As I do not yet want to specialise, I will be trying to fit in as much variety as is possible into the WBL unit, and this page will document my activities and will contain several shorter attachments (rather than a 6 month secondment).
Blackburn Voices - an Anthology
In May 2011, a general email was sent out calling for written works about peoples memories and experiences of Blackburn. The goal was to collate the work and produce a book. As many of my images were of the surroundings in which I live, I contacted Sarah Dobbs to ask to get involved with project, and possibly providing some imagery to accompany the text.
Sarah had a look at some of my images over a coffee, and agreed that I could get involved.
I asked for copies of the text, which were poems and short stories and asked for technical specifications.
All the information was a little loose, and there was no specific brief, no preference in style, colour, tone or mood - which initially I found a little difficult as I take quite a structured approach to my work.
I combined some of the work with my 'Places' brief so that I wasn't aimlessly walking & driving round Blackburn with no direction - which helped.
Many informal meetings followed, whereby I would show Sarah images I had taken, which piece I thought they would be suitable for, and whether they would fit the bill, until we had several shots for each piece, and a list of 'required' images;
- Library
- Old fashioned sweet shop
- Fairground
- Locks
- Road signs
- Church for sale
- Hospital
- Window/Curtains/Bleary eyed view of a room
These were the images I found easier to produce, a set task where I could research locations and hunt for the right objects/lighting etc.
The overall collection of images taken was then handed in to Sarah for her to choose from.
The collection can be viewed here.
Becuase the brief was so open, I had to just go with my gut feel in terms of editing, cropping, focal points; I looked at each image in isolation and tried to capture the mood of one of the written pieces of work.
Sarah has completed the launch night for the project and is now in the process of gaining support and funding for the book and publication. The project has it's own facebook page and its own website (link to follow)
Update Sept 2011
I've met up with Sarah again; and bar 1 illustration (which is fabulous) my images are to be used to illustrate the whole book!! I'm thrilled really. Can't wait to see it once it comes back from typesetting.
I'd love to show you the collection of written work and which pictures have been chosen, but that would spoil the book launch - so watch this space!
Update Dec 2011
The book has gone to print including many of my images.
File inclusions
Email communications
Initial call for submissions
Notes from in-person meetings
Contact sheets of all images taken during duration of project
Sarah Dobbs notes re choices
Printed copy - Book
Reflection
This was my first independent 'job' and as such it taught me some valuable lessons, some positive and some negative, but all of which I have learned from and adapted.
One of the most important lessons that was re-inforced was that communication above all else (even the images in some cases) is key to a successful working relationship. clients often know they need images, but sometimes do not know what images they need. As a result we have to tailor our questioning and discussions to their industry and language to enable us to understand what it is they are visualising. We also have to consider that clients do not talk in our language, in terms of style, processing, focal point etc, so we must use language that they understand to come to a mutual understanding of what is expected.
It has also taught me that I need to be much firmer and clearer about my expectations; I spent much longer on this project than originally planned as the project grew to ' a few more i mages' and so one, resulting in only one other person providing an illustration - the book is otherwise illustrated entirely of my images; which is quite a way of a 'couple' of images as first muted.
I also now make sure I discuss things that I consider important, and need to be discussed if altered etc, in this case the end result and printing process. I was led to believe that the book would be full colour and my images were taken and edited accordingly, but due to cost, the book was printed in black and white press print, and therefore does not do justice to many of the images. Had I known, I could have tailored the images accordingly.
I steep but valuable learning curve which has shaped the way I conduct myself in other jobs, especially in the early stages of discussing a project.
The work of Garth Edwards
This is a personal ongoing project and no longer used in WBL due to an extended period of absence
This section follows my work exploring the glass art of Garth Edwards. I am unsure as to what the final outcome will look like but I'm very pleased to be involved.
27/09/2011
Met up with a lady called Pat, who has worked and been involved with Blackburn College for many years. Pat is also in the group "Friends of BlackburnMuseum".
Through her contacts, she is friends with Mary Edwards, and also knew her late husband - Garth, who also taught at College and acted as Principle for a short time, teaching 'History of Art".
Garth produced pieces of glass which were etched and engraved, using acid to mark the surface of the glass. The pieces are in various North West locations, however they are being lost through renovation, like the doors to the branch of the Halifax in Cobden Court; which is now part of The Mall where Primark stands.
Mrs Edwards wants some kind of public record for her husband, a local artist who speciality is still a rare craft. However, the desired outcome is not set in stone and they are open to ideas about how to progress.
