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RMIT Diploma of Photography + Photo Imaging

20 21 END OF YEAR EXHIBITION

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Introduction Katrina Bender Carly Blower Benjamin Brophy Gianluca Carretta Gabriel Cashat Emma Cunard-Naramos Jorja Downie Stefani Giordano Jack Haggarty Bonnie Jarrett Jade Jones Updesh Kaur Isha Mistry Paul Papagelis Grace Petrie Richard Pribadi Henghui Sun David Thai Mandy Wood Harris Zervakis

42 The Collide Project 45 Red Door 46 Vocational Education + Library Welcome Events 49 The Photobook Project 52 RMIT Marketing Collaboration 54 Blended Spaces + Hybrid Places 58 Write it. Shoot it. Show it. 59 Graduate Proﬁles 59 Mollie Branjes 60 Valentina Perez 61 Jack Thomas 62 Farewell to Jessie DiBlasi and Kirsty Macafee 64 Study Photography + Digital Imaging at RMIT VE (Vocational Education) 66 Thank You 68 Acknowledgements IBC Sponsors

In the spirit of reconciliation RMIT University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Cover image © Bonnie Jarrett

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Introduction Sponsors Womin Djeka, It is a great pleasure to write the opening words for this year’s Diploma of Photography Principal Sponsors and Photo Imaging end-of-year catalogue. This year’s exhibition shows the exceptional work of our students, and I hope you all enjoy the works on display. Despite another year of challenges brought by the global pandemic, photography has never been more paramount – the art of capturing and interpreting a particular moment in time, through the lens of another’s perceptions Photography remains a powerful tool for communicating, reminding us of the past, and evoking emotions around those big life and history-making events. Firstly, I would like to congratulate the 2021 class of the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging! I recognise that over the past year we’ve experienced a dramatically changing environment and unforeseen challenges, however the hard work that has gone into your final folios and individual series is a testament to your resilience, dedication, creativity, talent and imagination. I would also like to acknowledge our exceptional teachers for their support and commitment throughout the year. I appreciate how nimble and innovative you have been - from adapting and reconceptualising learning experience to managing onand off-campus learning and assessment opportunities, you have gone above and beyond to support your students and each other. Sponsors + Support

It has been an exciting few years for our photography and photo imaging programs. Since moving to the College of Vocational Education (CoVE), our key focus for the Creative Industries cluster has been delivering high quality outcomes for our students, communities and our stakeholders, through supporting and enabling our staff to deliver the RMIT promise of ‘a skilled hand, a cultivated mind’. Reflecting on this new connection for our students, photography and the arts, I find this original motto still resonates strongly with me today and bears particular relevance in our COVID world. As we continue to grow into a leading global vocational education institution, we are producing graduates who will respond creatively to the challenges of a rapidly changing international environment. For our graduating students, congratulations again on your accomplishments. I know you are all very well equipped to succeed within your creative-driven industries, and I thank you for sharing your work with your RMIT community. Best wishes and good luck for your future endeavours. MISH EASTMAN DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR – COLLEGE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Katrina has an adoration for portraiture and domestic photography. Successfully starting a wedding photography business based in Melbourne, she finds a great sense of accomplishment in creating lasting memories for the clients she serves. Katrina has always had a passion for art and a constant desire to exercise creative abilities. She is adventurous in her depictions of emotions with various mediums, prominently reflected in her projects of emotive portraiture. The series Water and Oil explores the impact society has on the environment and marine life, focusing on the contamination of natural beauty. The hands represent the damage humankind can cause and a reminder to reflect on our contribution to pollution.

Katrina Bender KATHARRYPHOTO@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/KATANDHARRY KATANDHARRY.COM.AU

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Born and raised in Ballarat, Carly developed a passion for photography during her high school years and has always followed her creative side. Expanding her education in photography at RMIT University, Carly engages most in fashion and sports, however, she enjoys exploring a range of photographic genres and styles, which continuously refines her skills and knowledge. After graduating from the Diploma, Carly plans to continue shooting freelance and hopes to continue assisting photographers and gain valuable industry skills and experience. Carly’s current folio explores distinctive trending aesthetics evolved from a variety of past generations and influential eras. She expresses her appreciation for individual stylistic choices that stem from impactful social movements and media trends.

Carly Blower +61 456 077 570 CARLYBLOWERPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/CARLYBLOWERPHOTOGRAPHY CARLYBLOWERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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Creative and curious, Benjamin Brophy is a digital photographer and compositor from regional Victoria currently based in Melbourne. Gifted a Cannon PowerShot from his grandmother on his eighth birthday, Benjamin fell in love with photography and has been shooting ever since. Ben enjoys exploring nature and finding hidden details to capture in the environment. Beginning his study of photography in high school, Ben completed a certificate III whilst undertaking Year 11. Now studying at RMIT, Benjamin explores capturing a range of photographic genres, but mostly enjoys portraiture and product with a passion for retouching and compositing. After completing the Diploma, Ben plans on continuing his study, improving his skills, and develop his folio further whilst finding work in the industry.

Benjamin Brophy +61 409 798 926 BROPHYSPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/BROPHYOTO BABROPHY19.WIXSITE.COM/BROPHYSPHOTOGRAPHY

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Gianluca Carretta is an Italian photographer with a previous background in hospitality that has allowed him to travel the world. Exploring and discovering the beauties of this planet has nurtured Gianluca’s love for photography when using his camera to record these memories. Captured by the exquisite nature of the land down under, Gianluca decided to return to Australia and pursue his passion for photography as a new career. Gianluca hopes to become a renowned product photographer in his commercial practice while continuing his interest in nature and wildlife photography.

Gianluca Carretta +61 410 039 929 INFO.GIANLUCARRETTAPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/GIANLUCARRETTA.PHOTOGRAPHY GIANLUCARRETTAPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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After leaving his original pathway in the United States Navy, Gabriel had a hunger for a new creative outlet which began once returning to Melbourne. Through revisiting his high school passion for photography, he soon found fulfilment in capturing live gigs and sporting teams across Melbourne’s western suburbs. Gabriel is now the designated photographer for several bands and an international sporting company.

Gabriel Cashat +61 404 990 347 GCASHATPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/CASHATMELBOURNEPHOTO CASHATMELBOURNEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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After working casually in the photo industry for the past six years, Emma decided photography was a career passion and a creative outlet. Originally from South Africa, Emma moved to Melbourne in 2019 to pursue her studies at RMIT. Emma is an advocate for sexual health education and self-love. She strives to create a welcoming and fun environment in her portrait shoots, where subjects feel most comfortable. After completing the diploma at RMIT, Emma hopes to further her assisting skills and produce more cohesive bodies of personal work.

Emma CunardNaramos +61 431 520 902 THREESQUAREPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/ THREESQUAREPHOTOGRAPHY

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Jorja Downie is a Melbourne-based photographer who initially started out capturing landscapes. Her interest in photography began in high school through studying visual art, where she specialised in painting and photography. Jorja discovered that her visual arts background was the bridge to pursuing a career within photography and seeing the fine detail with what she captures. Jorja took a liking to product and nature photography during her studies at RMIT. When planning her final work, Branching Out, Jorja chose to incorporate these genres into her work. This series shows a seasonal interpretation of nature and brings the symbolic forms and their representations into product shots. After completing the Diploma, Jorja hopes to further her photographic skills and start her own commercial photography business.

Jorja Downie JORJADOWNIEPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/JORJADOWNIEPHOTOGRAPHY JORJADOWNIEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU

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Stefani is an emerging photographer and creative based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. Taking photos of just about anything out in nature, Stefani has been fascinated by how photography would capture what she saw to tell a story. While studying at RMIT, she has developed an interest in portraiture, still life, fashion, and documentary photography. After graduating, Stefani aims to work as a photographic assistant to further develop valuable knowledge and skills that will support her work as a professional photographer. Stefani’s folio includes a combination of portrait and still life images that incorporate a cinematic element, exploring the struggles surrounding mental health. This series allows her to use colour uniquely, applying it in a direction that supports the photographs in a storytelling perspective.

Stefani Giordano +61 437 052 485 STEFANIRAEPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/STEFANI.RAE STEFANIRAEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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Jack is a Melbourne-based photographer whose curiosity for the arts started as a teenager. Jack has developed his skills around documentary street photography and, since starting the course at RMIT, has channelled an interest in portraiture and fashion. While shooting for various projects at RMIT, Jack found his niche for capturing people, seen in his portrait and street works. Upon finishing his studies, Jack seeks to attain more assisting work and further his industry experience, continuing to grow his photographic portfolio.

Jack Haggarty +61 434 416 995 BYJACKHAGGARTY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/JACKHAGGARTY BYJACKHAGGARTY.MYPORTFOLIO.COM

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Bonnie is a photographic artist whose hobby for photography befittingly turned into a career. Capturing events led to her exploration into commercial and fine art photography, where she developed her passion for visual storytelling. Bonnie has created a multifaceted art practice with narrative at its core, where she creates stills, films, and multimedia pieces. Bonnie approaches her photographic practice with a unique focus on fashion and portraiture, creating pieces that are bold and innovative. In her latest image series In Conversation With My Mother, Bonnie turns the lens on herself as she confronts the loss of her mother through self-portraiture. In an attempt at catharsis and connection, this series became a way to reflect and pay homage to her late mother. It binds together nostalgia and fear of fading memories, depicting the threads people cling to when losing another, in an authentic reflection of grief.

Bonnie Jarrett +61 468 338 141 BONNIEJARRETTCREATIVE@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/BONNCREATIV BONNCREATIVE.COM

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Jade has always expressed herself creatively, which led her curiosity to explore the art of photography. Jade merges her interests in fashion and portrait to find her true love for fine art, using photography for personal creative expression. As a black woman of colour (BWOC) growing up in a predominately white community in Australia, Jade holds a strong passion for using her photographic ability to address issues surrounding her black identity. Jade employs the camera as a creative device to produce images that visually communicate these poignant messages to varied audiences. On completing her studies, Jade wishes to continue these parallel themes whilst working with local galleries that support emerging artists to discover more opportunities to exhibit her projects. Jade plans to align herself with commercial clients who carry the same values and encourage diverse representation in their industries.

Jade Jones JADEJONESPHOTO@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/JADEJONESPHOTO JADEJONESPHOTO.MYPORTFOLIO.COM

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Updesh Kaur is drawn toward fine art, creative portraiture, and documentary styles of photography. Focused on visual storytelling in organic and structured forms, Kaur’s works primarily capture moments in their most natural state, while her interpretative works build narratives from the ground up. Updesh’s images have featured in RMIT’s marketing collateral, including the RMIT Bendigo flight training brochure. After graduating, Kaur intends to build her own studio space, refine her skills through personal and client portfolios, and continue working alongside industry professionals in collaborative projects.

Updesh Kaur +61 430 542 790 UPDESHKAUR2014@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/UPDESHKAUR UPDESHKAURPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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Born and raised in Melbourne, Isha’s introduction to photography started from a very early age. What initially began as a hobby turned to a passion in her final years of high school, and Isha decided to further her studies at RMIT. Travelling the world has heavily influenced her work over the years. Isha finds inspiration in the environment around her, drawn to capturing moments that go by most unseen, creating a much deeper visual narrative. Isha’s final folio, The Unseen Presence, started as a small idea and quite soon turned into a passion project. Upon graduating, Isha hopes to develop the concept into a photographic book and advance her skills in photojournalism and landscapes.

