With over 30 years of industry leadership, Loxley has consistently set the standard for what a print lab can offer, from creating award-winning products to inspiring photographers and artists worldwide. This visit provided students with a unique perspective on professional printing and creative collaboration within the industry.
During their visit, students toured Loxley’s state-of-the-art facilities and received hands-on training for producing high-quality, professional output. This knowledge was especially relevant as each student as part of their coursework were tasked with a project brief : to conduct two professional photoshoots—one on location and one in the studio—and submit a cohesive set of four images from each. The subjects ranged from families and newborns to pets, allowing the students to experiment with diverse styles and audiences. The images were reviewed by Nicole Whyte, one of Loxley’s esteemed ambassadors from J'adore Photography, who then chose the winning student, Nikki Striton.
Speaking to Nicole about the winning image, she said, “I love the composition and use of props in the studio images; they have a nice classical feel with great expression. The location shots are wonderfully engaging—especially capturing eye contact with a cat, which is no small feat!
It’s evident that each student brought a unique eye and style to their work. Great work all around.
Competition's winner, Photography student Nikki Striton, expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, " Having only started Photography a year ago as a returning student, I've had a steep learning curve and this was my first attempt at pet photography. I really wanted to capture the contrast between the cat's big, wild appearance and her peaceful character. Photographing cats outdoors definitely presents its own set of challenges, but I feel that having the cat in her natural environment helped in conveying a sense of what her world's like.
I was delighted to get this award from Loxley - it was a huge confidence boost and the feedback from industry professionals is invaluable. The visit to their factory opened my eyes to the quality and attention to detail they offer and I look forward to working with them on future projects!
Angie Isac, Photography Lecturer, highlighted the importance of real-world industry exposure for the students: "Collaborations like this with Loxley Colour are incredibly valuable to our students’ learning journeys.
Seeing their work displayed professionally and receiving feedback from industry experts builds their confidence and gives them a taste of real-world standards.
We are deeply grateful to Loxley for their generosity, including the framed print for the winning image, and their continued support of our students’ development."
The visit to Loxley Colour proved to be a significant milestone for the students, sparking new inspiration and providing them with insights that will influence their creative growth. This partnership with Loxley highlights the importance of real-world experience in education, bridging the gap between the classroom and the professional world, and ensuring these budding photographers are well-equipped to make their mark.
