The opportunity to photograph the Queen is surely a dream job for any photographer and for Downe House alumna, Lara Arnott (DH 2010), the call came earlier this year from the Outdoor Trust to ask if she was available to photograph the Queen unveiling the Commonwealth walkway in London.

How did you get into photography?

I have always loved taking photos and particularly enjoyed learning to use the dark room at Downe House during my Photography AS Level. In my first week at Bristol University, I was asked to photograph a club night, so I quickly went out to buy a flash and googled top tips for taking party photos. It all went well and soon led to a weekly booking with free drinks and free entry to all the clubs – surely the best possible job for a student! Although I spent lots of time doing photography for other uni events and working for Nikon as a nerdy ‘Camera Specialist’, training store staff on how to sell Nikon cameras, I never dreamed that I could make a full-time career in photography. After I finished my degree in the History of Art, I got a place on the Teach First graduate scheme, which I decided to defer for a year. Friends asked me to photograph their wedding and then very quickly, one job led to another until I realised that making my love of photography into a proper business could really be a viable option.

How did you find getting started in the photography business?

Although there are now more photographers than ever, I think I was lucky to start my business at a time when there was more demand for photos than ever - particularly in the events world, where getting a great set of photographs and documenting the party is now usually a top priority. The growth of digital communications and social media has definitely played its part too, not only because people are constantly needing new content, but also as a means of personal marketing - I remember the first time I put an album of my photos of the Bristol Fashion Show on Facebook and within hours, 15,000 people had viewed it. But really my business has very much grown through word of mouth and I’m lucky that one job very often leads to another.

What do you like best about your job?

The thing I love best is that I get to photograph such a cross section of life – family portraits, weddings, parties, school photography, corporate events – and I get to meet so many interesting people from all walks of life along the way. I still find it such a privilege that I get to document some of the most important moments in people’s lives, and I love the variety that comes with the job, with no two days being the same. I also love that it allows me to travel, do something creative and of course be my own boss!

How did the commission to photograph the Queen come about?

I got a call from a journalist I know who asked if I would be interested in taking photographs of the Queen unveiling a plaque for the new Commonwealth Walkway, a project organised by the Outdoor Trust. It was very exciting hanging out in Buckingham Palace and meeting the Queen was an amazing opportunity – what an incredible woman – so friendly and with exemplary small talk. I’ll be pleased if I have just half her energy and stamina aged 92!

What are your best memories of Downe House?

I joined Downe House in Upper Fourth in 2005 and have endless happy memories of my time there. When I come back to do photo shoots for the Foundation, I love remembering how much fun we had and it makes me really appreciate how lucky we were. Downe House taught me to have a strong work ethic, to enjoy being busy and fitting a lot into every day. The School did a fantastic job of nurturing the individual, whether you were creative, sporty or academic and I am so grateful for my amazing time there

Arnott & Arnott