F 5.6
1/160 second
100 ISO
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Employability
For personal and professional development we are to document how we are evolving as photographers and the journey that we are on. After having a look at several jobs relating to photography for the work related module, it got me thinking as to whether I would be considered as employable to the current market.
Although I currently have a job at a studio, it is always important to keep in touch with the market and what employers require within the current climate. I noticed that most of the vacancies are for lecturers both locally and up and down the country. This is something that I may be willing to pursue at a later date.
As expected most jobs are what I would call "one off's". This is where someone is looking for a photographer to provide a specific number of shots for either themselves or for a client for a specified brief.
The market for photography is a volatile one and there is currently a lot of competition from sole traders who look to snap up these "one off" contracts, however, what people are really looking for are clients that have a continuous steady flow of business.
It is very rare that photographers are contracted full time to a studio with a salary and I therefore consider myself to be very lucky.
I am hoping that with my background knowledge, skills already gained from this course and further skills from this course I will improve and have a good portfolio to show potential employers. Although this is not the only thing that they will look for when looking to recruit, it is imperative that it contains the best of my work to ensure that I have a promising chance.
With regard to the other parts of the interviews, I consider myself to be a very open minded, confidant and bubbly person who enjoys life. I am hard working and enthusiastic, and have transferable skills, for example working with people of all ages. This I think comes across when I am being interviewed for potential positions. I have a pleasant nature and am easy going and from looking at several websites this is currently what employers are looking for.
Although a job opportunities are always something to look at, I am currently very happy within my role at my current studio. If I were to leave it would most probably be to become freelance, and is something that I would consider doing within the next 5-10 years.
Although I currently have a job at a studio, it is always important to keep in touch with the market and what employers require within the current climate. I noticed that most of the vacancies are for lecturers both locally and up and down the country. This is something that I may be willing to pursue at a later date.
As expected most jobs are what I would call "one off's". This is where someone is looking for a photographer to provide a specific number of shots for either themselves or for a client for a specified brief.
The market for photography is a volatile one and there is currently a lot of competition from sole traders who look to snap up these "one off" contracts, however, what people are really looking for are clients that have a continuous steady flow of business.
It is very rare that photographers are contracted full time to a studio with a salary and I therefore consider myself to be very lucky.
I am hoping that with my background knowledge, skills already gained from this course and further skills from this course I will improve and have a good portfolio to show potential employers. Although this is not the only thing that they will look for when looking to recruit, it is imperative that it contains the best of my work to ensure that I have a promising chance.
With regard to the other parts of the interviews, I consider myself to be a very open minded, confidant and bubbly person who enjoys life. I am hard working and enthusiastic, and have transferable skills, for example working with people of all ages. This I think comes across when I am being interviewed for potential positions. I have a pleasant nature and am easy going and from looking at several websites this is currently what employers are looking for.
Although a job opportunities are always something to look at, I am currently very happy within my role at my current studio. If I were to leave it would most probably be to become freelance, and is something that I would consider doing within the next 5-10 years.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Christmas door
This shot was not as easy as I first thought because of the extremity of colour. There are deep reds in the berries and light creams on the baubles. This posed a lighting problem. Because of this I decided to do two exposures, one for each. This can be seen in the first two images.
Layer 1
Layer 2
The final image is both f the layers flattened together. The background layer contained the first image. The top layer was used to add extra light onto the berries towards the bottom of the image. I have put a mask around all of this and erased the other layer leaving the rest of the background layer to show through.
The end result can be seen below
F20
1/125
100 ISO
Layer 1
Layer 2
The final image is both f the layers flattened together. The background layer contained the first image. The top layer was used to add extra light onto the berries towards the bottom of the image. I have put a mask around all of this and erased the other layer leaving the rest of the background layer to show through.
The end result can be seen below
F20
1/125
100 ISO
Tomatoes - summer work
One day at work I had some downtime and so I decided to use some of this to shoot some or my summer project for college. I wanted to create something that was different to the rest of my current portfolio and so decided to use the three primary colours. A blue colander, yellow background and red tomatoes. Grouped together I thought that they looked very striking.
