Yvette Worboys has been teaching photography since 2008. She currently holds the Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design using Photoshop and is an Adobe Campus Leader. This enables her to bring fresh ideas and new ways of teaching the creative process and creative expression to both her professional colleagues and students alike.
Yvette has over 20 years of experience in both graphic design and photography with interests in the arts from an early age. Yvette has managed to create a life supported by her love for art and design, having worked within the consulting engineering and education industries both on a teaching and creative level.
Yvette's visual art has been published and exhibited over the last 15 years both nationally and internationally. She has exhibited nationally in groups and solo shows, including the Head On photo festival and the Olive Cotton Portrait Prize.
Her photographs have appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out Magazine as well as local and independent newspapers.
Yvette is also a member of Ludlites, a photographic collective using low-fi cameras and lenses to create inspiring and emotive artwork. "By experimenting with technique and refining my craft I create an emotive mood for the sitter, using the surrounding environment to create a statement about my subject", Yvette Worboys, Artist Designer, Photographer and Educator.
You can find Yvette’s website here:
I have over 25 years of experience in graphic design and photography, driven by a passion for the arts that began at an early age. With formal studies in both fields, I’ve built a fulfilling career centered around art and design. My work spans the consulting engineering and education industries, where I’ve contributed both creatively and as an educator.
With a background in teaching at both university and VET study environments, I've always found fulfillment in sharing my knowledge and helping students reach their full potential. Becoming a Tutor at PI has allowed me to continue this passion in an online space, extending support and education beyond the traditional classroom.
Photographers need a solid foundation in technical skills and a deep understanding of the science behind how a camera perceives and interprets light. First and foremost, they must master the ability to see and manipulate light to achieve the desired outcome. Alongside this, strong conceptual skills and creativity are essential. A successful photographer blends technical expertise with creative vision to produce innovative, contemporary work.
One of my most meaningful works is a photograph I created for the Ludlites exhibition, "Ludlites Love History”. The theme was history, and I chose to explore it by projecting images of my mother—who passed away in 2000—onto a dress she handcrafted in the 1950s when she was young. In the scene, a chair is positioned next to the dress, representing my presence, though I am not visible in the photograph. This absence reflects the real-life reversal, where she is no longer with us, and I am left behind. I captured this image in my childhood backyard using a Holga camera and 35mm film, which I then scanned and digitally post-produced.
As I mentioned earlier, I think that mastering foundational skills is crucial for students to excel as photographers and artists. My approach is to first emphasise the principles of exposure and light manipulation, and then focus on nurturing creativity to suit each student's individual needs. Each student is unique, and I aim to tailor my teaching to their specific requirements.
In my photography teaching practice, I emphasise a deep understanding of the exposure triangle, ensuring that students grasp how a camera perceives and interprets light. I focus on lighting fundamentals, guiding students to see and manipulate light effectively to enhance their work. Composition and design skills are central to my approach, where I integrate the elements and principles of photography to help students create visually compelling images. I also incorporate the history of photography, showing how it influences contemporary work, and I support students in developing their mentorship and research skills to foster a well-rounded and informed photographic practice.
Storytelling is at the heart of my photography. I’m passionate about capturing people's stories and documenting moments in time, creating images that resonate with meaning. Unlike commercial photography, where the focus is on products for advertising, I’m driven by the art of meaningful visual storytelling. It’s this deeper narrative that has always drawn me to photography and fuels my desire to create work with purpose.
Countless photographers have influenced my work, but I’m particularly drawn to the modern masters, Magnum photographers, and several contemporary Australian artists. Influences like Tracey Moffatt, Trent Parke, and Narelle Autio have left a strong impact on me, as have modern masters such as Cindy Sherman and Gregory Crewdson. Their work continues to inspire and shape my own photographic journey.
Seeing students reach their potential and achieve their personal and professional goals
Photography can be a steep learning curve, with the technical aspects often feeling overwhelming—much like learning a new language. My best advice is to stay committed, keep your camera in hand, and get out there to shoot as often as possible. Master the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings by heart; understanding these full-stop runs will provide you with a solid foundation for a successful career in photography.
I would recommend this course to anybody who wants to take their photography more seriously. It requires serious commitment but delivers quantifiable rewards and leaves you with a real sense of achievement and determination to succeed in your photography goals.
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