Ruth Virgo is a second-year BA (Hons) Commercial Photography student. Through her time at AUB, she’s learnt to hone her techniques and ultimately, weave and revisit her identity through her latest Making Spaces project. We sat down with Ruth to find out how.
When was the first time you discovered you love photography?
I realised I loved taking photos was after a visit to China in the summer of 2017. I was brought up in China until the age of 10, and at 13, it was my first time to go back. As I didn’t have my own smart phone or camera, I remember borrowing any iPad that I could get my hands on or using my mum’s old DSLR to take photos of nature, architecture or portraits of my friends.
As a rapidly developing country, the skyline would change so quickly; skyscrapers would have added a new level, and when I visited next, my friends would have grown and changed. The moment was fleeting; if I didn’t photograph it, it would disappear forever.
That year when I got back to the UK, I bought my first camera, planning shoots with friends and enjoying the process of researching locations, styling outfits and playing with the different photography trends of the time. I was just enjoying taking ‘pretty pictures’. Over the seven years since then, I have been refining my photographic process and I’ve taken the time to study what I want to achieve by my photography.
What sets your photography style apart from others, and how do you pursue it?
This last year, I have shifted my direction to documentary image making, where my photography and moving image can have a real impact. I formed a key ethos for my work, deciding on the importance of respecting the nature and people it’s representing.
I put a high emphasis on technical accuracy. To achieve stability in this competitive field, I must first get things right in lighting setups and camera settings. This means a lot of pre-production to arrange colours of props, styling, make-up, hair, set or location and equipment before showing up. On the day, I try to be as present as possible with the model or sitter. Depending on the individual’s comfort level in front of the camera, I adapt my shooting style to put them at ease and chat throughout the shoot to get to know them and how best to portray them.
What do you love most about AUB?
My number one reason to commend AUB is collaboration. Once you become part of the community, the opportunities to collaborate across courses are endless. In first year, I was already shooting with HMUAs (hair and make-up artists) and MA Historical Costume students. In second year, I shot with actors, fine artists, textiles and fashion students and stylists.
The second strength on my course is the course leaders and technicians. I came into the degree with a lot of pride in my work, which was humbled on the first week when introduced to my lecturers for the next three years – you will be learning from experts with a lot of professional experience. Furthermore, the technicians go above and beyond to support students, especially in analogue processes and printing they provide a lot of time and expertise.
Walk us through your latest project, titled 'Making Spaces'. How did it come about?
This year, I was pushed to take my project to the next level by planning a solo overseas trip to photograph artists in their studio spaces. The idea started as I looked for a topic that I was personally passionate about.
On my mother’s side of the family, we have a lot of crafters and creative folk. My grandmother still lives in her knitted jumpers that have lasted over 15 years; she used to spin her own wool and hand-make clothes for her daughters. Both of my aunts had their own creative pursuits, spanning woodwork to crochet to jewellery-making. The family had lived in the Republic of Ireland with a strong connection to nature, valuing eco-conscious practices and living off the land. My eldest aunt passed away two years ago, leaving me regret for not having visited her more often. So, I had the idea to revisit my birthplace in County Cork, highlighting and empowering artists who love nature by photographing local artists and crafters.
I titled the project Making Spaces, inspired by the term ‘maker’ as I believe God designed and created the world, being the first artist and maker. The title also has a play on words as artists have to ‘make space’ to do their work, and the space is also used to ‘make’ art. The project involved contacting over 40 artists across Dorset and Ireland, having a chapter in Dorset as well as Cork and Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland.
The final selection included 16 artists, shot on 120 mm film with a Hasselblad and had a video interview from each location. These are now live on my website.
Outside Commercial Photography, how else do you like to explore your creative side?
I’m a very creative person – outside of photography my other hobbies include sewing, crocheting, knitting my own clothes and dressing up for little photoshoots when I’m travelling. I also carry a sketchbook when I travel and take reflective time to record aspects of the environment I’m in with a fine liner.
Finally, where would you like to take your creative practice post-graduation?
I am looking at arts residencies internationally, to have the opportunity to learn about a new culture to me and create work there. Later in my career, I would also consider doing a Master's here, to develop my personal projects once I’ve spent more time in the industry.
Want to see more of Ruth's work?