Initial image
Although I was happy with the lighting I have slightly changed the composition of the shot by moving some of the tomatoes so that they sit better within the image. I have also sprayed the tomatoes with water to make them look really fresh. This is always a good technique when shooting fruits and vegetables. The water droplets also help to disperse light and act like small mirrors helping to enhance the lighting in the shot.
Step 2
I have then highly saturated the image and cropped closer to give it a more portrait frame.
Step 3
Finally I have cropped even closer into the image and take my f stop right down. This has made the colander appear blurred in the background. I have played around with both the Kelvin scale and tint to give a dramatic effect. I have also added a filter in Capture One software to create my final image.
Step 4
Initial image
Although I was happy with the lighting I have slightly changed the composition of the shot by moving some of the tomatoes so that they sit better within the image. I have also sprayed the tomatoes with water to make them look really fresh. This is always a good technique when shooting fruits and vegetables. The water droplets also help to disperse light and act like small mirrors helping to enhance the lighting in the shot.
Step 2
I have then highly saturated the image and cropped closer to give it a more portrait frame.
Step 3
Finally I have cropped even closer into the image and take my f stop right down. This has made the colander appear blurred in the background. I have played around with both the Kelvin scale and tint to give a dramatic effect. I have also added a filter in Capture One software to create my final image.
Step 4
Developing my corporate ID
In order to be able to show my work for the Levi campaign I have decided to produce a book which will also include my corporate ID therefore merging two of my modules.
The idea behind this is to give my work a corporate identity. When I then take this to potential clients and they look through it they will be able to associate me with my brand. I am also going to include my design work leading up to my final design of my corporate. This will comprise of a letterhead, compliments slip, business card, envelope, CD, DVD, promotional freebies, calendars etc.
I want to create something dynamic and unique to send out to potential clients and this is something that I will need to think very hard about. It has to be something that is innovative and fresh to ensure that it will stick in the clients mind. This will then ensure that I am thought about when looking for a photographer.
The idea behind this is to give my work a corporate identity. When I then take this to potential clients and they look through it they will be able to associate me with my brand. I am also going to include my design work leading up to my final design of my corporate. This will comprise of a letterhead, compliments slip, business card, envelope, CD, DVD, promotional freebies, calendars etc.
I want to create something dynamic and unique to send out to potential clients and this is something that I will need to think very hard about. It has to be something that is innovative and fresh to ensure that it will stick in the clients mind. This will then ensure that I am thought about when looking for a photographer.
Gold extravaganza
When I think of Christmas I think of extravagance and rich colours. This also related back to one of the gifts in the story of the three kings. One of the gifts being Gold I decided to play around with this idea and shoot an abundance of gold and cream Christmas related products on a gold sprayed background.
I have tried to use a mixture of textures and different products to help generate my image. I have also included the subtle Merry Christmas message towards the right hand bottom corner. This was I think that it portrays the message without being too garish and in the face of the person receiving the card. Because the image is busy I also think that it allows the receiver to look at the image in its entirety rather than focusing on a specific are of the card .
F 5
1/200 second
100 ISO
55mm
I have tried to use a mixture of textures and different products to help generate my image. I have also included the subtle Merry Christmas message towards the right hand bottom corner. This was I think that it portrays the message without being too garish and in the face of the person receiving the card. Because the image is busy I also think that it allows the receiver to look at the image in its entirety rather than focusing on a specific are of the card .
F 5
1/200 second
100 ISO
55mm
Winter woodland
I mentioned on my blog that I wanted to generate something that represented Christmas but did not want it to be too commercialised. This lead me onto the idea of shooting this image. When I think of Chink of all the wonderful smells that go along with it and these include citrus, cinnamon and aniseed. I wanted to try and convey this within my image. I have therefore used some dried oranges, cinnamon sticks and star anise.. I have included a gold leafy Christmas decoration towards the back of the shot so that it has some subtlety as it is slightly out of focus. In keeping with the "woody" theme I have also included some pine cones that are also traditional during the festive season.
I have also introduced another dimension to the shot by putting a lit candle into the frame. For this I have had to change my exposure time to about 1/8th of a second and turn off my my modelling bulbs.
