Andrea Norrington

I am a practising photographer based in East Anglia. My interest in photography started in 1988 when I received a one-week taster course whilst studying on a fashion course. Within hours I was hooked and photography took over my life. I quickly left fashion college and started studying photography. In 1994 I graduated from the University of Derby with a BA (Hons) in Photographic Studies, this was followed by a MA in Critical History and Theory of Photography.

After graduating I worked as a freelance landscape photographer and colour printer for several years. During this time I started teaching. Over the last fourteen years I have taught on a range of A Level, City and Guilds and BTEC courses to a variety age groups.

Since starting photography I have gained a wide range of experience. I am still using film, (and still work in a darkroom to produce my black and white prints). For my colour work, I work digitally and am a very experience Photoshop user. I have used most cameras formats and like to experiment all the time with new ways of working.

Since acquiring my ARPS, I am now working towards my FRPS and have found this process is getting me to develop my work further and in new directions.

For those interested in darkroom photography in the Cambridgeshire area, I run a black and white photography club (and am a dedicated supporter of darkroom practice!) In addition, I have given gallery talks on contemporary photography at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. My work has been exhibited in Hertfordshire (1991 and 1995), across Derbyshire (1995) and locally in Saffron Walden (2003), Cambridge (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008) and Letchworth (2006 and 2007).

My own work has changed over the years, but at heart I am still a landscape photographer. Recently work has been based around travelling. My own view is that photography is a wonderful way for people to engage with the world around them. I run a small, but successful wedding photography business and enjoy working in a relaxed documentary style. Some examples of my work can be seen at www.andrea-norrington.com.

I joined OCA in 2008 and currently tutor on Photography 1 and Photography 2 level courses. The students I have encountered constantly impress me with their dedication and enthusiasm for the subject. In addition I enjoy learning from my students as much as I hope they enjoy the OCA courses!