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Football loving photography student kicks-off career in style
Jacques Feeney, from Stanford-Le-Hope, has secured a sponsorship deal with Canon and is also working as a stringer for Getty Images, one of the most recognised visual media companies around the world.
The 18-year-old, who studies at the college’s Southend campus has already seen some of his work published in a number of UK national publications and also some abroad, including the Washington Post in the USA.
Jacques began his journey in photography at school at GCSE before progressing onto the Level 3 programme at the college.
He started photographing news events such as anti-Brexit marches, but always knew he wanted to get into football photography. He upgraded his equipment as soon as he could and got permission to photograph non-league football at East Thurrock United.
This initial success led to Jacques joining a number of agencies and he started to photograph some high profile matches including Premiere League and FA Cup games involving Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton.
Things came to a halt on the sporting front when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but now restrictions are being lifted, Jacques is back pitch side. His talents have since caught the attention of Canon who offered him a one year loan of some high quality equipment and he is now also working for Getty Images.
Jacques said it has been an ‘incredible journey’.
He said: “It’s all been super exciting for me. Working for Getty at a young age and being given a pathway into doing this for a full time job is incredible.
“The course at the college has really helped me get to where I am today. The equipment at the college is top class and has helped me understand more than just what I have in my own camera bag. The support and encouragement we get from tutors is fantastic.
“The other things like working to deadlines and being encouraged to try and experiment more within my work has helped a lot and will continue to help in the years to come.”
Jacques now has his sights set firmly on the future where he aspires to become one of the best and most well-known sports photographers in the UK. He also wants to branch out and photograph a variety of sports as well as trying some news photography with the hope of covering events such as the world cup and Olympics.
To find out more about courses at the college visit www.southessex.ac.uk
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