Isha Mistry ISHAMISTRY1999@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/ISHA.MISTRY ISHAMISTRY.MYPORTFOLIO.COM

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Paul Papagelis loves creating images and telling stories that have a positive impact on people’s lives. From a young age, he has shown a great passion for visual storytelling through his experiences. Paul studied art and media in VCE and is now completing his Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging at RMIT. The series Paw Pals focuses on the connection between people and their pets – from quirkiness to love. Creating these images in a pandemic has also shifted this focus to mental well-being, sharing light with others in tough times. In the future, Paul wishes to assist photographers and tell more stories.

Paul Papagelis PPAPAGELISPHOTOS@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/PAULPAPAGELIS

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Grace Petrie comes from a large family and is often surrounded by younger kids. This upbringing led to her interest in family and newborn photography and instigating her own business over a year ago. Her latest series, SEVEN, is dedicated to expanding her skill set in digital manipulation and compositing, and acts as a catharsis to channel her creativity. Although vastly different from her commercial practice in family and newborn portraiture, Grace’s folio demonstrates initiative to further her creative direction by stepping out of her comfort zone. After finishing her studies, Grace hopes to invest in a home studio and expand her portrait photography business whilst learning all she can from the industry.

Grace Petrie +61 449 600 504 GRACEPETRIEPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/GRACEPETRIE.PHOTOGRAPHY GRACEPETRIEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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Richard is a student from Jakarta, Indonesia, with a huge passion for cars and photography. When he was young, Richard had posters of cars on his bedroom walls. He grabbed a camera and began pursuing automotive photography in Jakarta. It was from there his passion sparked. Richard sought to refine his skills in photography, so he decided to move abroad to Australia and study at RMIT. He is keen to learn everything he needs to know to become a commercial photographer. With this knowledge, skills and mindset, Richard is ready to return to his roots of automotive photography.

Richard Pribadi +61 481 709 996 RICHARD.PRIBADI20@YAHOO.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/RICHADPBD

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Henghui was born in China and moved to Melbourne in 2018, where he bought his first camera. He began teaching himself how to use his camera effectively for landscape photography. Since studying at RMIT, Henghui has found his passion for contributing to society through documentary and photojournalism. Caged Animals is a photographic documentary series revolving around zoo captivity that captures the similarities and connections between humans and animals in a confined environment. It flips the visual perspective of animals in captivity with humans in their respective settings.

Henghui Sun +61 451 780 516 SUNHENGHUI@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/HENGHUISUN SUNHENGHUI.WIXSITE.COM/PHOTO

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David is a photographic artist whose initial ambitions led him to study international relations in Mexico and work in Panama, delving into crosscultural communication, sociolinguistics, and Latin American studies. Coincidentally, his photography gained traction in Panama, as he worked on a portraiture series of the local community and supported a media program in a jungle-based research institute. Experiencing a profound connection to his role but undermined by a sense of imposter syndrome, he returned to Australia to finally pursue photography professionally.

David currently works in the commercial industry, honing his eye for detail, exploring his newfound interest in styling and art direction, and adopting a culturally nuanced approach to his imagery. His latest series, Ad Homonem, is a surrealist expression of his experiences as a queer person of colour. Conceiving still-life and portraiture images loaded with symbolism and pop-culture references, he explores quirks of the gay dating scene while bringing to light the toxicity pervasive within the queer community.

David Thai DAVID.THAI.PHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/_DAVIDTHAI DAVIDTHAI.COM.AU

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Mandy started her creative career in fashion and styling before finding her calling behind the lens. Over the last two years, while studying part-time, Mandy has assisted some of Melbourne’s more notable commercial photographers. These experiences have helped Mandy become adept at working both on location and in the studio, refining her skills and knowledge in the evolving lesson of creating with light. Mandy is passionate about photographing people and capturing the candid essence of life’s moments. In 2019, Mandy’s Feeding Time work was featured in the Picturing Footscray street poster exhibition in 2020. As an artist, Mandy aspires to be part of national and international exhibitions and pursue a career in commercial practice.

Mandy Wood +61 426 414 118 HELLO@MANDYWOOD.COM.AU INSTAGRAM.COM/MANDYT_W MANDYWOOD.COM.AU

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Harris’ interest in photography sparked when discovering GQ and Vogue magazines as a young boy. After being the family photographer on a European trip, he noticed that his future career wasn’t in the fashion industry but pursuing a profession in photography. Harris’ photo imaging knowledge has developed a curiosity for the physics of light and working in a studio environment. Harris intends to expand his experience commercially after studying at RMIT, assisting photographers and cultivating a new venture into videography. Hellenic Climate is Harris’ latest series, exploring environmental issues caused by 21st-century living. Inspired by Michelangelo and Greek mythological tales, the body of work navigates the condition of the present climate.

Harris Zervakis +61 412 050 185 HZPHOTOMEDIA@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/H.ZPHOTOMEDIA HZ-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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The Collide Project The Collide project is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) collaboration between a number of RMIT Vocational Education programs, working together to produce a media and entertainment industry event that is both a music concert and a television program. Running as a series of five events over five production days, it allows students and staff from the newly formed School of Vocational Education (Creative Industries cluster) to work together on a real-world live production event. The event is conducted in the New Academic Street media precinct television studios – broadcast-standard facilities that provide an ideal venue for these running events. This project allows the production to showcase the university’s industry-standard facilities in the context of a nationally recognised project and includes involvement from a number of industry professionals. These professionals liaise with the students throughout the production, guiding, instructing and giving real-time feedback using current production standards.

‘Incorporating the Collide project within the Produce media photo images unit of the Diploma Photography and Photo Imaging program is a great opportunity for students to collaboratively work with and document the progressive scheduling of live-production performances in an industry environment. As a WIL project, students are assessed on their ability to shoot, process and submit a body of work that encapsulates a live event – including bump in, lighting and sound checks, the performance and bump out.’ EDDIE JAVIER DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING TEACHER

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This showcases the students’ abilities to work in an industry-based environment. Over several years of production, various students have made industry contacts through this project that have led to direct placement with facilities such as ABC Television and Bakehouse Studios.

‘The Collide project allows us to observe our students at work as they interact with industry professionals and allows us to supervise and assess their performance in their allocated role. This is workintegrated learning at its best.’

At the conclusion of each shoot, sound production students completed the post-production audio and video, working with professional writing and editing students and interactive digital students to showcase the final production to the world. Photo documentation of production was undertaken by students in the diploma photography and photo imaging program.

ELENA POPA RMIT SOUND PRODUCTION TEACHER + PROJECT COORDINATOR

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The Collide Project

The VE courses involved in the production include: – Music Industry (Sound Production) – Live Production and Technical Services – Photography and Photo Imaging – Screen and Media – Interactive Media – Professional Writing and Editing

‘The Collide project was an experience I valued greatly. The exposure of working with several students from different courses, with their own real-world talents, gave me the confidence to shoot and document events. I was very excited to be a part of this amazing experience, and seeing how hard everyone worked together was incredible.’ CARLY BLOWER DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING STUDENT

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Red Door The Red Door project has run for a decade now and is part of a long history in Melbourne’s jazz scene. Students are usually taken into public venues to record the cream of artists engaged in the jazz improvisation community in Australia. To date, no less than 10 artists have seen fit to release their recordings made by the RMIT sound production team.

‘We had the pleasure of recording two ensembles for this year’s Red Door event: Conrad Henderson, a long-established bass player in Melbourne with his ensemble Double Standards, and Holly Moore with her quartet. Holly is an excellent young saxophonist, recently returned from a year in New York City. She is already an awarded musician, and we take great honour in contributing further to the development of women in Australian jazz.’ ANTHONY “TOK” NORRIS ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SOUND PRODUCTION TEACHER + STUDIO SOFTWARE MANAGER

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Vocational Education + Library Welcome Events It has been a year of exciting firsts for the College of Vocational Education (VE) and RMIT Library. With the start of semester 2 coinciding with NAIDOC week celebrations and the return of students to on-campus classes, a unique opportunity for collaboration between staff, students, and alumni from the Creative Industries Cluster arose. The result was an opportunity for reconnection to our place and purpose at RMIT. In collaboration with (and in generous support from) the Student Lifecycle team, College of Vocational Education, Ngulu Group, Ngarara Willim, and RMIT Library, we hosted a series of welcome and belonging events across the Brunswick, Carlton, and Bundoora campuses. The events centered around official Welcome to Country and smoking ceremonies, finishing with a small lunch

and gathering in each of the library spaces. Throughout the week of events, video resources encouraging ways for students to connect with First Nations resources for their studies were also streamed at each library site. In addition to the events, window and cabinet displays at each location were adorned with First Nations resources from the library collections, along with a selection of Indigenous VE student and alumni works and official NAIDOC week posters. In true VE style, these offered opportunities to engage with students and alumni from a range of Creative Industry programs, along with newly created Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities.

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Specifically, the VE courses and involvement include: – On the Carlton campus, Building 94 foyer and library spaces were styled by visual merchandising students Emma Howell, Isabel Hooper and Jane Westwood, to acknowledge NAIDOC week and feature First Nations resources from the library collections. This work opportunity was a first for students, having only recently completed their first semester of the program. They were mentored by teacher Justin Compton. – On the Brunswick campus, Kamilaroi/ Bundjalung artist Lou Bloomer generously loaned works she created as part of her Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology to be featured in a window display on the ground level of Building 513. – On the Bundoora campus, 2020 photo imaging Alumni, Hunter Callaghan’s documentary work, following the finding and unearthing of Aboriginal artefacts on Taungurung Country, featured alongside library’s First Nations resources in acknowledgement of the STEM programs. – At each event, photography and video documentation was captured and shared by our photo imaging students – Noora Ziaei, Paul Papagelis, Liam Moore, Updesh Kaur, Grace Petrie, and Troy Guilfoyle from the certificate IV and diploma were all involved.

© Grace Petrie Associate Director (Creative Industries) Lliam Freeman gives an Acknowledgement of Country and reflection at the City/Carlton campus before students enjoy a welcome lunch in the Building 94 library.

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Vocational Education + Library Welcome Events

It was incredibly special to have the chance for everyone to participate in an official Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony offered by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ringo Terrick at Brunswick and Bundoora campuses. Moving from this to welcoming students into the library space to share food and meet, in the collaborative learning spaces we encourage all to use, was a perfect way to conclude the events. Unfortunately, at on the Carlton/City campus we had to postpone the official Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, and this event was unable to be rescheduled.

The intention of these events was focused on an official welcome and acknowledgement of the traditional lands that we are all so privileged to spend our time studying and working on. These events were a first and will pave the way for future welcome events and RMIT Library collaborations. JESSIE DIBLASI LIBRARY BUSINESS PARTNER – COLLEGE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

© Updesh Karu Deputy ViceChancellor (College of Vocational Education) Mish Eastman looks on with staff and students as Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ringo Terrick prepares for the smoking ceremony at the Bundoora campus.

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The Photobook Project For the past six years, students of the RMIT Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging have produced photojournalism books in collaboration with students from the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing (PWE). It gives students an exciting opportunity to work as a cross-disciplinary team. Each photography student creates a narrative photo essay in the style of the 1950s Life magazine. With the support and instruction from photography teachers Martin Reftel and myself, students take on the roles of traditional photojournalists, following their subjects, making images as unbiased observers, and creating a story from what they have documented.

