“Introduction to Digital Photography” (University of Leeds)

My two-week global short program at University of Leeds in partnership with UTS was such an amazing experience, full of learning, adventure, and forming friendships that I’ll never forget. From the moment I arrived, Leeds itself had this lively, welcoming atmosphere, and staying at Montague Burton residence on campus made it super easy to meet people and settle into student life.

The best part was how quickly everyone bonded after the first social events. Whether we were chatting in the common areas or grabbing a quick coffee, it wasn’t long before I found myself in a solid group of friends. We were all in the same boat being students from all over the world, eager to take in everything the program had to offer. Evenings at the University Old Bar became a regular thing. We’d spend hours laughing, sharing stories about our lives back home, and talking about what we were learnt in class. By the end of the two weeks, I knew I’d made friendships that would last long after the program ended, of which I still keep in contact with many today.

In terms of academics, I took “Introduction to Digital Photography,” and it was such a great experience as I had not had any experience with photography before. We worked with DSLR cameras, learning how to control settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to create different effects in our photos. Our professor, Mike, was really encouraging and pushed us to experiment with lighting, depth of field, and composition. By the end, I felt so much more confident with a camera and excited to keep practicing.

The field trips were some of the highlights. Fountains Abbey was amazing, the ruins and the surrounding countryside gave us the perfect chance to work on our landscape photography. Our class spent hours trying to capture the calmness and beauty of the area. The history and beauty of the place made it one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. The other field trip I went on was to Harewood House, which was just as amazing. The grand architecture and beautiful gardens provided opportunities for experimenting with different photography techniques as taught in class, from architecture to nature.

I feel incredibly lucky to have received funding from UTS to take part in this program. It didn’t just help me develop my photography skills, but it also allowed me to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make memories I’ll always treasure. It was the perfect mix of learning, fun, and adventure, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.

Henry Pidcock
Bachelor of Construction Project Management
University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal