Hi, I’m Toni Coombs and I’ve just completed my first year as an undergraduate at AUB studying BA (Hons) Commercial Photography. As a mature student, I do have other family and work responsibilities, but I somehow manage to make it all work. I’m lucky that I live locally and can travel in.
I have always loved photography, ever since I was given my first point-and-shoot camera at the age of 11. I dabbled after leaving school but that ended when my camera broke and adult life took over. It all started up again about 10 years ago when my husband gave me a camera for Christmas. I attended some leisure courses to learn some of the basics, but have been mainly self-taught, photographing landscapes and selling them at craft fairs.
Last year, I enrolled on the AUB Academy photography course in the evening as I had many gaps in my knowledge. I found the course fun, not just through the projects and learning but getting to know the other students. I’ve found AUB’s campus inspiring because of the architecture, various physical artworks on site and importantly, the quality of the lecturers.
When that course came to an end, I wanted to continue my studies. I then decided to make the leap to the degree course.
It’s been a challenge pushing my boundaries in the studio, using processing software and getting back into education after so many years. The other students have been really supportive and have made me feel welcome despite the age difference! The tutors and support staff have all been really helpful, pointing me in the right direction when I stumble. They’re all here fighting our corner and want us to succeed, but will challenge our aspirations to aim higher. With the course covering fashion, advertising and documentary, I’ve had the opportunity to experience and enjoy all three genres.
My favourite project has been the last one – a documentary video. I’ve never shot video before (unless you count unedited Reels for social media). I originally wanted to do a project on working men that do manual labour, but in the end, I chose to create a documentary about a local chef, his food miles and work with other local artisan suppliers in the village. I chose him because he’s a real character and passionate about his food (and great fun to work with).
There’s something magical about telling a story. I have had to get to grips with gimbals, video mode on my camera, audio recording, editing software as well as collaborating with the public, other students as crew and shooting on location. Thinking on my feet and problem-solving is definitely one of the most useful side skills I’ve learnt.
As part of the collaboration work, I did a shoot with first-year BA (Hons) Makeup, Hair and Prosthetics and BA (Hons) Costume students. This was to help with both our portfolios. The shoot centred on five strangers meeting in a New York bar at the end of the Second World War. We created a narrative as the shoot evolved, developing each character and how they interacted with each other. It was great fun working as a team with other disciplines.
AUB has offered me so many opportunities, including hearing from outside speakers from the commercial world – some of whom are AUB alumni – and trips. The photography department organised a four-day trip to Berlin in January. We visited so many photography exhibitions and galleries, got to grips with public transport and tried to keep warm!
Then, I was accepted onto the BUV (British University Vietnam) cultural visit to Hanoi for two weeks. We were given a challenge around cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. I’m happy to report that in my team there were five AUB students from a variety of courses, and we came away with the second prize for designing an app for independent travellers. Not bad for a bunch of creatives up against business and economic students from across the UK!
This year has been a blast, and I can’t wait for the start of next year and the challenges it will bring! My advice to any potential student? Follow your dreams, have fun, work hard and play hard, and don’t let this chance of a lifetime pass you by – I nearly did. I wish I had done it years ago.
