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In Focus: Colette’s NMIT Experience
From mastering still-life to capturing candid street moments, Colette Pienaar’s journey through NMIT’s Digital Photography Training Scheme was a blend of creativity, skill, and inspiration.
Photography is more than capturing moments—it’s about storytelling, creativity, and mastering the art of light. For Colette Pienaar, a graduate of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology’s (NMIT) Digital Photography Training Scheme, this journey was transformative, pushing her skills and imagination to new heights.
From still-life compositions to street photography, Colette’s experience at NMIT is a testament to the programme’s hands-on approach and the creative freedom it offers.
Savouring the Moment: A Still-Life Masterpiece
One of Colette’s final assignments was creating a still-life photograph, an homage to the Old Masters of the 17th century. Inspired by their use of directional light, she crafted her own masterpiece titled Savour the Moment.
To bring her vision to life, Colette transformed her living room into a studio, using a black tablecloth as a backdrop. With a mobile phone light and two battery-powered bulbs, she meticulously illuminated the scene, showcasing her understanding of the exposure triangle, composition, and light control.
Reflecting on the assignment, Colette shared:
"It was enjoyable to create this image and to get the composition just right."
This exercise not only honed her technical skills but also ignited her appreciation for light and texture—elements that define professional still-life photography.
Exploring Wellington: Street Photography
For Colette, the highlight of the course was stepping out of her comfort zone and diving into street photography. Roaming the vibrant streets of Wellington, she captured candid moments of city life, embracing the spontaneity and creativity that this genre demands.
"I surreptitiously captured many interesting moments of Wellington’s city life - an assignment I thoroughly enjoyed!"
Through this, she gained confidence in approaching dynamic environments, a skill that’s invaluable for any aspiring photographer.
Channelling Vermeer: A Portraiture Experiment
Portraiture brought another layer of creativity to Colette’s journey. Inspired by Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, she recreated the classic portrait with a model dressed in similar attire. This playful yet challenging project was a highlight, blending historical inspiration with modern techniques.
The results were stunning, demonstrating her ability to translate classical art styles into contemporary photography.
Why Choose NMIT’s Digital Photography Training Scheme?
Colette’s story illustrates the unique strengths of NMIT’s Digital Photography Training Scheme. This course offers more than just technical training—it fosters creative exploration and encourages students to experiment across various genres, from light painting and lens blur to still life and portraiture.
The hands-on approach ensures students gain real-world experience, while supportive instructors guide them every step of the way. The result? Graduates who are confident, skilled, and ready to tackle diverse photography challenges.
Ready to transform your photography? Discover more about NMIT’s Digital Photography Training Scheme and take the first step towards your own creative journey.