The Blackburn Museum did put on a small exhibition in memory of Garth when he passed, however this was more text driven with no visual record of the work, and as such did not really fulfil the desired outcome his friends and family had hoped for.
Mrs Edwards was unable to make the initial meeting, but Pat gave me her contact details, and whilst we didn't agree on any outputs, this background information has given me a starting point to work with.
Initial Thoughts
Ater this meeting my initial thoughts are;
Update Dec 2011
The book has gone to print including many of my images.
File inclusions
Email communications
Initial call for submissions
Notes from in-person meetings
Contact sheets of all images taken during duration of project
Sarah Dobbs notes re choices
Printed copy - Book
Reflection
This was my first independent 'job' and as such it taught me some valuable lessons, some positive and some negative, but all of which I have learned from and adapted.
One of the most important lessons that was re-inforced was that communication above all else (even the images in some cases) is key to a successful working relationship. clients often know they need images, but sometimes do not know what images they need. As a result we have to tailor our questioning and discussions to their industry and language to enable us to understand what it is they are visualising. We also have to consider that clients do not talk in our language, in terms of style, processing, focal point etc, so we must use language that they understand to come to a mutual understanding of what is expected.
It has also taught me that I need to be much firmer and clearer about my expectations; I spent much longer on this project than originally planned as the project grew to ' a few more i mages' and so one, resulting in only one other person providing an illustration - the book is otherwise illustrated entirely of my images; which is quite a way of a 'couple' of images as first muted.
I also now make sure I discuss things that I consider important, and need to be discussed if altered etc, in this case the end result and printing process. I was led to believe that the book would be full colour and my images were taken and edited accordingly, but due to cost, the book was printed in black and white press print, and therefore does not do justice to many of the images. Had I known, I could have tailored the images accordingly.
I steep but valuable learning curve which has shaped the way I conduct myself in other jobs, especially in the early stages of discussing a project.
_______________________________________
The work of Garth Edwards
This is a personal ongoing project and no longer used in WBL due to an extended period of absence
This section follows my work exploring the glass art of Garth Edwards. I am unsure as to what the final outcome will look like but I'm very pleased to be involved.
27/09/2011
Met up with a lady called Pat, who has worked and been involved with Blackburn College for many years. Pat is also in the group "Friends of BlackburnMuseum".
Through her contacts, she is friends with Mary Edwards, and also knew her late husband - Garth, who also taught at College and acted as Principle for a short time, teaching 'History of Art".
Garth produced pieces of glass which were etched and engraved, using acid to mark the surface of the glass. The pieces are in various North West locations, however they are being lost through renovation, like the doors to the branch of the Halifax in Cobden Court; which is now part of The Mall where Primark stands.
Mrs Edwards wants some kind of public record for her husband, a local artist who speciality is still a rare craft. However, the desired outcome is not set in stone and they are open to ideas about how to progress.
The Blackburn Museum did put on a small exhibition in memory of Garth when he passed, however this was more text driven with no visual record of the work, and as such did not really fulfil the desired outcome his friends and family had hoped for.
Mrs Edwards was unable to make the initial meeting, but Pat gave me her contact details, and whilst we didn't agree on any outputs, this background information has given me a starting point to work with.
Initial Thoughts
Ater this meeting my initial thoughts are;
- meet with Mary Edwards to get as much background information as possible including
- site locations
- site snaps
- any journals/diary
- details of the exhibition held in BlackburnMuseum
- approach the museum for the 'text' detail they produced
- find out about the craft of glass etching
- Apply for some grant funding once an outcome has been decided
- Look into available local space
- Visit the sites and get a feel for how the glass should look in images
The initial thoughts on outcomes are;
- A permanent website to include;
- Images of the work
- Details and images of their locations
- The history and detail of the craft of etching
- Any interesting quotes or memories about the artist
- An overview of his life
- A photo book focusing on the images
- A 'launch' exhibition (not permanent) with images, the printed book and the website live date all co-inciding
I have had several meeting with the people involved and gained some valuable background knowledge as well as the specific sites to visit.
I have also visited the churches to evaluate access and lighting issues.
This is an ongoing project.
File inclusions
Research into funding
Application copies
Replies from applications
Meeting notes, both in-person and email
Copies of communications with Churches (locations)
All contact sheets
Notes on selection
Research into glass/architecture photography
Website address (outcome)
Copy of book (outcome)
Financial Industry Marketing Material
Cannot include details on blog due to confidentiality issues.
File Submissions
Examples of work
Process followed including consent and compliance issues
Templates employed
Reflection
I would consider this my 'comfort zone' within the industry, and whilst it isn't actually taking the images, it does involve the organisation, art direction and selection of images and sourcing images that are fit for purpose in the most cost effective manner.
