College photography studio named after David Bailey

David Bailey visits photography studio where next generation of photographers will train.

David Bailey CBE, the world-renowned fashion and portrait photographer, visited the East London Institute of Technology, Barking & Dagenham College on Friday 23rd July.

He came to look at the new photography studio, named after him, where students get to train using the same sort of equipment that professional photographers use.

The David Bailey Studio includes an ‘infinity cove’ (an all-white space with no corners, designed to give the impression that the background of an object extends to infinity).

The cove studio allows students to take professional photos, as they would in an industry-leading photographic studio. On seeing the studio for the first time David said:

“They have everything they need here to achieve great things.”

Other specialist rooms within the photography department include dark rooms and high specification equipment such as professional photographic printers.

Photography students Ruby Chapman, 23, from Romford and Helen Taylor, 37, from Hornchurch, who are both studying for BA (HONS) Photography, met David and showed him around the studio bearing his name.

Helen said:

“Really exciting to meet such a famous and well-regarded photographer, we were really honoured that David let us take his portrait and he even provided tips and advice during the shoot. I especially enjoyed the down to earth chat afterwards and appreciated the personal insight into his career highlights.”

On having the studio named after him, David commented:

“It feels good and I thank the college, it is exciting to see the studio and meet the students.

And what advice would the veteran photographer give to photography students starting out?

“Buy a camera and get out there!”