F 5.6
1/200 second
100 ISO
62mm
I have also introduced another dimension to the shot by putting a lit candle into the frame. For this I have had to change my exposure time to about 1/8th of a second and turn off my my modelling bulbs.
F 5.6
1/200 second
100 ISO
62mm
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Feedback and development of corporate ID - WR3
Last semester we were asked to create a business card for WR2. This I have extended to use as my corporate ID and have used this as my starting point.
I have therefore started to develop my letterhead, envelope, compliments slip etc using the same type face, logo colours and concepts.
Having showed Dave my business card online both in colour and in black and white I then had my formative assessment and he wrote,
"Extensive and relevant research material has been developed in a sophisticate and articulate way showing a mature and professional attitude. Excellent effort to date!" Dave Chapman.
This gave me a real buzz and I felt that I had achieved good progress with this module already and am slightly ahead of where I should be.
Over the next week I am hoping to generate some mock ups with several variations for Dave to look at.
I have therefore started to develop my letterhead, envelope, compliments slip etc using the same type face, logo colours and concepts.
Having showed Dave my business card online both in colour and in black and white I then had my formative assessment and he wrote,
"Extensive and relevant research material has been developed in a sophisticate and articulate way showing a mature and professional attitude. Excellent effort to date!" Dave Chapman.
This gave me a real buzz and I felt that I had achieved good progress with this module already and am slightly ahead of where I should be.
Over the next week I am hoping to generate some mock ups with several variations for Dave to look at.
Feedback form Dave about Levi Jeans concepts
Today I spent some time talking Dave through several different concepts that I have developed for each of the four rhymes and/or stories. I showed him a mind map for each of the routes and have been encouraged to include these within my final book.
I received some very positive feedback which made me feel good about the work that I had already undertaken . I then discussed with him and set myself several targets for the following week and will design a time plan to ensure that I complete what I need to do.
"Excellent research has been developed by Charlotte in a relation to explaining a variety of concepts and storyboards. Very exciting range of initial ideas that all have potential to meet the outcomes of this brief in a creative manner!" Dave Chapman.
I received some very positive feedback which made me feel good about the work that I had already undertaken . I then discussed with him and set myself several targets for the following week and will design a time plan to ensure that I complete what I need to do.
"Excellent research has been developed by Charlotte in a relation to explaining a variety of concepts and storyboards. Very exciting range of initial ideas that all have potential to meet the outcomes of this brief in a creative manner!" Dave Chapman.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Shoe lace wig!
Today I received my shoe laces through the post. I have started to construct a hair piece to a bob length. It has been trickier than first anticipated, however I am persevering and hope that the end result will look as I had envisaged it.
I have also spoken with several possible models and am trying to get in touch with a make up artist to come down to the studio.
I have also spoken with several possible models and am trying to get in touch with a make up artist to come down to the studio.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Shoe laces
Again this brief is entirely creative and we have no boundaries. I needed to come up with three concepts and execute one.
I started by looking at sports companies and companies that produce shoes including Nike, Reebok, Adidas Converse and Supra and also other high street shops including Garage shoes etc.
I have looked at different backgrounds that the shoes and laces have been shot on and taken note of different angles and perspectives used. However I wanted to come up with something a little more dynamic and creative.
I researched laces on the Internet and found that there are literally hundreds of different types from flats, rounds, fatties, glow in the dark, twin tone, fades and every different colour imaginable.
I started to think about the used of string and cotton and if I would be able to replace them with Shoe laces. I also thought about using shoelace sweets in some form.
I didn't want to necessarily use shoes within my image and so looked more towards fashion photography.
Paper mache hearts.
Some of my initial ideas included making paper mache hearts, paining them red and cutting them in half. I would then use the shoe laces almost like stitches to sew them the halves back together again. This I would shoot with fairly dramatic low lighting using one key light to create a moody style shot.
Hair.
I came up with the idea of making a wig from laces and shooting a model with white powder on her face, black hair (laces) and cherry red lips. The colours will hopefully look really striking and with it being a head shot you will be able to see the ends of the laces on the fringe that I am going to create.
Corset.
