Shirley’s work addresses the issues of the changing role and expectations of women in society. Her aim is for her work to be the symbol of modern culture and of woman´s desire for equality within the sexes and traditions.

Women who take risks and challenge the "norm" in creating a fulfilling life for themselves influence her work. She is fascinated with the balance women require to have jobs, a family and independence and likes the medium of photography to document the present experience of women within society and to communicate with the models and their individual identities.

Through her work Shirley has realised that women from previous generations fought for what women have today, which is "opportunity" and "equality" within the genders. She feels fortunate to have grown up in a family that encourages independence and having the ability to choose her own career path. Some women may have had a very different background, but their future can be their choice if they believe in themselves.

Curriculum Vitae

Personal statement

Shirley has a creative passion for photography and to fulfil her ambition she left her full time employment in 2004 to study at the University of Sunderland a BA (Hons) Photography, Video and Digital Imagery.

Shirley previously worked between 1995-1999 for a Mental Health Trust in a Community Mental Health Team and Learning Disabilities in London, and moved to Edinburgh to work for an Investment Management company between 1999-2004.

Education

2004 – 2007 BA (Hons) Photography, Video and Digital Imagery – University of Sunderland

Exhibitions 2007
Photography – ‘Labour’ University of Sunderland Degree Show

2006
Photography – ’What do you read’, Hexham Book Festival Group show

2005
Video Art – ‘Solarise’, Big M and ISIS Arts Festival Group Show

Related Training
Centre for Lifelong Learning Documentary Filmmaking Level 2
Centre for Lifelong Learning Screenwriting Level 1
A-Level Photography
A-Level Art and Design

Other Training
AFPC (H15) in Supervision and Sales Management
Trainer for computer system Onyx (Customer Relations Management)
Microsoft Office and Mackintosh
CRB checked in 2006
Photo Lab Operator

Practical Skills
Aperture
Black & white processing film/prints
Camera – 35mm film/digital SLR, medium and large format
Colour C-Type printing
Digital printings
Director
Dreamweaver
Final Cut Express
Flash
iDVD
iMovie
Photoshop
Studio lighting
Video camera – Sony HDV


Practical Experience

June 2007

Creative and business advisor, Giant Minds project encourage enterprise and innovation into the school curriculum, St John's School, Bishop Auckland

Apr 2007

Wedding photographer, Barnard Castle

Mar 2007

Photography teaching assistant, SELEfirst School, Hexham

Dec 2006

DVD of School Production, for School Play at St Bega’s School

Jul – Sept 2006

Photo Lab Operative, for Boots the Chemist in Spennymoor

Jul 2006

Wedding photographer, Hartlepool

Jun 2006

Teaching assistant, St Bede’s R.C. School, Peterlee

Nov – Dec 2005

Book, produced a documentary about four independent elderly ladies

Dec 2005 - Jan 2006

Video Art, collaboration piece about teenagers

June 2005

Wedding photographer, Glasgow

May – Jun 2005

Teaching photography, St Bega’s R.C. Primary School, Hartlepool

Mar – Jun 2005

Shadowed Press photographer, The Hartlepool Mail

Jan – Feb 2005

Photographer, for Expermet’s company brochure