January 20, 2022
the Open University (OU) in collaboration with presented a series of four student portraits Alamywho were shot past The photographer of the Press Association Inzajeano Latif with the aim of presenting and kickstarting a more authentic representation of distance learning for Black and South Asian students “Legacy Collection” of photographs that will reach more variety in stock images.
The OU’s partnership with Alamy will encourage photographers to submit images that reflect life through the eyes of Black and South Asian students in the UK. Submitted images will form an ever-growing “legacy collection” that will be available to other organizations through Alamy for use in their marketing materials, as a continuing commitment to stock image diversity. This demographic is often underrepresented by archival image databases, and the OU is also working with Alamy to create a new collection for use by anyone wanting to represent remote students more authentically.
Candace, a student at Cardiff’s Open University, works part-time in customer service, is doing an internship at a digital magazine and is studying business and marketing. Image: Inzajeano Latif
Melissa Thermidor, Program Director of the Open University, said: “The Open University prides itself on being open to people, places, methods and ideas, and is passionate about expanding access. We believe that the stock images available depicting Black and Asian students are not authentic or relatable and do not reflect the reality of their lives or distance learning and we want to change that.’
Alamy’s Legacy Collection is inspired by the portraits commissioned by The Open University and taken by photographer Inzajeano Latif, depicting the stories of four students:
- yeah, from Essex: a chemist studying to be a psychologist.
- candace, from Cardiff: She works part-time in customer service and has an internship at a digital magazine and is studying business administration and marketing.
- Halima, from Birmingham: studies International Studies and has set up a nursing agency.
- but, from Falkirk: has now graduated from the Open University and has secured a position as a University Organic Geochemistry Technician.
OU student Halima from Birmingham who is pursuing an International Studies degree and has set up a mentoring agency. Image: Inzajeano Latif
Inzajeano Latif said: “I am proud to have worked with The Open University in capturing the authentic distance learning experience in the UK. Representation in front of and behind the camera is important to me as I have dedicated my career to uncovering places and faces that are all too often invisible. This campaign features students from diverse backgrounds in their own study spaces and is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of flexible learning for all.’
Commenting on his involvement in this initiative, student Joe said: “Hopefully people will look at me and think if he can do it, so can I. If they can see someone who is like them, it can change their lives.”
OU student Joe from Essex who is a pharmacy assistant studying to be a psychologist. Image: Inzajeano Latif
Since 1969, the Open University has promoted educational opportunity and social justice by providing quality education to all who wish to achieve their aspirations and fulfill their potential. More than two million people have experienced this life-changing learning through their OU studies. OU’s mission is to be “open to people, places, methods and ideas, and that means a commitment to equality is embedded in everything we do. We celebrate diversity and the strengths it brings, we compete against under-representation and differential outcomes.’
Ali from Falkirk has completed his OU studies and secured a position as an organic geochemistry technician at a university. Image: Inzajeano Latif
Alamy is the world’s most diverse image library with over 270 million creative and editorial stock photos, vectors, 360 images and videos from individual photographers, stock agencies and archives. Its global contributor base delivers more than 150,000 new images to the company’s online platform every day. Alamy was founded in 1999 with a vision to change the world of image buying. In February 2020 Alamy was acquired by PA Media Group, the UK news and information company. More information about Alamy can be found here.
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