All 'back office' processes that help me understand why a photographer must be professional, quick, approachable and accommodating.
I have tried to bring my learning to the role and draw on communication theory when composing the set/subjects; however this can be difficult with a strict marketing template and legislative guidelines.
I have also tried to bring my business head and organisation and planning skills to my learning - both are a juggling act of sorts but I do think I have struck a healthy balance between business, planning and creativity.
I think it is a good way to put things into practice in a safe environment of a live job but with a supportive team who will help develop and contribute to ideas.
Work for Rouge Millinery
Cannot include details on blog due to confidentiality issues, not yet launched.
Example of work being used
File Submission
Background and rationale of company
Considerations in image making
Invoice & Contract
All contact sheets from shoot
Email exchanges over editing, batch numbers etc
News Flash!
Rouge is going to be featured in a county wide editorial piece, and the editors have chosen to use my images. This is great promotion for a local start up, but as a result, the magazine have also asked me to work for them on a freelance basis!
Reflection
Looking back I think this is the most pressure I have placed on myself regarding a photography job, not because the job involved several shoots and multiple styles but because this is a local start up business which is run by a very good friend, and I wanted to do her products justice.
Maybe in hind sight one should put their personal feelings to one side, but in this case it drove me on and the end result is something the client is very happy with.
The company makes bespoke hats from vintage designs using modern materials and vintage accents and jewels.
As a result the clientele are a select demographic who can appreciate the time and energy that goes into each unique piece and are willing to pay a premium for something designed for them
The tools and templates used are all vintage so the client wanted a particular style to the product images, but the workshop images needed to show detail of hands at work and needed to have a different lighter, cleaner look.
The creative process was rewarding as we completed all the paperwork and raised concerns and limitations at the outset, agreeing timescales, workload, costs and possible alterations right at the very outset.
This left us free to develop and discuss ideas and approaches.
We have also agreed further set based shoots for future collections.
I think I enjoyed this task because I was working with a creative person who had their own ideas but was well versed at communicating visual concepts.
I have learned however, that the client, is always the client, and you may not always agree with their concepts or styling, but you are not there to like it, you are there to voice an opinion if something would not work and carry out the task set.
Research into funding
Application copies
Replies from applications
Meeting notes, both in-person and email
Copies of communications with Churches (locations)
All contact sheets
Notes on selection
Research into glass/architecture photography
Website address (outcome)
Copy of book (outcome)
______________________________________
Financial Industry Marketing Material
Cannot include details on blog due to confidentiality issues.
File Submissions
Examples of work
Process followed including consent and compliance issues
Templates employed
Reflection
I would consider this my 'comfort zone' within the industry, and whilst it isn't actually taking the images, it does involve the organisation, art direction and selection of images and sourcing images that are fit for purpose in the most cost effective manner.
All 'back office' processes that help me understand why a photographer must be professional, quick, approachable and accommodating.
I have tried to bring my learning to the role and draw on communication theory when composing the set/subjects; however this can be difficult with a strict marketing template and legislative guidelines.
I have also tried to bring my business head and organisation and planning skills to my learning - both are a juggling act of sorts but I do think I have struck a healthy balance between business, planning and creativity.
I think it is a good way to put things into practice in a safe environment of a live job but with a supportive team who will help develop and contribute to ideas.
_________________________________
Work for Rouge Millinery
Cannot include details on blog due to confidentiality issues, not yet launched.
Example of work being used
File Submission
Background and rationale of company
Considerations in image making
Invoice & Contract
All contact sheets from shoot
Email exchanges over editing, batch numbers etc
News Flash!
Rouge is going to be featured in a county wide editorial piece, and the editors have chosen to use my images. This is great promotion for a local start up, but as a result, the magazine have also asked me to work for them on a freelance basis!
Reflection
Looking back I think this is the most pressure I have placed on myself regarding a photography job, not because the job involved several shoots and multiple styles but because this is a local start up business which is run by a very good friend, and I wanted to do her products justice.
Maybe in hind sight one should put their personal feelings to one side, but in this case it drove me on and the end result is something the client is very happy with.
The company makes bespoke hats from vintage designs using modern materials and vintage accents and jewels.
As a result the clientele are a select demographic who can appreciate the time and energy that goes into each unique piece and are willing to pay a premium for something designed for them
The tools and templates used are all vintage so the client wanted a particular style to the product images, but the workshop images needed to show detail of hands at work and needed to have a different lighter, cleaner look.