‘The collaborative experience for the photography students gives them insight into both the methodology and the approach taken by writers and editors. It complements and refines the learning that takes place within the construction and development of long-form narrative projects. This project provides the real-world experience of self-publishing.’ ROBERT GALE DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING TEACHER

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The Photobook Project

Over three months, the students produce a self-published photobook. This process includes seeking out their subject, developing a narrative storyline as it unfolds, and making relevant image selections to convey their story. They also designed their books, drafting a written introduction and related captions. Bringing everything together, the students prepared print-ready files for testing through to their final book. In conjunction with PWE teacher Mel Cranbourne, the editing students helped to refine the project in various ways, assisting photographers with narrative development and writing as required, and undertaking copyediting and proofreading.

‘The Photobook project gives the students a unique opportunity to grow, not only in their photographic skills but also their confidence to be able to take on real-world challenges and get the job done. Collaborating with editors from the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing, students learn that they can take on and manage a complex task, to bring what they set out to do to successful completion – from an idea to a printed book in a single semester. Sending the students out into the industry with that experience and confidence is just fantastic.’ MARTIN REFTEL DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING TEACHER

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This year and for the first time, some of the photography students were able to work on projects requested by RMIT’s marketing department. These projects documented a wide variety of student life experiences at RMIT. Individual images from the students’ books have been used and will continue to be used by the marketing department. In return, the marketing department has offered financial support to the diploma students’ end-of-year exhibition and catalogue production.

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RMIT Marketing Collaboration At RMIT, we know our students are our greatest assets and advocates. In 2021, the Creative and Production team within RMIT’s marketing department wanted to give RMIT students some real-life work experience – they found an incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging teachers and students to enhance RMIT’s asset library and give students real industry projects to help get them started in their photography careers. The Creative and Production team sourced six client briefs from various areas around RMIT University and shared these with the students as an option to use these briefs for their Photobook Project assessment. The students who accepted these briefs were given the

chance to work on industry projects and feature their work in real publications, with two students featured in RMIT’s flight training marketing. This was a tremendous success, and one of the students has gone on to work with the RMIT marketing team on multiple campaigns as a freelance photographer. The partnership between the RMIT Creative and Production team and the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging has been a tremendous success for us. The diploma students delivered on talent and brought a new lens to the creative outputs we use in our marketing. This is just the beginning, and we are excited to work together to continue to support our students and graduates.

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‘My most memorable experience studying in the Diploma so far, I would have to say, is creating my very first photo book last semester. It documented the journey of a student completing his flight school training. We worked on it over a few months, and it has been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had as a photographer.’ UPDESH KAUR DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING STUDENT

‘We worked directly with teachers from the diploma to hire recent graduates to assist us with photographing marketing content to be used in RMIT’s general marketing and major projects, such as the annual publications guide, Melbourne Fashion Festival, RMIT film documentary release party and Open Day 2021. It was extremely rewarding working with RMIT alumni photographers. They were professional, confident, and organised. It was great to see them take initiative during production and post-production. It was hard to believe that they had just graduated.’ SEIJA LAHTEENMAA PRODUCER – CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION EXPERIENCES

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Blended Spaces + Hybrid Places 2021 has brought another year of adaptation and flexibility in the teaching and learning space for staff and students alike.

Our teaching and learning styles were transformed once more to continue seamless delivery and make the most out of our new blended learning space.

Our face-to-face learning transitioned once more into a mix of virtual classrooms, on-campus studio activities and a hybrid of printing on campus and through the virtual print lab. Students were able to utilise a ‘click and collect’ process for equipment loans fostered by our wonderful technicians Felix Trinh and James Maher. The blended learning offered connectedness to the staff and campus facilities and proved again that our nimble problem-solving skills remain adaptable.

Some of the continued innovations include:

The End of Year Exhibition: Virtual After the success of last year’s exhibition, we are thrilled to present our second instalment of the virtual end-of-year exhibition in 2021. A great deal of refinement and fine-tuning of our gallery spaces has allowed us to make the most of our digital medium. The flexibility of viewing the exhibition online will extend our audience and their participation once more in support of our student success outcomes.

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The Virtual Print Lab

allows students to send through job sheets and instruct the printing technician (teacher) of the informed choices of their print outcomes. Prints are then evaluated using a scanned reproduction with one-on-one discussions during class time.

While many students were able to take the opportunity to print their work on campus, the virtual print lab proved successful for another year of printing remotely for the certificate IV mid-year and February intake cohorts. Established in March 2020 during our first transition to online learning, this live printing option

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Blended Spaces + Hybrid Places

On-Campus Project Work Students from the certificate IV and diploma were fortunate to attend the campus throughout Semester 2 in order to complete the practical tasks required for their assessment outcomes. This opportunity allowed a stronger engagement between students and staff, and let them partake in workshops and demonstrations within studio, commercial, printing and styling classes.

Vocational Education Executive Portraits The College of Vocation Education emerged from RMIT’s recent restructure in the late months of 2020, and with a newly formed executive leadership team, the diploma group was fortunate to offer portrait sessions over a few days in March and April. This presented an opportunity for a selection of students to experience real-world corporate portrait sittings with the added incentive of a monetary contribution towards their end-of-year exhibition.

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Virtual Fundraising Auctions

Our audience members bid for items using the chat function, which allowed the opportunity for commiserations, additional information and congratulations before the final call.

The Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging joined forces with the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts in this year’s annual fundraising auction events. The two events included a student silent auction via the 32auctions website that allowed participants to bid on 35 student works over a week in October, and a livestreamed event with a host of 69 offerings from students, artists, alumni, and our industry partners. The live fundraising event was hosted via Microsoft Teams by three incredible auctioneers: Emma Cunard-Naramos and Bonnie Jarrett from photography and Alice Gaywood from visual arts.

The auctions were both wonderful events shared by a large audience of supportive guests. Our fundraising targets were exceeded beyond all expectations, allowing the diploma students the opportunity to fully realise their end-of-year exhibition. The class of 2021 are grateful for all the support they received and would like to thank every person who contributed to the success of both auctions.

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Write it. Shoot it. Show it. Now in its sixth year, Write it. Shoot it. Show it. (WiSiSi) is an annual RMIT exhibition of collaborative, crossdisciplinary student work. Showcasing the creative achievements of students from the College of Vocational Education, the WiSiSi exhibit this year was a smaller showcase, acknowledging the efforts of our professional writing

and editing students and photo imaging students in their collaboration on the Photobook project. We were fortunate enough to join in celebration to see the stunning books on display and had the opportunity to invite the certificate IV students and special guests to engage with the diploma students and explore their wonderfully printed books.

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Graduate Profiles Mollie Branjes (GRADUATED 2014)

I graduated from RMIT in 2014 after completing my Diploma in Photography and Photo Imaging. After graduating, I pursued my interest in portraiture and documentary photography, working with local theatre companies and documenting their musical productions. An image from one of the documentary series I shot in 2016, Curtains, was shortlisted for the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize – one of my biggest and proudest achievements. I currently work for the Master Builders Association of Victoria in their Building Leadership Simulation Centre, where I assist in developing and facilitating simulation training for the building

and construction industry. I was able to recently use my photography skills when I co-created and shot a statewide billboard campaign. I really enjoyed my time at RMIT – the supportive culture and knowledge I gained during the photo imaging course have been invaluable throughout my career, particularly in articulating and seeing my ideas come to life. INSTAGRAM.COM/ THATMOLLIEGIRL

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Graduate Profiles

Valentina Perez (GRADUATED 2014)

I came into this course not knowing that it was going to change my life. I had a background in marketing and graphic design, and having recently moved from Colombia, I was eager to explore and express myself creatively. During my time at RMIT, I focused primarily on documentary and architectural photography. I was selected to document a study tour of the Master of Communication Design program in New York City. This work was showcased in Brooklyn and Melbourne. Later that year, I joined another crew and took part in a field study in Shanghai, exhibiting alongside my classmates about the most representative brands in the city. The photo imaging course was an incredible experience. All of it. Even the parts you might think are not your forte all add up to shaping the kind of photographer you will become.

After relocating to Adelaide in 2015, I started working primarily in architectural photography while completing a master’s degree in business administration. After completing my studies, I decided to start my business in wedding photography and took back my passion for storytelling and documenting people, stories and connection – the unabashed real type. I photograph couples who love each other more than they love other people’s expectations or following the norm because that’s what a wedding ‘should be like’. Lastly, I want you all to know that you can do anything your heart desires. Follow your dreams, do the leg work, create meaningful connections and be grateful for every experience. It’s not about comparing ourselves to what other classmates are doing, how much they are assisting or how many Instagram followers and likes they have; it’s about your journey, and that looks different for everyone. INSTAGRAM.COM/ VALENTINAPEREZIMG VALENTINAPEREZIMG.COM

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Jack Thomas (GRADUATED 2013)

I joined the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging straight out of high school and graduated in 2013. I am still able to look back and reflect fondly on my time in the photography course. The encouragement from all my lecturers and fellow peers gave me the freedom to express myself creatively, while the access to first-class facilities allowed me to develop my skills. I felt completely out of my depth in my first few weeks, and even contemplated pulling out of the course. A one-onone sit down with one of my lecturers really helped me put everything into perspective, reset and understand what I was there for – and for that, I am forever grateful! Since graduating in 2013, I have worked predominantly as a freelance sports photographer, including for Getty Images.

I spent a few years based in Melbourne before moving to London in 2018 and working in the Getty London office, covering a vast variety of sports. This led to my 2018 portfolio being highly commended for Young Photographer of the Year in the British Sports Journalism Awards. Living at home in Melbourne throughout 2020, I am now back living in England and working full-time as the club photographer for premier league side the Wolverhampton Wanderers. I cover all their matches as well as training sessions, portraits, and general day-to-day club needs. I am now solely focused on my current role with the club and looking to bring my energetic creativity to the team! +44 077 5935 2701 INSTAGRAM.COM/JACKPTHOMAS_ / JACKTHOMAS.COM.AU

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Farewell to Jessie DiBlasi and Kirsty Macafee As a photography student, teacher, program manager, and outstanding photographer in her own right, Jessie DiBlasi has had a profound and positive impact at RMIT over many years. Her passion, drive and work ethic have been influential in establishing photography at RMIT as the pre-eminent offering and destination of choice for students wishing to immerse themselves in photography and push their creative and technical talents to the limit. Over the years, Jessie has been a wonderful colleague, collaborator, innovative thinker and leader across the Creative Industries in vocational education. In addition to her contribution to photography, Jessie has driven many outstanding outcomes and successes. She was a key member of the team that won the 2019 RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Teaching: Innovation in Vocational Education, while also receiving a commendation for the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Teaching. There are no higher honours that can be achieved in vocational education at RMIT. On behalf of the staff and students, I would like to acknowledge and thank Jessie for her many years of outstanding service. We all miss her but are very glad that she remains at RMIT and continues to work closely with us all in different ways. LLIAM FREEMAN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CREATIVE INDUSTRIES – COLLEGE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Jessie

