Meet Daniel Commons, a mature student from our BA (Hons) Photography course, find out what he enjoys most about studying at Leeds Arts University...
What was your route to University - what did you study before starting University? Did you always have an interest in BA (Hons) Photography?
I am a mature student, so I’ve taken a somewhat unconventional route to University. I’ve always had creative past times, being in a band for ten years. Photography was a long time hobby which I wanted to expand my knowledge on.
Image: Courtesy of Daniel Commons
What do you specialise in and what are you working on at the moment?
I am a fine art photographer, primarily utilising darkroom techniques to investigate, philosophically and psychologically, the everyday and banal elements which constitute existence. I have just recently handed in my dissertation which will help inform my final body of work to complete my degree.
Tell us which resources and facilities you use the most, and how they help you develop your practice.
The main resources I use include the library, digital print room and the darkrooms at Vernon Street. The library is a great resource which helps to contextualise my work. The darkroom is invaluable in experimenting with traditional photographic processes such as solarisation and chemigrams. When I shoot digitally the digital print room aids with test and final prints for submissions.
Image: Courtesy of Daniel Commons
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Tough question. I would like to be self-employed ideally with a duel commercial/art-based practise, possibly lecturing on the side.
What makes Leeds a good place to study?
There is a strong, expanding community of lens-based practitioners based in the north generally, with Leeds being a pivotal city in which you can hone your skills and individual direction within community.
@dan.commons13