When Courtney Ewington decided photography was a natural progression for her to compose art from her love of architecture, lighting and people, studying with SIT2LRN was a natural choice.
Juggling studying with part-time work at her laser cutting business in Masterton, while being mum to two lively children, proved possible because of the flexible nature of SIT2LRN’s New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5).
“Being able to study at night or weekends made it a lot more flexible and also being able to choose which intakes I took, and when, was a huge help – especially when planning my wedding in 2022.”
Passionate about design – she has an articist background in creating lighting art installations – she knew photography was the path she wanted to take. But, although she had a camera, she realised her technical skills were lacking. “And, as it turns out, there is so much more to compositionally make an image!”
While the study has been challenging, Courtney has loved having tasks and assignments to motivate her practical and creative sides.
“This has hands down been the best, most practical education I have undertaken. Everything I know about photography, every process in set-up and post-production, I have learnt on this course.”
Courtney has already enjoyed competitive success, after being invited to join the local New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) group.
She entered four photos in the Student category, all taken for SIT2LRN assignments, and received three Silver and one Gold Awards, and NZIPP Student Photographer of the Year in the 2023 Iris Awards.
“Everything practical I have learnt was from this course and it has worked so well with my creative and conceptual design process.”
She will finish her studies soon and is confident she now has the skills to be able to create art and capture special memories for people.
“I am loving this direction and this course has been pivotal in that. I am planning on continuing my photographic work both creative as a hobby and documentative (family and maternity) as a career.”