‘Jessie, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your support and for being so helpful during my experience as a student at RMIT. I can’t thank you enough for being so kind, caring and determined to help me with my needs. I have always appreciated your willingness to check in and have a chat with me. I’m very grateful for your advice that you have always provided me with, as it has guided me through my course. I wish you all the very best for your new job and future endeavours. You will be very missed!’ KALLI BINOS DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING STUDENT

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The influence that Kirsty had upon the photography staff and students in the short time that she taught with us was truly exceptional, particularly as it was through some of the most difficult times that any of us have experienced. When the course delivery went online almost overnight, Kirsty’s innovation and leadership was nothing short of outstanding. Many of the structures that she put into place have improved the course in a way that we will benefit from well into the future. Beyond those influences, she brought enormous energy and inspiration to the whole student cohort. Her ability to draw on such a wide range of knowledge from her substantive art practices, commercial experience and her exceptional gambit of skills both inspired and directed our locked-down 2020 diploma students to some exceptional results. While she is greatly missed by us all, I think we are all pleased to know that she is now in a position of much wider effect across the university. Our sincere thanks go out to Kirsty for her great assistance and inspiration through these difficult times. ROBERT GALE DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING TEACHER

Kirsty

‘Kirsty Macafee is one of the most dedicated, caring and hands-on teachers I have come across in my years of being educated. She’s someone who fosters creativity within her students; it’s the glint of excitement she gets in her eyes when you start brainstorming an idea with her that then leads to her pushing you to develop your concept further than you thought you could, alongside being a walking encyclopedia of photographers and their projects. On behalf of myself and all her past students, I wish Kirsty all the best with what the future holds.’ BELLA PACE DIPLOMA OF PHOTOGRAPHY + PHOTO IMAGING GRADUATE 2020

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Study Photography + Digital Imaging at RMIT VE (Vocational Education) The Certificate IV and Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging are one-year, full-time programs. This is a hands-on practical and contemporary program with a strong commercial and industry focus, where you can build a career in professional photography. The program is widely regarded by the industry as producing some of the highest quality photography graduates in Australia. You will work with professional and committed staff, students and industry professionals to produce a series of folios covering a wide range of disciplines. Graduates from the program are industry ready, and our current students and alumni work in many sectors of the photographic industry as freelance photographers, photographic assistants and digital retouchers, both nationally and internationally. Our teaching staff, alumni and students are continually recognised as finalists and winners of Australia’s leading photographic awards, including the Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers Award, the Olive Cotton Award for photographic portraiture, the Bowness Photography Prize, the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize, the Iris Award, Head On Photographic Prize, Aussie Street competition, the National Photographic Portrait Prize, British Journal of Photography Portrait of Britain Award, and the MAMA Photographic Prize.

What will I be studying here in the VE photography program? During the course of your study you will work in varied styles and genres of photography, expanding your ideas, creative vision and technical skills to a very high level. You will develop skills in areas of photography such as advertising, architecture, industrial, portrait, documentary, video, design, business practices, compositing, digital retouching, photojournalism, illustrative, fashion and commercial photography.

Your journey starts in Certificate IV This intensive year of study is designed around hands-on practical skills that build the foundations of a professional photographic practice. These will include image capture (studio and location), digital design and image manipulation, video, high-end print output, and business and photo theory.

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Diploma – the next stage You will continue your studies in the Diploma, where you’ll build on your technical studies in the studio and on location, while producing collaborative long-form projects that include a selfpublished book and a professional folio of work, culminating with a group exhibition. You will graduate with a readiness to join the professional industry in your chosen field.

Learn from professional photographers You will learn directly from teaching staff who are professional photographers and work in a variety of roles within the industry, such as commercial, industrial and advertising photography. You’ll gain insight and first-hand information from people who are immersed in the world of photography.

Industry connections and real-world collaboration Our program works with creative programs within RMIT, both Vocational and Higher Education, and major industry players through established collaborative projects and work experience opportunities. Throughout your studies, you will work on industry-based

collaborative briefs, establish professional networks and develop connections within the local and international creative community.

Pathways Graduates can articulate to the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) with advanced standing of one year. Our Certificate IV and Diploma programs are also accredited by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). For further information:

Program Coordinator Natalie Morawski +61 3 9925 5583 nat.morawski@rmit.edu.au goo.gl/MKC91x

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Thank You The 2021 Diploma cohort would like to offer their thanks and appreciation for the support and assistance of many different people, both throughout the two years of their studies and during the last months in making the end-of-year virtual exhibition possible.

Assistants + Support

Models + Agencies

Shaun Britt

Caitlyn Cloney

Brad Payne

Kate McGovern

Thomas Watson

Kirtan Singh

Harrison Bender

Avvi Singh

Connie Malligeorgos

Jaspreet Kaur

Georgia Shaw

Erin Gore

Daniel Hallowell

Sam McIntyre

Heather Dinas

Bronnie Hughes

Renee Serraglio

Steffany Chan

Kristin Olds

Callie Lee

Cooper-lily Nikora

Molly Dunne

Ling Ang

Bernie Giordano

Ying Ang

Natasha Veljanoski

Katrina Burge

Stella Thomas

Kelsie Harford

Nico Thomas

Samuel Gordon

Harrison Duncan

Tom Lopes

Georgia Shaw

Brendon Nayanja Leonardo Jimenez Destiny Gonebale

Industry Thanks SUNSTUDIOS Andrew Miller Rob Goldie BRONCOLOR Michel Caillet Urs Recher CANON Paul Stewart Mia McKenzie Kim Noakes Nada Naim

BLUE TREE STUDIOS Joseph Feil Saville Coble HELL STUDIOS RUFUS & COOPER WELLCOM WORLDWIDE TED’S Teresa Marino David Halls FUJI Kevin Cooper

