Abbie Robinson

Why did you choose Chester?

I didn’t spend much time researching universities. My final year of college was disrupted by the pandemic, and I went straight into full-time work. After a while, I realised I missed learning and wanted to return to education. One day at work, I looked up the University of Chester and saw a photo of the darkroom. I’d used one in college and felt excited at the thought of working in that environment again. I made a call during my lunch break, and by the end of it, I was enrolled to start within weeks. It was a spontaneous decision, which isn't like me, but one that felt right.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

Two things stood out: the freedom to shape my own projects and the support from tutors. The course started with guided briefs, which helped me explore different styles and figure out what I was drawn to. By third year, I had a clear sense of my direction and could confidently talk about my work.

The tutors were incredibly supportive and active in the industry. They introduced us to exhibitions, artists, and other opportunities available. Whether I needed help in the darkroom, advice on writing about my work, or guidance on professional practice, there was always someone to turn to.

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking of studying photography?

Don’t worry about your experience level or equipment. The University provides everything you need. Focus on enjoying the process and discovering your unique style. Your work will evolve naturally, and by the end of the course, you’ll understand what makes your photography personal and meaningful.

Make the most of the resources, such as cameras, studios, darkroom, printing facilities, Adobe software, and more. Ask questions and explore beyond your lectures. You’ll be surprised how much support is available if you reach out. For example, when I needed a book for an essay, the library ordered it in for me. There’s often more help than you realise, you just have to ask.

What graduate role have you commenced? What area(s) are you working in and what does this entail day-to-day, or what are you aspiring to achieve and how?

I’m working full-time at Max Spielmann, where I handle everything from photo printing and restoration, to studio shoots and personalised gifts. It’s a hands-on role that lets me use my technical knowledge daily. We work with all kinds of media, including film, VHS and old prints, as well as helping customers preserve and celebrate their memories.

It’s a very personal job. One day, a customer brought in a scratched and discoloured photo of herself with her horse, her only memory of it. Restoration services couldn’t fix it, so I spent hours editing it myself using in-store software. When I showed her the result, she was overwhelmed. It felt amazing being able to ring her back, saying that I could do that for her.

Outside of work, I’m continuing my personal photography around North Wales and planning a new project that builds on my degree show. I’m still setting goals, but I’ve already made a start.

How did your time at Chester prepare you for your current role or what you want to do in the future?

University gave me confidence, creatively and technically. I understand cameras, film types, editing software, and how to make images look their best. That knowledge helps me connect with customers and handle meaningful moments with care.

It also gave me insight into the photography world, who’s making work, what kinds of projects are out there, and how to spot opportunities. I left feeling prepared not just to work in photography, but to continue growing within it.

Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies or internships while studying?

Yes, as part of the Professional Practice module, I completed 80 hours of industry experience, including volunteering at The Drawing Board gallery in Wrexham and photographing for Little Munchkin Photography. These experiences helped me develop customer-facing skills and confidence in professional settings.

I was also Communications Officer for the University’s Photography Society, managing social media, meeting minutes, and attendance. Additionally, two of my photographs were selected for exhibition in the Chester Photo Festival 2025 as part of the Making Voices Heard open call. I was excited to exhibit alongside other artists and meet new people, it was a great opportunity to share my work publicly and connect with others in the field.