The creative process was rewarding as we completed all the paperwork and raised concerns and limitations at the outset, agreeing timescales, workload, costs and possible alterations right at the very outset.
This left us free to develop and discuss ideas and approaches.
We have also agreed further set based shoots for future collections.
I think I enjoyed this task because I was working with a creative person who had their own ideas but was well versed at communicating visual concepts.
I have learned however, that the client, is always the client, and you may not always agree with their concepts or styling, but you are not there to like it, you are there to voice an opinion if something would not work and carry out the task set.
______________________________
Meltech Engineering
Meltech engineering have approached UCBC. The output of which is to be a portfolio of commercially useful marketing images of the work, and workers of the engineering firm based in Blackburn. We are also to provide some portraiture of the workers to show the close working relationships that the team have, and the personable nature and ethos of the company.
Initial Meeting
This was help with the MD, staff from UCBC, myself an a fellow student.
This meeting was very positive where we had a brief introduction to the company, their ethos and products, the scope and purpose of the images as well as a quick tour.
Follow up communications via phone & email
Whilst the MD was very positive about the project and was the initial instigator, it took several communications to get the project underway.
Initially we responded with our acceptance of the project and examples of work that had been created which would give a flavour of style.
I have since had extensive communications with the marketing manager, who will be our main point of contact during the shoots, and she will ultimately be the person who decides which images to use on websites and in advertorial & commercial settings.
Her view of what the image requirements are may differ slightly from the initial meeting, and care needs to be taken to have a range of images that will please both parties.
We also need to be mindful of copyright and usage issues as this is work for a commercial company, who does want to use it in the public domain by why of marketing, but we need to retain the rights to use images for submission of evidence at the very least.
A full drains-up meeting with the marketing manager is scheduled for Monday 9th January.
After health & safety sign off, and agreement to adhere to safety proceedures the initial 'shoot' is booked for Feb 20th.
Because machinery moves through the premises at different stages of it's production, no immediate visual changes may occur for several weeks - therefore it has been agreed that several shots will take place in-between now and the end of the semester.
However in line with hand in - submissions will be from initial photo shoot.
After discussing the initial shoot images with the client, further shoots have been requested. These could extend past university and involve travel to new premises as well as overseas to view installed machinery in situ.
Discussions are underway to discuss costing further work, however immediate shoots are still included in WBL parameters.
Small selection of images (Meltech's request re public domain)
File Submissions
Email communications
Contact sheets
Discussions surrounding selection process
Workplace H&S forms from UCBC (with RP)
Reflection
For this project I had to undertake a lot of visual and technical research (a brief summary is included in the evidence file), some of which was looking at industrial imagery to see the overall style employed for this genre, whilst other research was about the company, and about machinery in general, and what components were likely to be both visually interesting and recognised by the sector viewer.I also had to take control of communications as things were beginning to fade after the first initial meeting.
Because various people within the company were involved it was also apparent that they all had independent ideas about why we were making images and what their end use was, so I had to ensure that everyone was on the same page with regards to expectation in order to pull everyone back together and keep the project on track.
Health and safety was a key issue and we had to wear safety boots and hi vis vests, which meant that we were unable to take much 'reportage' imagery as we really did stand out in the workshop and caught the attention of all the workforce, though we were instructed to not interrupt work flow or engage too much with working staff!
Overall I am happy with the images and I am also pleased that another student was there to get images from a different perspective; we both have different approaches and we complimented each other well.
From a technical point of view I found this role demanding and have learned a lot, the lighting differed throughout the workshop and was very dark in some spots, and we were unable (for obvious reasons) to set up any external source of lighting. The lighting installed varied also so the environment was challenging.
I look forward to carrying on the project and it would seem that this is the start of a rewarding long term relationship with the company.
_______________________________________
Personal Tutor & Support sessions
As I have discussed an interest in teaching in the future, I have been given the opportunity to support a small group of 1st year students who may benefit from an extra resource.
As I have completed the work they are undertaking, I can help them from my own learning curve as well as bring in transferable skills like organisation & planning, time management, communication skills and presentation.
I have contacted the group and had varying levels of engagement in response, but I have also devised a personal email detailing an individual plan for each of the respondents dependant on the issues they raised.
