Paper-pusher by day, but arts promoter by night, Beth Rose is a woman who is using her spare time to help people who share her passion for photography.
As an office worker, Beth pursues her passion in her free time which she also uses to set up the Bodak photography exhibition.
The aim is for photographers in Dorset to gain recognition for their work through the exhibitions by local people and also fellow photographers.
Beth said: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for local photographers to get their work seen and to meet other people in the industry. Plus there is some very good and exciting photography on show!”
Beth, set up the art exhibition, in Bournemouth, where local artists can display their work in the hope they would win a competition for a weekend photography master class.
To set this event up Beth organised a venue where they could be held regularly, The Winchester Pub, as well as finding a sponsor in the form of Tony and Holly from Shoot Studios.
The Bodak events have been going since November and have proved a hit with attendees and artists.
Beth said: “The exhibitions have been fairly successful so far, word is getting round and we have had very positive feedback. Mark Berry & Louise Keeley of The Winchester have been wonderful in providing the venue and have worked very hard to make BODAK a good event.”
These monthly events have been showcasing four different photographers each night and on the night one person gets chosen to go through to the next round where they hope to win a weekend master class with well-known photographer Andy Scaysbrook.
Beth said: “The competition has been going since January this year, and we have had five showcases so far.
On June 8th, Roman Sakovich won the master class weekend which was a joint decision by Andy Scaysbrook, Tony and Holly from Shoot Studios and Beth herself.
Roman, who is originally from Lithuania, moved to England to explore a new culture and has just finished his third year in Bournemouth’s Arts University College. Photography is part of his passion for art however he also wants to explore all areas of art.
Roman said: “At the moment, I am saving money to make a documentary project in the biggest underground laboratory in the world, which is located in Italy.”
Beth, who is 26 and lives in Bournemouth, has been interested in photography since her early teens.
Originally from Basingstoke, Beth moved down South aged four with her family, where she finds her inspiration in her surrounding areas.
Beth got hooked on photography by using disposable cameras which showed off her raw talent.
Beth said: “I loved taking photos on disposable cameras and then finding out how they’d turn out after being processed. That got me hooked.”
In her spare time, away from photography and organising Bodak events, Beth enjoys going for walks along the beach and countryside as well as visiting restaurants and going to the cinema.
Beth is interested in all different types of photography including landscapes and the different effects of colour and black and white.
These exhibitions have also helped broaden Beth’s horizons in photography by the slideshow that is presented at each exhibition.
Beth said: “Doing the slideshow has introduced me to many inspirational photographers, such as Martin Parr, Luigi Ghirri and Joel Meyerowitz.”
Beth’s much-loved photograph she has taken is of a surfer on his board. She has altered this picture to make the photograph stand out more.
She said: “My favourite photograph of mine is that of a surfer kneeling on his board and looking out to sea. I love the shape his body makes and the thoughtfulness of the pose. I converted it to black and white to make his silhouette stand out against the background even more. You always get a peaceful and contemplative feeling when I look at it.”
In the future Beth is hoping to continue building her portfolio and expand by selling more as well as starting her own path for herself and continue her passion as her job as well as hobby.
“I’d love to continue building my portfolio of photographs, for pleasure and possibly for sale. I’d also like to merge my business knowledge with photography and start my own venture,” said Beth.
The next exhibition will be online on www.bodak.co.uk with quarterly exhibitions in a venue which will be announced closer to the time.
For more information on Beth or to view her photographs visit her website www.bethrose.co.uk.