Again sticking to the fashion industry I have recently made a corset, which is currently tightened using ribbon. This I plan to change for the shoelaces. The corset would be on the right hand side of the frame leaving the left hand side of the image plain white. I want to try to include 3/4 of the corset so that the left hand side of the persons waist can be seen, the centre of the corset and the shoe shoe laces can be seen and the rest of her drifts off the end of the page.
Fireworks.
With bonfire night looming, I turned my ideas to how I could interpret this using shoe laces. I had the idea to shoot some fluorescent laces on a black background in the shape of fireworks. I wanted to try and recreate a Catherine wheel by wrapping lots of different colours together. Then in Photoshop edit the image and blur it slightly to give it the sense that it is moving and merge some of the colours.
Stitches.
I have also thought about using shoe laces as stitches using fake wounds attached to different parts of a models body. These obviously would have to be the thinnest type that I could find so that it would work correctly. I have ordered some white rounded laces with metal tips. In Photoshop I intend to change this metal tip into a needle
Knife.
The final idea I had was to shoot a large metal knife with blood dripping attached and suspended in the air with a lace. For dramatic effect I would shoot this against black so that the knife, blood and lace stood out prominently.
I started by looking at sports companies and companies that produce shoes including Nike, Reebok, Adidas Converse and Supra and also other high street shops including Garage shoes etc.
I have looked at different backgrounds that the shoes and laces have been shot on and taken note of different angles and perspectives used. However I wanted to come up with something a little more dynamic and creative.
I researched laces on the Internet and found that there are literally hundreds of different types from flats, rounds, fatties, glow in the dark, twin tone, fades and every different colour imaginable.
I started to think about the used of string and cotton and if I would be able to replace them with Shoe laces. I also thought about using shoelace sweets in some form.
I didn't want to necessarily use shoes within my image and so looked more towards fashion photography.
Paper mache hearts.
Some of my initial ideas included making paper mache hearts, paining them red and cutting them in half. I would then use the shoe laces almost like stitches to sew them the halves back together again. This I would shoot with fairly dramatic low lighting using one key light to create a moody style shot.
Hair.
I came up with the idea of making a wig from laces and shooting a model with white powder on her face, black hair (laces) and cherry red lips. The colours will hopefully look really striking and with it being a head shot you will be able to see the ends of the laces on the fringe that I am going to create.
Corset.
Again sticking to the fashion industry I have recently made a corset, which is currently tightened using ribbon. This I plan to change for the shoelaces. The corset would be on the right hand side of the frame leaving the left hand side of the image plain white. I want to try to include 3/4 of the corset so that the left hand side of the persons waist can be seen, the centre of the corset and the shoe shoe laces can be seen and the rest of her drifts off the end of the page.
Fireworks.
With bonfire night looming, I turned my ideas to how I could interpret this using shoe laces. I had the idea to shoot some fluorescent laces on a black background in the shape of fireworks. I wanted to try and recreate a Catherine wheel by wrapping lots of different colours together. Then in Photoshop edit the image and blur it slightly to give it the sense that it is moving and merge some of the colours.
Stitches.
I have also thought about using shoe laces as stitches using fake wounds attached to different parts of a models body. These obviously would have to be the thinnest type that I could find so that it would work correctly. I have ordered some white rounded laces with metal tips. In Photoshop I intend to change this metal tip into a needle
Knife.
The final idea I had was to shoot a large metal knife with blood dripping attached and suspended in the air with a lace. For dramatic effect I would shoot this against black so that the knife, blood and lace stood out prominently.
Jeans research
Today I started to look at some of Levi's competitors and the campaigns that the have used both recently and in the past.
By doing this it has given me an insight into what works when trying to promote jeans as a product.
I have collected images from different places such as the Internet, magazines, newspapers and looked through different advertising and branding books.
I also thought that it would be a good idea to refresh my memory of the 4 nursery rhymes that we are to use for this campaign; so have printed these off to include within my background research. Surprisingly, doing this has helped a lot as I was able to highlight different words and analyse the rhyme generating several creative ideas.
After doing this, I then decided to look a little further into the origin of the rhymes to see if that would uncover any interesting facts that I would be able to incorporate into my campaign. This had uncovered a lot of information.
