I chose to study photography mostly due to my creative family, being around other artists and constantly being encouraged to explore my creative side guided me to study Art and Photography at A level. But even before that I was the photographer of the family, in charge on the family snaps and even amongst my friends I was the one behind the camera rather than in the picture. I was drawn to studying it in Further Education and the results were great! I picked up a love for travel photography and was drawn to the work of more unconventional photographers such as; Robert Mapplethorpe, Diane Arbus, Helmut Newton, Duane Michals and the ParkeHarrisons. When it came the time to go to university I actually went to Sheffield University to study Social Policy and Criminology but after a month I had that sudden realisation that it was not for me, the big industrial city and the box like halls I was living in was stifling my creativity and so I packed my bags and left for home and after a year out saving money and travelling I applied for the Photography course at PCAD and as soon as the first week of lectures was over I knew I had made the right choice. I am also trying to convert my mother into liking photography as an art form!So here I am, nearing the end of my first year and making a blog which, I'm going to be honest, I am not looking forward to! I have never been capable of writing diaries and the like but what the hell I'll give it a go!