Photographer excels with hard work

A photographer walks into the dark room and relishes in her images coming to life. Cool and collected, she is in utter control of this process.

Photography and film major Allison Fiebert certainly would not have it any other way, as she explains her passion for photography.

“Every time I go into the dark room I just love it,” Fiebert said.

As a darkroom photography instructor at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, Fiebert works with people of various ages from teenagers to adults who also enjoy the creative process of photography.

Fiebert – who graduates in December – is looking forward to picking up more hours at the VAC. She also hopes to collaborate with other photographers, a process she thoroughly enjoys.

Fiebert won the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Undergraduate Fellowship this year for a project with fellow photographer Jenny McQueen. The duo selected texts from Craigslist.com’s

“Missed Connections,” and recreated a staged visual representation.

Fiebert also won a VMFA fellowship last year for photographing clerks behind the counters of locally-owned convenience marts.

“For me to win it once was incredible, and to get it twice . I never expected it,” Fiebert said.

Fiebert credits the convenience marts project with helping her overcome shyness with a camera, since it forced her to photograph strangers.

“I was still fairly new to the city,” Fiebert said. “It gave me a new perspective other than being a college student.”

Fiebert is also working for Twilight Images, a wedding photography company. Even though wedding photography is not one of Fiebert’s long-term interests, she believes it is a basic skill every photographer should develop.

Fiebert has used sources outside the university like wedding photography to help her gain experience.

“VCU has a lot to offer,” Fiebert said. “The school does not hold your hand. They have opportunities and connections and you need to use them.”

Each week, the Spectrum Section selects a talented student from the School of the Arts (music, dance, theater and visual) and showcases his or her achievements both in and around the VCU community. Do you want your name and work in the CT? E-mail Spectrum@Commonwealthtimes.com for consideration.