Technician’s campus photo makes national shortlist

A photograph taken by a technician colleague on Whiteknights campus has been selected as one of the year’s outstanding images by the British Journal of Photography.

The photo taken by Amie Cliffen, a teaching and research technician in Film, Theatre and Television (FTT), shows a woman dancing in the Harris Garden last summer.

It is one of 200 photos published in the Portrait of Britain Volume 6 photobook. If judges rank it in their top 100 in January, it will be displayed on digital screens in towns and cities around the UK for a month.

The Portrait of Britain competition aims to showcase images that define the people of the UK, celebrating unsung heroes and capturing national pride.

Fascination with photos

Amie has been in her role at the University for five years, and has been a keen photographer from a young age.

She said: “As a young girl, I had a fascination with looking through my grandparents’ photo albums. I loved seeing a physical representation of a memory.

“As I got older I became obsessed with light, in still and moving image. I pored over photography and cinematography.”

Amie’s camera skills were noticed in her department, which fuelled her interest in pursuing it as a hobby.

“The Head of Department at FTT asked if I wanted to be their in-house photographer and it made me realise that there were people who thought I was good at something,” she said.

“So I began doing photo work outside of my day job too; doing portraits and headshots. Next I'd like to explore fashion photography!”

‘I knew it was special’

Recalling the story behind her photo in the Harris Garden, Amie said: “I was shooting some material for a local theatre company and thought it would be fun to go outside and get the actresses dancing and take some shots.

“Kalifa in the photo was one of the actresses. When I saw the shot I knew it was special. At that moment we were all people just trying to reach for something and tell a story together, in our own way, but together. I think Kalifas stance embodies that.

Supportive department

Reading’s picturesque campus lends itself to photography, and has proved the ideal snapping ground for Amie, with her photographer’s eye also helping her in her role.

“This photo was taken in a large grassy area just off the main path in the gardens. It's such a beautiful and open location with lovely trees and plants. I thought it would be perfect for that dreamy aesthetic we were going for.

“I also absolutely adore our feathery residents at the lake and always take photos of them.

“’Technician'’ might not sound like a creative role to some, but I'm lucky to have not just an incredibly encouraging boss but a whole department that supports and nurtures my creativity.

“As part of my role, I teach students to use cameras, to light sets, to edit, all sorts. Having a good eye for composition, lighting, colour etc is a must for this role. So I am using it every day.”

‘It’s a big deal for me’

Amie has also been involved in the launch of Screen Berkshire at Shinfield Studios, which aims to increase work opportunities to boost the film and TV industry in the region. As part of this she helped build and shoot a simulation film set using our cameras.

Amie said: “It's really nice working with local people who are from backgrounds where it’s harder to get your hands on such equipment unless you know the right people. Hopefully this work will lead to a more diverse industry.”

On being shortlisted by the British Journal of Photography, Amie said: “I haven't won any creative awards before so it's a big deal for me.

“Most of all it's incredibly validating. It's a wonderful feeling to know there are people out there (who aren't my mum) who think my work has merit!

“Even if I don't win, I'm just honoured to be printed with other great photographers.”