Student spotlight on UAL Extended Diploma in Photography student Matthew Boal. Matthew has been working with Stokesley Hockey Team alongside his studies and even snapped images as the official match and team photographer for them at the England Hockey Cup Final in London this May.

This opportunity has allowed Matthew to gain some professional credits as a jobbing photographer whilst studying at our Middlesbrough campus for his Diploma. He got involved with the team from his own involvement in hockey which he has had since he was a child; “I have played hockey since a young age and as a learning photographer I reached out within the club to start taking photos of the team and the games, they absolutely loved my photos and have asked me to be their match and team photographer”

Being able to pursue his two interests at the same time has inspired his ambition to combine and carve out a career in both industries. After college he intends to further his studies at university and specialise in the area of sport, commenting: “I have always loved photography and sport and I hope to continue onto The Northern School of Art Hartlepool University and then I want to be a photographer possibly in sport.”

Speaking of his time on the diploma he reflected, “I absolutely love the college here and my photography is constantly improving and I am always looking to reach out to potential clients and photographers and videographers.” He has been able to secure another professional opportunity out of his experience too; “I will be shadowing a professional videographer Jonny Jasper Wong who has worked with McLaren and The Olympics, his Instagram is @jonnyjasperwong. I will be shadowing him on his next shoot.”

Speaking of his experience as the Match Photographer for the England Hockey Final he said “It was an amazing experience, I got to photograph 3 matches, it was an incredible standard of hockey and I have been editing and sending the images to the different clubs who played.”

You can keep up to date with Matthew’s work by following his Instagram: @Photography _mb23

If you are interested in studying photography at college level make sure you find out more about our Extended Diploma in Photography! Students on this course are offered the guidance, skills, opportunities and resources needed to succeed in this exciting industry! Find out more here or book on an open day here.