Pupils at Bredon School had the opportunity to pick up some tips from a professional photographer as they prepared for their annual spring Catwalk Fashion Show.

Maria Farrelly, who now specialises in Portrait photography and is based in Newport, South Wales, came into the independent school near Tewkesbury to take photographs of the Catwalk event and also to hold photography-lighting workshops.

The day was organised by Art Teacher and Head of Textiles at Bredon School, Madeleine Henton. “The Catwalk Show is so popular with the pupils, and each year we try to add new elements. This year we chose to focus on photography and I was delighted when Maria agreed to come in. Photography is growing in popularity at the School, with increasing numbers joining the after school club, and the pupils were very excited to see a professional at work,” said Miss Henton.

After graduating from University with a Photography degree Maria Farrelly began her career in advertising and commercial photography. She joined Venture Photography and as well as becoming their Style Director, also became their leading trainer in lighting-photography across various studios.

“I was really pleased to have this opportunity to share my expertise with the children at Bredon School,” said Maria. “I was very impressed with the standard of the costumes the pupils had made, and also with their knowledge of and interest in photography.”

Bredon School Principal David Keyte welcomed the visit: “Art is an increasingly popular subject at the School and we are always looking for ways to add to our provision in the subject. The Catwalk show is a significant event in the School calendar, when parents and all the staff can see the creativity and hard work of the children.”

Maria demonstrated portrait photography using both studio and natural light to small groups of pupils throughout the afternoon, before the Catwalk show in the evening.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Bredon School by Edge Media

MEDIA CONTACTS: David Keyte at Bredon School on 01684 293156 or Jan Herbert at Edge Media on 01453 544900 / 07921 084976