Spotlight on Talent – Christie Burton and Guy Weals

Studied HNC Photography, HND Photography, BA (Hons) Visual Communications (Photography)

Having your photographs included in a book or a magazine is an ideal way to kickstart your careers, as Christie Burton and Guy Weals are discovering.

Christie’s images have appeared in Planet in Peril, a poetry and photography anthology put together to raise money for the World Wildlife Foundation and the Climate Coalition.  And Guy’s work was featured in PHOTOSESSIONMAG’s Halloween-themed issue.

21-year-old Christie is particularly proud to be associated with the book.

“My ambition is to specialise in wildlife and conservation photography, so this is a huge deal for me,” she said.  “This is the first big step I needed to get noticed when I start up my own business next year.”

Her images were included in the book after she won a competition set by the publishers.

Guy also sees the publication of his work as a confidence boost.  His photographs were submitted to the contributor publication after the 23-year-old responded to an Instagram appeal made by the magazine’s editor.

“It is great to see my work recognised for its quality and to be in the same league as other amazing photographers who contributed some stunning images,” he said.

Guy has now set himself up as a  ​freelance portrait and fashion photographer.

The Planet in Peril anthology is available through Fly On The Wall press while PHOTOSESSIONMAG can be viewed at Photosessionmag.com

Both Guy and Christie are full of praise for the higher education college experience.

“I have never experienced such dedicated and friendly staff anywhere else in my studies,” Guy continued.  “The tutors not only provided knowledge and experience, but gave you the confidence and motivation to achieve any of the goals you set yourself during the course. This had a huge impact on the quality of work I was able to achieve before graduating from Walsall College.

“I didn’t want to leave my studies, as I felt like part of the team during my education here. It has been a great pleasure.”

Christie added: “I think the course has set me up for my future because my tutors have really pushed me with my work and kept on encouraging me even when I struggled.  They are the reason I carried on and got to where I am now.

“My long term career goal is to be a photographer that helps to make a difference in the world and protect nature and its wildlife.”