Returning to study later in life can feel daunting. For photography student Jessica, it meant stepping outside her comfort zone, rebuilding her confidence, and discovering a creative path she never imagined was possible.
As a mum who experienced a challenging childhood and difficult early adulthood, Jessica came to Collarts looking for more than a qualification. She was searching for purpose, connection, and a chance to redefine what her future could look like.
What she found was a supportive creative community where she could rebuild her confidence, reconnect with herself, and gradually become comfortable using her voice again.
Over time, that transformation became visible. Jessica grew more confident in social settings, more open in conversation, and increasingly assured in her creative practice.
Since commencing her studies, she has achieved significant milestones, including mentorship opportunities with leading industry professionals, exhibiting her work at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh), and collaborating on GEORGE Magazine. Her journey is a powerful example of how returning to study can lead to both personal growth and professional opportunity.
Much of Jessica's photographic work explores themes of identity, resilience, trauma, and human connection, drawing directly from her own lived experiences. Through photography, she has found a way to transform personal challenges into meaningful visual storytelling.
Learning Through People, Not Just Photography
Throughout her capstone project, Jess was fortunate to learn from a number of people who shaped both her work and her confidence as a photographer.
One of those people was award-winning Australian photographer Julian Kingma, who became an important guide during the development of her final project. Their relationship wasn't centred on technical photography advice alone. Instead, it grew through conversations, trust, encouragement and learning what it means to create work with intention and tell honest stories.
As part of that experience, Jess travelled with Julian while he presented his work in Canberra and Brisbane. Seeing the realities of a professional photography career firsthand gave her valuable insight into the industry, but the biggest lessons came from the quieter moments in between.
"The biggest lesson I learnt was that I'd rather spend 40 minutes getting to know the person in front of me and only have 20 minutes photographing them, because the strongest images come from trust, care and connection."
Today, that philosophy sits at the centre of Jess's own practice. She believes meaningful photographs begin with genuine relationships, and she prioritises getting to know the people she photographs before ever picking up a camera.
While Julian played an important role in her capstone journey, Jess is quick to acknowledge the people who made the greatest impact throughout her time at Collarts.
Christina, Vicki, Monique and Rikki taught me so much, not just about photography but about believing in myself and my work. Alongside my best friend Lisa-Mary, they shaped my experience at Collarts in ways I'll always be grateful for. I don't think Collarts realises how lucky they are to have people like them.
For Jess, those relationships became just as valuable as anything she learned in the classroom.
Connection has been at the heart of Jess's experience throughout her time at Collarts. While she developed her photography skills, she also found something she hadn't always experienced growing up: a genuine sense of belonging.
One of the defining moments of her studies was exhibiting her project The Dark Side of Ten at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh). Seeing her work displayed in a professional gallery was a proud achievement, but what stayed with her most wasn't the exhibition itself. It was the people who came to support her.
Having spent her entire childhood in foster care, Jess didn't always experience the stability or sense of community that many people take for granted. Standing in that gallery, surrounded by people who believed in her and wanted to celebrate her success, was deeply emotional.
For Jessica, that moment represented far more than recognition for her photography. It was a reminder that she had built a community through her studies, a network of people who had encouraged her, challenged her, and helped her grow, both as an artist and as a person.
The Power of Photography for Personal Growth
"Photography for me has been a way to talk about my trauma without having to use words."
For Jessica, photography has become far more than a creative discipline.
It has become a way to process experiences, explore identity, and communicate emotions that can be difficult to express verbally.
Before studying photography, Jessica completed a hairdressing qualification but remained uncertain about her long-term direction.
Photography provided something she hadn't found elsewhere: a creative outlet that also became a source of healing, confidence, and self-expression.
Through the process of creating work and sharing stories, she developed not only technical skills but also a stronger understanding of herself.
Her experience highlights the unique power of creative education to foster both professional development and personal transformation.
Advice to Future Students
Returning to study later in life can feel intimidating, especially when balancing family responsibilities, work commitments, or self-doubt.
But Jess believes the rewards are worth the effort.
Do it. But only if you're willing to put in the work.
She also reflects on something she wishes she had understood before enrolling: success isn't defined solely by grades.
Instead, she encourages future students to focus on learning, growth, and embracing every opportunity that comes their way.
The most valuable outcomes often come from being open to new experiences, building connections, and allowing yourself to evolve throughout the journey.
It's Never Too Late to Start Again
Looking back, Jess sees her decision to study photography at Collarts as one of the most important choices she has made.
What began as a desire for change became a journey of self-discovery, creative growth, and personal healing.
Through mentorship, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to share her work with the world, she found not only a career direction but also a renewed sense of confidence in herself.
For anyone wondering whether it's too late to return to study, Jess's story offers a powerful reminder: sometimes the most transformative opportunities come when you least expect them.
*All photography in this blog was captured by Jessica.