Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco at their wedding Credit Samm Blake via Phoebe J Tonkin
Edith Cowan University (ECU) alumna and renowned photographer Samm Blake is proof that creative thinkers are made here at ECU.
She is recognised as one of the best wedding photographers in the world, sought out by Hollywood A-listers, agents, sports stars and more.
Ms Blake's journey led to a recent career highlight; when she photographed one of the most high-profile weddings of the year, the union of internationally known actress and singer, Selena Gomez, of Only Murders in the Building and Disney fame, and highly successful music producer, Benny Blanco.
Samm Blake Credit: Samm Blake supplied to Perth Now
Now a Brooklyn, New York resident, Samm Blake was born in the rural town of Kojonup, Western Australia (WA), and raised in Albany, where she attended Albany Senior High School. It was here that her passion for photography began to fully develop.
This passion led her to ECU to study a Bachelor of Communications, which profoundly shaped her view of photography as an art form. She graduated with high distinctions in 2003.
"My time at ECU was incredibly formative and gave me the foundation and freedom to explore photography as both a craft and a language," Ms Blake said.
Renowned actress and singer, Selena Gomez, in her wedding dress Credit: Sam Blake via Phoebe J Tonkin
And she had some sage advice for people thinking about a career in visual arts.
"For future students, my advice would be to stay curious and open. Don't rush to define your style too early; it will emerge naturally as you live more, see more, and photograph more.
"Follow what excites you, even if it doesn't make sense to anyone else yet. Every creative path is built through trial, error, and persistence, so give yourself permission to experiment and fail often," she said.
Professor Matthew Allen, Executive Dean Arts and Humanities, said Samm Blake's success is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.
"It is a great pleasure to see an ECU graduate making such a name for herself in the field of photography. She is an outstanding example of what an education in the Creative Humanities at ECU can mean for a successful career," Professor Allen said.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of people like Samm Blake, visit our webpages and learn more about ECU's Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Design.
