A picture of a young couple on a beach being swept out to sea was syndicated worldwide – and was captured by a press photography student documenting the atrocious weather.

The desperate scene was taken at Porthleven in Cornwall by Tom Skinner, a first-year student on the BA(Hons) Press Photography course at University College Falmouth, in Cornwall.

Several students from the new course were out last week on assignment and later, during an edit of the pictures late on Tuesday, it was this image that caught the attention of course leader, Mal Stone.

Tom

He called the Western Morning News which then led with Tom’s picture on the front page of Wednesday’s edition.

The photograph has since been picked up by the Rex Features picture agency and syndicated worldwide.

This is the first year of BA(Hons) Press Photography at Falmouth and the course and its students have already caught the attention of both publishers and industry professionals.

Magnum, the photographic agency, has selected the course for its educational partnership programme and even though they haven’t yet completed their first year, many of the student photographers have already seen their work printed in local and regional magazines and new commissions are coming in all the time.

Mal said: “We want to make sure that students on this course get something special; a head-start in a challenging industry, with the very best resources, contacts and experience at their fingertips. That, and actually getting out there and shooting great pictures, is the best way of preparing them for the future.”

The couple in the photo managed to catch hold of some railings at the very last minute and were brought to safety by local coastguards.

Comments

A C Cox (BA Hons) (18/03/2008 06:15:08)
That’s nothing to do with talent, just sheer luck, anyone could’ve taken that photo with their mobile phone if they’d happened to be there!

DAVID BURNER (18/03/2008 11:26:29)
WHEREAS I AGREE WITH A C COX….THAT IS THE POINT OF BEING A PHOTOJOURNALLIST
…..”BEING THERE”…….
THE QUESTION HE SHOULD BE ASKING HIMSELF IS WHERE WAS HE WHILST THE EAGER STUDENT WAS TRYING HIS HARDEST IN DIFFICULT CONDITIONS ?

DAVID BURNER – PIC EDITOR/CATERS NEWS AGENCY LTD (18/03/2008 11:27:47)
DAVID BURNER (18/03/2008 11:26)
WHEREAS I AGREE WITH A C COX….THAT IS THE POINT OF BEING A PHOTOJOURNALLIST …..”BEING THERE”……. THE QUESTION HE SHOULD BE ASKING HIMSELF IS WHERE WAS HE WHILST THE EAGER STUDENT WAS TRYING HIS HARDEST IN DIFFICULT CONDITIONS ?

A C Cox (19/03/2008 18:58:58)
I was earning a living, if I had the luxury of being able to wander the streets with a camera, I would!
And why do you assume I’m a “he”?

Snapper (20/03/2008 13:13:09)
I disagree with A C Cox. A good photojournalist has many qualities- one of them certainly being to be able to hunt down a good story/ picture. The composition of the shot is good as well- strong lines leading out of the picture and foreground interest and colour (although a little blurred and grainy). If you really have time to make negative comments to a student who has found some success then surely you have the time to go out and find some decent pictures like Tom.
Good on you Tom- good luck

Doug (25/03/2008 12:44:05)
David, please STOP SHOUTING!!

Lucida (25/03/2008 18:43:28)
I hope he was properly paid from Rex!

Julia (freelance journalist) (16/05/2008 21:27:32)
Ya did what you could Tom – opportunity knocked and you opened the door – that’s all it’s about mate – well done! Don’t rest on your laurels – no-one cares what you did yesterday – so if it opens up more opportunities ‘snap’em’ up. Good luck with rest of the course.

A Nonymous (16/05/2008 21:32:16)
Think yourself lucky you’re not on a journalism course subbed out – we don’t get half the equipment, training or chances you guys do. Make the most of it. Great Job!

Chris (31/07/2008 21:11:08)
Being there,taking the pic,enjoying the moment and ultimately realising the value.
nice one Tom

Lisa Morrow-Mayer (07/11/2008 15:21:50)
I have seen many of my fellow students work, and their standard far exceeds this image. He was just in the right place, at the right time. He has a long way to go yet. I am only an ND Photography student, but my images are of BA standard already. Tom does not give details of Camera, ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, So cold have just used Auto settings. If this is so I consider this cheating. Also has Tom used film & darkroom for some of his course, as I believe it helps you understand digital manipulaion.

DAVID BURNER (18/03/2009 16:44:26)
I agree with Lisa on the whole with her comments but speaking as Press Agency Boss……BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME is the difference between getting the shot or not !