LPA Student Challenges / Catching up with Lauren Stirling

In anticipation of the announcement of Student Challenge Number Two tomorrow, we thought we would share our recent catch up with last year's winner Lauren Stirling.  Read on to find out how she's been doing since winning, and how she found her LPA Marketing Masterclass.

© Lauren Stirling / Winning Image

What have you been up to since winning Challenge Two last year Lauren?

Since last year I have completed my BA in Commercial Photography at Edinburgh College with distinction which I am very proud of. As part of the course we had the opportunity to exhibit at Freerange at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane which was an amazing experience and great for creating new contacts. Shortly after that I was commissioned to shoot a series of Book covers for a New York-based best selling author which has kept me very busy over the last few months!  I have also recently started teaching photography at HNC level which has been both challenging and rewarding.

© Lauren Stirling

Tell us a bit about your LPA Marketing Masterclass.

When I was invited in to meet with the team at LPA I didn't know what to expect but what a great day! It was a great opportunity to show my work to some of the most influencial people in the business and get one-to-one honest feedback. The feedback was useful in helping me not only refine my portfolio but it gave me a strong vision on what direction it needed to go in. I was told that my work would not be out of place in London which gave me a huge confidence boost. An invaluable experience for aspiring photographers.

Did you get some useful advice on how to market yourself as a professional photographer?

Living in Scotland can be tough as the market is very different to London so having Tom give me advice on how and where to advertise myself in Scotland was really useful. Since then I have secured work internationally so I am doing something right.

© Lauren Stirling

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to continue to grow and develop my portfolio. I am also hoping to make a trip to London early next year to visit LPA again to discuss where my portfolio is now and how to take it forward.

Thanks Lauren!