Chloe Hodson

Meet Chloe Hodson who gained a new found confidence through her studies and has targeted a career in photography.

2020 Photography graduate Chloe Hodson has had her work selected to join the University of Hertfordshire Art Collection. We got in touch with Chloe to find out about her time at Herts, graduating during lockdown and how she sees her plans for the future.

What did you study at Herts and why?

I studied photography at the University because it motivated me to be creative everyday, the one passion I wanted to make a career. My aim is to turn my dream into a reality.

What was the best part of your studies?

The best part of my experience was meeting lifelong friends. The support you have from peers and teachers makes every stressful moment worth it. Apart from the friends I made, the work I was producing enhanced massively and to watch the shy woman I was entering university and leaving confident and proud is indescribable.

What was it like finishing university during the pandemic?

Finishing university during a pandemic was definitely an experience! Of course no one has ever lived through these times so it was entering the unknown, it was hard and challenging but the support from friends and teachers was amazing! Watching them adapt so fast as teachers was very inspiring and gave us students hope that we could do the same.

It was a challenge for sure, I have always been an early bird with my work and being ahead of my game saved me when we went into lockdown. My photography shoots were already finished so I just had editing and writing up to do.

What plans did you have for your future and how have they changed because of COVID-19?

My original plan was to work full time in a studio that I had worked in for the previous two years to gain more experience and save up to buy specialist equipment. However, this has been put on pause while the industry has been pretty much closed. In the meantime, I have been working on my editing, my social media accounts and planning shoots for summertime.

What did you think when you found out the University had chosen one of your pieces for their art collection?

When I found out that the University had brought my work I was overwhelmed. I actually remember where I was at the time I received the email,  in the car going to the post office and I rang my mum straight away, it literally made my day. It gave me the confidence boost I needed especially with the current situation for us 2020 graduates.

What plans do you have for the future?

My plans for the future are to become a freelance newborn portrait / fashion photographer, having my own studio and I'm working hard everyday to make that happen. I'm looking forward to getting back to what I love doing the most!

Do you have a message for your fellow 2020 graduates?

Hey graduates! The hard work finally paid off in this hard, tough surreal time. Looking at how we all managed to push through and come out successful shows we can face anything now in the future! Good luck to you all for your future plans guys.