The plans include such things as;
- Reading lists and suggestions
- Websites
- Resources
- Time planning maps
- Current and past exhibitions of interest
- Templates
- Checklists
- Ideas on structure
- Ways to get information delivered to inbox
- Ways to efficiently bookmark, save and track sources of information
File submissions
Workplace Authority Form from UCBC (with RP)
Email communications for each student
Copies of self created resources and templates (within email text)
Research on learning styles
Reflection
I found this project both enjoyable and frustrating. I put a lot of time and effort in tailoring communication to each individual and was very flexible on how I could be contacted and my availability, however responses were slow and general enthusiasm seemed scarce. This could be because I wan't engaging enough, or that I didn't strike up the right kind of rapport.
The feedback I did get from Students was supportive and encouraging, so I was reassured that when I was being involved my approach was the right one; however each person is an individual and that always has to be considered.
I would like to be more involved with students from a Mentoring perspective, as this is a safe and welcoming environment to have a 'test run' at teaching with a supportive team to help and guide.
Obviously this was only scratching the surface, and I haven't need to implement any lesson plans, or curriculum, it was an add on to what staff were already delivering.
I think it has made me realise though, that not everyone is as enthusiastic or driven as I am, and there is a fine line between mentoring and preaching, I had to carefully consider the wording I used, making sure that all comments were constructive and guiding, but did not 'feed' on a plate - more pointing in the right direction!
A very valuable and rewarding experience that I would like to continue with.
Research on learning styles
Reflection
I found this project both enjoyable and frustrating. I put a lot of time and effort in tailoring communication to each individual and was very flexible on how I could be contacted and my availability, however responses were slow and general enthusiasm seemed scarce. This could be because I wan't engaging enough, or that I didn't strike up the right kind of rapport.
The feedback I did get from Students was supportive and encouraging, so I was reassured that when I was being involved my approach was the right one; however each person is an individual and that always has to be considered.
I would like to be more involved with students from a Mentoring perspective, as this is a safe and welcoming environment to have a 'test run' at teaching with a supportive team to help and guide.
Obviously this was only scratching the surface, and I haven't need to implement any lesson plans, or curriculum, it was an add on to what staff were already delivering.
I think it has made me realise though, that not everyone is as enthusiastic or driven as I am, and there is a fine line between mentoring and preaching, I had to carefully consider the wording I used, making sure that all comments were constructive and guiding, but did not 'feed' on a plate - more pointing in the right direction!
A very valuable and rewarding experience that I would like to continue with.
__________________________________________
Focus on Imaging Trade Show
Focus is an annual trade show which showcases current trends, offers workshops with industry professionals and gives visitors direct access to manufacturers and suppliers of equipment
It is very important to be aware of what is happening in the marketplace - not least so you can stay ahead of the competition and utilise new technology, but you can differentiate yourself from other companies by building on your USP.
File Submissions
Software producers
Presentation options
Storage solutions
Printers and media types
Educational Institutions
Professional Organisations
Insurance Providers
Equipment Solutions
Studio Equipment
New trends
___________________________________
During the course of this module, and the years work in general, I have moved towards fine art imagery, and wanted a professional portal to showcase my work and start to generate some interest and sales.
The name I used during Yr 1 was no longer in keeping with the kind of image I wanted to generate (that of exhibition prints, and ready to hand decor as well as bespoke commissions)
I have utilised my finance and banking knowledge as well as bought and subscription guides to start building my own business/identity.
Whilst this is not ready for public release yet - a lot of ground work has been done.
I have chosen a company name, designed a logo, bought a web domain and started to build a web site. I have utilised the business planning and personal modules from Yr 1 as well as the guides which are included in the evidence file.
I have linked my website to social networking sites and started to drive future traffic through Search engine optimisation techniques.
I also plan to have a some marketing material produced to distribute through my own database on company MD's who buy art.
Attached as evidence are screen prints of;
- website (under construction)
- Logo
Reflection
I think this is by far the most useful and relevant project for me in terms of future direction and establishing myself as a professional going forward.
I have already had enquiries from the web's holding page (as I am not yet live) for people who have seen my work and want to chat through creative ideas.
I have also contacted my own personal database of potential clients who are willing discuss future requirements.
This part of the project isn't creative, and it doesn't happen overnight. Website building is difficult and long winded, bit to get it right is so important in terms of your identity and professional image.
Whilst it is more planning, organising and doesn't feel like much is achieved, I think this groundwork will remain relevant, and keep me focussed on the end result; which is to make a living.
_____________________________
Other file inclusions
Because of the market I wish to operate in, equally important as trade shows, for me, are gallery visits. I have included some of the galleries I either visit, or follow via subscriptions and digital updates. I fine visiting multi disciple venues rewarding and inspiring, and it will ensure that I see fresh approaches, and will hopefully minimise any danger of getting stuck in a rut.
(these have been included also in other briefs and literature 'shared' between files)