ADEAL Peter Iorlano Matthew Harper

IMPACT DIGITAL Heath Nankervis Stuart Smith

KAYELL Robert Gatto Scott Squires Michael Marlborough

BORGE’S IMAGING Borge Anderson Frances Sergi

EPSON Bruce Williams CPL DIGITAL Bryan Gracey Darren Rokkor

THE BROWNBILL EFFECT Sally Brownbill NIKON Julie Kimpton

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BAMBRA PRESS Sean Egan

XO STUDIO Dominik Schmarsel

SPECULAR Rory Shinners Michael Griffiths

C.R KENNEDY & COMPANY Damon Rulach

PHASE ONE DENMARK Peter Marshall

KEN DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY

HIROYOSHI NAGAMI CAMERA REPAIRS FILMNEVERDIE Gary Wong

HEARTFELT Gavin Blue Adrienne Gilligan PRUE AJA Prue Steedman

Emma Woods Felicity Sutton Rob Imhoff Andrew Kelly Louis Petrucelli Felisha Mendoza Mina Dianna Snape Alex Zattelman Patrick Redmond

PROFOTO SWEDEN

Kerry Pryor

AIPP Sheryn Ellis

Hunter Callaghan

THE ESTABLISHMENT STUDIOS Tamara Maynes RIPE STUDIOS Andrew Richey Emma Stryder

Dani Watson Monika Rydz Tan Yoowang Michelle Jarni

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Acknowledgements

42 The Collide Project Introduction 45 Red Door Katrina Bender 46 Vocational Education + Carly Blower Library Welcome Events Benjamin Brophy 49 The Photobook Project Gianluca Carretta 52 RMIT Marketing Gabriel Cashat Collaboration Emma Cunard-Naramos 54 Blended Spaces The 2021 RMIT Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging End of Year Exhibition celebrates Jorja Downie + Hybrid Places the creative accomplishments of the students, culminating in the rewarding outcomes Stefani Giordano Write year it. Shoot it. Show it.due to COVID, with the ups and of their final folios. It has been58 another of adaptation Jack Haggarty 59 Graduate Proﬁ les downs of virtual and face-to-face learning. We acknowledge our students’ resilience as they Bonnie Jarrett 59 Mollie Branjes accommodated the changes and faced these obstacles once more. We congratulate you Jade Jones 60 Valentina Perez on your determination and achievements! Updesh Kaur 61 Jack Thomas The staff and support team acknowledge the dedication of each student, not only in their Isha Mistry 62 Farewell to Jessiebut DiBlasi accomplishments across their chosen discipline, also in overcoming the challenges of Paul Papagelis and Kirsty Macafee the year. Heartfelt appreciation and thanks go to the photo imaging team for their continued Grace Petrie 64 StudyJoel Photography commitment to vocational education: Rainford (Program Manager, Photography and + Digital Imaging Richard Pribadi Photo Imaging and Visual Arts), Rob Gale, Javier, Martin Reftel, Tim Turner, Natalie at RMIT VEEddie (Vocational Henghui Sun Morawski, Lucia Ondrusova, Keren Dobia, Jess Schwientek, Ian Brown and Kirsty Macafee. Education) David Thaithem for their inspiration and great support across the certificate IV and diploma. We thank 66 Thank You Mandy Wood Sincere thanks for the valued contributions of our industry advisory committee, and to all the 68 Acknowledgements Harris Zervakis guest speakers, industry practitioners and alumni who generously gave their time and shared IBC Sponsors their stories and experiences with our students. We also extend our thanks to the organisations and sponsors who foster and support the students throughout their studies and beyond.

For their encouragement of the collaborative projects and continued relationships with the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging, we would like to thank our colleagues at RMIT: Seija Lahteenmaa (Creative and Production Experiences); Melissa Cranenburgh and John Reeves (Professional Writing and Editing); Rebekha Naim, John Phillips, Deb Hatton, Elena Popa, Tok Norris and Michael Pollard (Sound and Live Production); Andrew Gray and Rowan Humphrey (Screen Media and Digital Tech); Tyler Payne and Deb Williams (Visual Arts). For their incredible ongoing support and assistance across the Leadership, Learning and Teaching, Quality and Vocational Education project teams, we offer our sincerest thanks to Mish Eastman (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vocational Education), Amanda Achterberg (Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vocational Education Programs and Delivery), Lliam Freeman (Associate Director, Creative Industries), Jessie DiBlasi, Pam Trannore, Jacqui McCloy, Kylie Dillon, Caitlin Crowley, Mona Hope, Dr Ejanul Haque, Sally Hirst, Sam Alyass and Jacob Peters. We’d also like to make special mention of our technical support team, James Maher and Felix Trinh – thank you for your incredible assistance and problem-solving as you worked with and supported our photo imaging staff and students to continue the success of blended learning throughout the year.

In the spirit of reconciliation RMIT University And last, but certainly not least, thanks to the entire RMIT administration and support team acknowledges the Traditional Custodians from the College of Vocational Education, with special thanks to Winnie Lau and Fiona Clark. of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and PROJECT MANAGER COPY EDITOR Cover image present and extend that respect to allPRODUCED Aboriginal BY andNatalie Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Morawski Emma Woods Felicity Sutton © Bonnie Jarrett

Sponsors Principal Sponsors

Sponsors + Support

RMIT Diploma of Photography + Photo Imaging 2021 End of Year Exhibition: Virtual From 25 November OPENING NIGHT Thursday 25 November 2021, from 6pm AEDT VIRTUAL GALLERY TOUR WITH STUDENTS Monday 29 November – Thursday 2 December 2021, 10am – 4pm AEDT

ISSUU.COM/RMITPHOTOIMAGING INSTAGRAM.COM/RMITPHOTOGRAPHY