Becky Swallow started her career as an Assistant Accountant, but following a car accident and back injury, she was unable to sit at a desk. While in hospital, she was introduced to art therapy and she discovered her love of creativity. Becky went on to study photography and now has her own business, Becky Swallow Photography. She is also a freelance photographer for Horse & Hound magazine.
Kendal College is a creative, immersive world! The whole building has energy – you only have to walk through the door to feel inspired.
What was it like studying part-time at Kendal College?
It was different to studying full-time as the classes took place in the evening, so it was quieter and you felt like you had your own space. I gained a lot of technical ability and skills and took these with me when I went onto the full-time foundation course, which is where you learn to explore your own creativity using the technical skills you’ve gained.
The tutors are wonderful! My tutor was a specialist in mountain photography and didn't just teach me his way of 'taking a photograph', as everyone has their different creative perspective. He, instead, questioned what I was doing & why, and taught me to explore my own style. One brief can then result in 20 very different pieces of art!
What is your most memorable moment at college?
During the 'Ideal Worlds Exhibition' at the Castle Dairy, a staff member (senior leadership) spotted my work (they didn't know it was mine!) and exclaimed: "that’s amazing, whose work is that, I want to buy that for the college!" To this very day, it still sits in Reception at the Arts Campus after the college paid the asking price. Made at college, shown at college, bought by college- that’s really special!
What opportunities did you have as a student at the college?
I gained a vast amount of experience and enjoyed the opportunities at college. I worked at Comic Arts Festival (with really famous comic artists), had a private gallery view, was asked to be the official photographer for the colleges Prizegiving event, had my photos used in international press and was given the responsibility to photograph all the performing arts shows! My photography had an equestrian focus to start with, before broadening my horizons! I found where I was at creatively with the horses and I still love the connection between people and their horses, it's so special.
What advice would you give to potential students, thinking about coming to college?
My advice would be to try and get involved in anything you can. It doesn’t matter if you have it all mapped out or not, life can have other ideas and things can change. You must trust in your own self-worth and be proud of how far you have come and what you have achieved. It was scary choosing to come to college at first, but it was the best business decision I've ever made. For me, it all comes back to college. Over the past two decades, I have met people at college, through college, because of college, that have always led me in the right direction. I'd say Kendal College is the most creative environment I've been in!
Becky is heading out to Spain this year to photograph at the Sunshine Tour (an international showjumping competition).
