It has taken seven years for Site Unseen to become a National project, and what a journey it has been. Some have questioned the decision (and sanity) to make it a bigger project each year. But the answer is simple; we are passionate about our “new” craft. We study photography because we want to improve our skills and train our eye, as our dreams are to be professional photographers. For photography students Site Unseen is a necessary challenge and it is the project which drives us tolearn, improve and excel.
In 1997 it was merely the dream of four photography students at the Mt Lawley TAFE campus in W.A. The following year Site Unseen became a reality for final year students thanks to much hard work and Fujifilm Australia’s support. The idea took off and the second edition (01) was open to any student who studied photography at a tertiary level around the state.
A book and exhibition have been produced every year since then and the project has truly evolved. Site Unseen is now an institution in itself (separate to any one tertiary institution) as it provides a vehicle for tertiary photographic students to showcase their work in public and prove their worth. The joy of the Site Unseen competition is that there are no restraints put on the student entrants; the images you see here are creative visions and personal expressions. The book also exists as an accessible reference for industry employers and professionals alike. The touring exhibition reminds the public that as well as an essential means of recording our culture and history, photography is an expressive art form and an important means of communication.
This publication represents the level of skill and creativity of Australian student photography. It is interesting to note that some of the photographers who feature in this book are in their first year of study, however the quality of work entered sometimes rivals professional standards. Ultimately, this is what we strive to achieve. Committing to this project is a mammoth ask. The dedication and energy from committee members Becky Lee, Claire Harwood, Helen Mackay, Howard Tam, Louise White and Sandy Edwards has been remarkable. The eight of us have faced personal challenges, huge workloads and bouts of deliriousness to produce what we believe is a stunning collection of photography.
For those photography students whose waking hours are solely occupied with imagery, we encourage you to get involved with this wonderful project. In fact, we challenge you to take hold of the baton, and continue this photographic journey…
