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Images of Leah Carvell's work:
I had done art in school until year 9 when I got ill with ME. I had to skip two years and left school when I was 20. I did an A2 in art where I realised photography was something I was really interested in. I didn’t take a Foundation Year because I knew I wanted to do photography.
I remember going to Rochester on the open day. The weather was miserable but in the building there was a buzz and creative energy and I got to see all the facilities which wasn’t the case at other places I visited.
Rochester is in an old little town, it’s quiet but you’ve got everything you need.
In the first year you get lots of introduction to equipment – you learn how to process film, use enlargers and take part in workshops and digital lab inductions. You usually have one day of lectures a week and the rest of the time you have group or individual tutorials.
I’ll always be an image maker, or a lens-based artist – I’d like to be a Picture Editor or work in a photographic archive. I did some work experience with The Times on the Picture desk and this was a real eye-opener.
Do as much photography as you can, even with a basic camera - try to be creative with what you have. Never throw anything away! Be interested in seeing everything, not just photography. The Photographer’s Gallery is a good place to start because it’s not intimidating. Also, see what museums and galleries are on your doorstep.
