Tom Arran studied a BTEC National Diploma in Photography at Hull College, completing the two-year course in 2011 with a triple distinction.

He then went on to an Advanced Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship through the college, becoming the first person in the country to undertake photography as an apprenticeship in the process, whilst managing his own business - set-up at the age of 17 - on evenings and weekends.

He is now a successful commercial and lifestyle photographer based in Kingston-Upon-Hull and has worked in the industry, running his own business - T Arran Photo - for the past eight years.

In that time, he has been fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of working with recognisable clients in a wide variety of locations across the UK and internationally in places such as South Africa, New York and Italy.

We caught up with Tom recently to chat about his career to date, along with his time at Hull College and what he’s been up to since leaving us.

“I'm a creative commercial and lifestyle photographer based in Kingston-Upon-Hull, I love to work around the whole of the UK and internationally,” he said. “I came to Hull College in 2009 to do a BTEC National Diploma in Photography which was an amazing experience and a real step into starting a career within the photography industry.

“My tutors Andy, Chris, Anna & Verity all gave a huge amount of invaluable advice which ultimately has helped me get to where I am today. During my second year at college, I was given the opportunity to undertake some commercial-based work through the college working with Hull FC and Hull City Council.

“I absolutely love my career and I owe a great deal of it to Hull College.”

“This industry experience led me to start my own photography business at the age of 17. I then went on to do a Creative & Digital Media Apprenticeship through the college whilst growing my business at the same time. The apprenticeship provided me with first-hand experience in how to be a commercial photographer and also provided me with some great industry contacts.

“Since finishing my apprenticeship eight years ago I have been working as a full-time self-employed photographer. Over the years of running my business, I have worked with some amazing people, amazing brands and in some amazing places.

“From being a photographer for the Hull City of Culture capturing the full year of exciting events, to travelling to New York to shoot for Adidas at one of their biggest product launches of the year. I absolutely love my career and I owe a great deal of it to Hull College.”

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