part of the course.”
“I’m considering progressing onto the HND in Photography, which is the natural step after Level 3. If not, I’ve still learned far more than I ever expected and can take these skills forward for personal projects and travel photography. I’ve also joined Wolverhampton Photographic Society and now take part in print and digital competitions. Many Level 3 students aim to become professional photographers, but I simply wanted to improve — and I truly believe I have.”
“To anyone thinking about coming to college, I would say: ‘Go for it.’ It’s one of the best things I have ever done, and I haven’t regretted a single moment.”