International Studies & Programs

Rachel begins to learn about photography in Europe

I got to learn alongside two incredible professors and photographers as well as photography students. Every moment I spent abroad was an opportunity to grow, and I took advantage of that.

Back to News

Published: Monday, 02 Mar 2020 Author: Rachel Hitchcock

Rachel in flowered dress in Czech RepublicFrom the end of June to the beginning of August, I traveled to four cities and three countries as a part of the Photo Communication in Europe study abroad program. Each city had a photo assignment and a reflection that allowed us to explore the cities we were in and reflect on our time there. 

The program began in Prague, Czech Republic with a focus on architecture photography. We then went to the south of France to Arles to create a personal documentary photo project before heading to Paris where the focus was street photography. Finally, we ended the program in London, England where we were assigned to take portraits of strangers. 

Each Rachel's feet with the Louvre in the background in Parisassignment was new territory for me as I have just started learning about photography. Architecture photography allowed me to dip my toes into shooting regularly, without having to involve strangers just yet. The personal documentary assignment allowed me to use photography as both a creative and healing medium which increased my comfort behind and in front of the camera. I felt myself being tested with the first two assignments. I saw the growth I had made personally and technically going into the next two assignments which involved photographing strangers. I found that I wanted my approach to street photography to be non-invasive and I shot from the hip without anyone noticing. London would then be the final test of the program where I would have to ask a stranger for a photo as opposed to taking one and nobody knowing except for myself. 

Each assignment pushed me to grow as a photographer and as a person. I got to learn alongside two incredible professors and photographers as well as photography students. Every moment I spent abroad was an opportunity to grow, and I took advantage of that. I truly believe to travel is to live.

Name: Rachel Hitchcock
Status: Junior
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Attleboro, Massachusetts
Program: Photo Communication in the Czech Republic, France, and the United Kingdom

#spartansabroad