Student Spotlight: Meet Chelsie, a Photography Degree student at UCR
Faces of University Centre Rotherham:
Chelsie Ellis BA (Hons) in Media, Moving Image and Photography
In a creative industry like photography where visual storytelling is key, developing both technical skill and artistic identity is essential.
For photography degree student Chelsie Ellis, she has learned not only how to capture stunning images, but how to build confidence in herself.
Now in her final year at University Centre Rotherham, her journey reflects the wider impact of Higher Education – combining creative development with personal growth in a supportive learning environment.
Chelsie’s journey into Higher Education
Before she ever stepped into a studio or edited her first photograph, Chelsie was a child with a camera in her hands and a curiosity for the world around her.
“I’ve liked photography for as long as I can remember,” says Chelsie. “My dad got me into it. He had an old Canon camera and I used to run around with it all the time.”
At secondary school, Chelsie was able to take a GCSE in photography where she began to develop an understanding of composition, lighting and visual storytelling.
Knowing a creative career was something she was interested in, she then went to Rotherham College to study the Level 3 extended diploma in photography through UAL. It was during this time at our sister site that she started to see photography not just as a hobby, but with real career potential.
“I’ve always been interested in art but I’ve never felt that confident with drawing. Photography just felt like a natural fit for me. I love the creativity behind it and it gives me a good form of expression.”
While college helped her build a strong foundation, Chelsie felt she wasn’t quite ready to step straight into a career. She decided to continue on in education by doing a degree to gain more experience, develop her skills and feel more confident in her ability.
Why Chelsie chose University Centre Rotherham
When it came to choosing where to study, Chelsie was initially focused on large universities like York St John.
However, she realised that what she actually wanted from her university experience was familiarity and closeness – both in location and teaching style.
University Centre Rotherham’s smaller campus and supportive atmosphere made it stand out.
“It sounds cliché, but looking at other universities further away from home, I didn’t know what I was going in to. Whereas at University Centre Rotherham, I knew everyone and I feel like it made me more comfortable making the decision to do a degree.
“I wanted a place that felt intimate and more personal to me. I love it here. It’s so comfy and cosy and it really has that homely feel.”
“The photography department also has some brilliant facilities for learners to access, which can help reduce barriers to learning some students may face. This includes a range of high-spec DSLR cameras, lighting equipment, a dark room, and even the old fashioned medium format cameras.”
“The standard of equipment here really took me back. We can book cameras out to use which is so helpful to have so that we’re not wasting money on something we’re not likely to use again.”
Chelsie“I wanted a place that felt intimate and more personal to me. I love it here. It’s so comfy and cosy and it really has that homely feel.”
Developing creative and technical skills
The degree course itself appealed to Chelsie because of its mix of practical and theoretical work, allowing her to explore different aspects of media while specialising in photography.
Students choose which pathway to take, which is either photography or media production. Chelsie opted for the photography pathway and, throughout her degree, has developed a strong understanding of photographic techniques, visual storytelling and digital editing.
The photography pathway is very hands-on, with lots of practical projects across the three years. From studio-based work to location shoots, she has gained experience in lighting, composition and post-production – all essential skills for a career in photography.
Working on projects for real clients has seen Chelsie develop an interest in product and advertising photography. With this in mind, she’s become more confident in using the camera’s manual settings to get the best out of her images.
“I always like to keep it quite natural. If you’re consuming something or you’re looking into buying something, you want to know exactly what you’re going to get. I try my best in camera rather than manipulating the image after. But even with editing, there is always something to learn and the course has encouraged me to make different choices and try new things.”
The degree has also encouraged her to experiment with different styles, approaches and technologies, helping her refine her creative voice.
Just some of the projects Chelsie has taken part in are event photography for a student climate conference at New York Stadium, product photography for a small business that makes honey products, and a Halloween-style photoshoot to practice portraiture.
One of her favourite projects has been the artist book module she did in her second year. Students have to make a physical piece of work to showcase their photos and Chelsie made hers like a vinyl with pop-out elements.
“I found it so interesting as you get to be really hands-on and plan your photos based around the finished piece. I was amazed with how it turned out. When we’re always looking at screens, it was good to create a physical piece of work that you can hold.”
Personal growth and confidence
Through the lens of a camera, Chelsie has found a way to see the world – and herself – more clearly.
She openly reflects on her experiences with anxiety and a lack of confidence, which made stepping into Higher Education feel daunting at first.
However, she says the impact of studying at University Centre Rotherham has gone far beyond the technical skills.
Through collaborative projects with real clients and the full support of the department’s teaching team, Chelsie has developed not only as a photographer, but as an individual.
“Just making that step to talk to someone about what I’m interested in is massive for me. I’ve always been quiet and shy with that thought in the back of my head that I’m going to look stupid.
“I wouldn’t have ever done this interview two years ago, but I feel so much more confident in myself now. The degree has helped me get out of my comfort zone and the anxiety I feel behind it.”
Supportive learning environment
Studying at a smaller campus like University Centre Rotherham has made a significant difference to her experience.
With reduced class sizes and a close-knit environment, Chelsie has benefited from more one-to-one time with tutors, allowing for personalised feedback and guidance.
This has been particularly valuable in helping her refine her portfolio and develop her artistic direction.
“The degree has been more personalised than any other course I’ve done before,” she says. “You get to connect with your tutors and peers and having that community has helped push me through a lot.”
The course’s balance of independence and support has helped her become more self-assured in both her creative decisions and her academic work.
“The tutors really take the time to support you. I know I could go to Kasey now and she would be so helpful. They’re there for anything, not just work, and it’s like having a couple of friends you can chat with.”
Chelsie“The degree has been more personalised than any other course I’ve done before. You get to connect with your tutors and peers and having that community has helped push me through a lot.”
Looking ahead
As she approaches graduation, 20-year-old Chelsie is exploring opportunities within freelance photography on a part-time basis. This would enable her to continue developing her portfolio and building a career that allows her to express her creativity.
She’s also interested in the retail side of photography, assisting people with the technical aspects of camera equipment.
“I’d love to get into a camera store and if I could help other people that would be amazing. I’ve learnt a lot about cameras and other equipment, and the technology is always advancing. Studio lighting was something I wouldn’t have been able to do if it wasn’t for this course.”
In the meantime, she’s focusing on finishing her degree on a high with her final exhibition, plus the realisation and development project where she’s making a floral-inspired journal to showcase her love of photographing flowers.
“I have these macro lenses you can attach to your phone to get really close up and see all the lines and details on the petals. I’ve always loved how pretty and individual flowers are, and they’re so interesting to photograph.”
Chelsie’s advice to those thinking of doing a degree at University Centre Rotherham
Reflecting on her journey, Chelsie encourages others who may struggle with anxiety to not see it as a barrier to education.
“Use it as a tool and don’t be afraid to push yourself. Getting an education is so important, but even if you don’t use the degree for your career then it’s still so helpful in your personal life. There is always networking you can do and connections to be made. And you’ll always have people around you who will support you.”
Find out more about Media, Moving Image and Photography courses at University Centre Rotherham