ALUMNI STORIES
Alumnus Thom’ s inspiring journey from Keele to creative heights.
16 | FOREVER Keele
ALUMNI STORIES
From Keele to photography adventures
Alumnus Thom’ s inspiring journey from Keele to creative heights.
When Thom Bartley arrived at Keele University in 2005 to study Law with Business Administration, he couldn’ t have imagined just how far his journey would take him. Now based near Birmingham, Thom reflects fondly on a university experience that helped shape both his life and career.
“ I absolutely loved my time at Keele,” Thom says.“ From my first year in Holly Cross to my third year at Barnes, it was the people and the sense of community that made it so special. I’ ve never experienced anything quite like it since – it felt like three years at an incredible summer camp, surrounded by interesting, inspiring people.”
After graduating in 2008, Thom’ s career took a few unexpected turns. Starting out at the Jobcentre, he later moved into an innovation lab for a housing provider, before landing a role at Google. Along the way, he helped to launch a charity and became a Director of TEDxBrum. But around ten years ago, Thom decided to pursue his true passion – photography.
“ These days, I’ m fortunate enough to shoot for some of the biggest brands in the world and make a living doing what I love as a photographer and creative director,” he explains.“ It’ s been a long and winding road, but I couldn’ t be happier.”
Life outside of work has been just as adventurous. After graduating, Thom backpacked through Asia and Australia, and today, his work continues to take him to incredible places. He has captured backstage moments at the Birmingham Royal Ballet, filmed with Lenny Henry, followed the UK’ s biggest pie expert on his culinary tours, and even photographed Europe’ s strongest man –“ while comparing deadlifting abilities,” Thom laughs.
The decision to study at Keele was driven by two key factors: the opportunity to pursue a dual honours degree and the appeal of a campus university.“ At Keele, I knew that no matter what night of the week it was, I could walk into the union and find 50 familiar faces to hang out with,” Thom recalls.
“ What I love most is that strong sense of community.”