About Devon Photography Training

Devon Photography Training was set up and is run by me, Gemma Varney, I’m a Devon Girl, born in Exeter and currently living in Honiton. My aim is to inspire people to do what they love in the time they have on this planet.

I love teaching, learning, drawing, life modelling, board games, video games and spending time with awesome people, especially those who are living with purpose and inspire me too!! I spend my down time walking my rescue dog in nature and I adore being by the sea.

I enjoy working with companies, artists, and business owners to assist in setting up their studio spaces and to help them get the most out of their cameras, improve their visual identity and most importantly to grow their business. I work with them from their locations and from my studio on Honiton High Street too.

My personal favourite type of photography is Portraiture and in 2017 and out of 13,000 entries I won runner up (2nd Place) in The Guild of Photographer’s Image of the Year Award for the Avant Garde Portrait Photography Category with the first image in this blog post.

Previous Education

I have studied Photography since 2007 and have gained a Triple Distinction in a BND Photography BTEC course at East Devon College now known as PETROC. I then went on to study Commercial Photography at the Arts University College at Bournemouth (AUCB) in 2010 under Paul Wenham Clarke and Aaron Schuman. More recently I have gained a Level 3 Award in Education and Training to ensure my teaching is of a high standard.

I’ve also gained qualifications in Law, Sociology, Psychology, Business and Education and Training. I enjoy learning new things and improving my skill bases so I can share my knowledge with others and bring inspiration to those who haven’t yet found their creative outlet, I believe that life is too short to not do what you love and that with a little push in the right direction many people will see the opportunity in the creative skills they possess. I also have certificates in Safeguarding and PREVENT and I hold a recent clean DBS Certificate too.

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Employment History

My previous employment experience includes working for a large portrait company where I photographed children and worked with the public extensively throughout the UK in a mobile studio setting. I was often within the company’s top 3 photographers and sales people in the UK and won a nationwide portrait competition.

From 2012 I started my own portrait photography and training business and have had some incredible opportunities, such as shooting school portraits throughout Europe in 2014 at private schools and directing studios throughout Devon.

I’m also an experienced published photographer in Band, Food and Commercial Photography so I’ve worn lots of photography hats but I find the most satisfaction in sharing what I’ve learnt along the way. I was previously the chairperson of Ashwater Camera Club where we held many practical sessions throughout the year and learned together. I now offer guest speaking, judging and studio demonstrations to camera clubs and photography groups in the south west. If you would like to know more about me you can read my extended Bio on my blog here.

​Thank you for taking the time to read about me.

Gemma Varney
Based in Honiton

Sessions by Appointment Only

Address Provided When Booking

Email: Gem@devonpt.co.uk

Phone:

07780331197

Please note:

​All sessions are by appointment only.

Gemma is based in Honiton and travels throughout Devon and the surrounding areas.