NCTJ preliminary photography students at The Sheffield College found themselves involved in some comical role play when they were asked to help out in the practical exam for NCE students.
One student, pictured, was asked to pose as a fictional pop star hanging her baby over a balcony, and the five NCE candidates taking the exam were challenged with capturing the drama of the moment in a single action shot.
Michelle Adamson, from the Grimsby Telegraph, achieved a distinction in practical for her action shot (pictured) as well as for her picture spread elements. Three other candidates were successful in all four areas of the exam held last week – Daniel Martino of the Gloucestershire Echo, Nick Toogood of the Bromsgrove Advertiser and Messenger and Bruce Francis Fitzgerald of the Halifax Evening Courier – whose advanced project was rewarded with a distinction.
Candidates also had to interview and photograph a person posing as a European finalist in a bookseller of the year competition.
The four parts of the exam are practical; portfolio; picture spread (advance project); and logbook, and candidates must attain 60 per cent of the marks in each section to pass the exam.
Chief examiner Peter Dash said: ‘These were very good challenges for the photographers and allowed the examiners an effective appraisal of candidates’ abilities to encounter and resolve problems they may meet on the job.
‘Standards have never been higher in the press photo and photojournalist area.
‘Anyone who achieves the NCE will have been thoroughly trained to exacting standards and is ready to enter the industry with professional photographic skills.”
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