Until doing this I had no idea that Humpty Dumpty was actually the name given to a canon that was attached to Colchester's city wall. It was also often a slang phrase used for a 17Th Century drink which consisted of boiled brandy and ale. It is small things like this that I plan on trying to incorporate into my campaign in conjunction with the very well known symbols and ideas that people think about when relating to the nursery rhyme.
By doing this it has given me an insight into what works when trying to promote jeans as a product.
I have collected images from different places such as the Internet, magazines, newspapers and looked through different advertising and branding books.
I also thought that it would be a good idea to refresh my memory of the 4 nursery rhymes that we are to use for this campaign; so have printed these off to include within my background research. Surprisingly, doing this has helped a lot as I was able to highlight different words and analyse the rhyme generating several creative ideas.
After doing this, I then decided to look a little further into the origin of the rhymes to see if that would uncover any interesting facts that I would be able to incorporate into my campaign. This had uncovered a lot of information.
Until doing this I had no idea that Humpty Dumpty was actually the name given to a canon that was attached to Colchester's city wall. It was also often a slang phrase used for a 17Th Century drink which consisted of boiled brandy and ale. It is small things like this that I plan on trying to incorporate into my campaign in conjunction with the very well known symbols and ideas that people think about when relating to the nursery rhyme.
Christmas card
I have been shooting Christmas products for the past 5 weeks at my studio and have noticed that everything has become so commercialised from Santa hats that glow in the dark to glittering reindeers, and to me, this is not what epitomises Christmas.
To many Christmas is all about the party season, spending time with family and friend, eating lots of rich food and opening presents. I intend to focus on a different angle for the festive season and will use a more subtle approach to create that festive feel.
There are lots of undertones to Christmas that get swept away when focusing on what people now think to be their typical holiday season. Simple things such as cinnamon sticks, oranges and fragrances such as frankincense that relate right back to the essence of the season, and this is something that I want to try and incorporate into my image.
To many Christmas is all about the party season, spending time with family and friend, eating lots of rich food and opening presents. I intend to focus on a different angle for the festive season and will use a more subtle approach to create that festive feel.
There are lots of undertones to Christmas that get swept away when focusing on what people now think to be their typical holiday season. Simple things such as cinnamon sticks, oranges and fragrances such as frankincense that relate right back to the essence of the season, and this is something that I want to try and incorporate into my image.
Ideas for the PR brief
Today I have spent some time focusing on the public relations brief set by one of out tutors. The brief had a very wide scope as we were able to photography anything that we wanted.
One of the key elements to this task was that we needed to go out and find an actual client that we would then gain a relationship with and hopefully build a rapport with.
I have thought very hard about this brief as I it has such a vast area to cover for example it may be a firm wanting to launch a new business or product or documenting an important event in a companies history.
I have decided to contact several small local businesses within my area for a couple of reasons. Firstly I do not want to leave it too late to be able to find a client. Secondly local businesses are close by, therefore getting there will be easy to arrange. I have also contacted a couple of schools.
One of the key elements to this task was that we needed to go out and find an actual client that we would then gain a relationship with and hopefully build a rapport with.
I have thought very hard about this brief as I it has such a vast area to cover for example it may be a firm wanting to launch a new business or product or documenting an important event in a companies history.
I have decided to contact several small local businesses within my area for a couple of reasons. Firstly I do not want to leave it too late to be able to find a client. Secondly local businesses are close by, therefore getting there will be easy to arrange. I have also contacted a couple of schools.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Work related learning 3
This year we have a new tutor, Dave Chapman who is a graphic designer. Although I have only had one class with him, I feel very positive about this module as we have been give a brief that allows us to be creative.
The brief was one set by Levi Strauss, the jeans company, and it was actually given to a global advertising firm. Their campaign great success throughout Asia and further afield. The same campaign is soon to be launched in the UK and we have been asked to have a look at the current campaign and provide our own interpretation of the brief keeping several key elements.
The first element is the slogan 'little toughies' ,the second is the route - there are four key nursery rhymes; the three little pigs, little miss muffet, jack and the beanstalk and humpty dumpty.
These elements are not to be changed and we are to adopt these, and produce our own take on one nursery rhyme showing the development of our ideas. This will then lead to one final image that we are to show in different situations from a 96 sheet to an Adshell.
My first target to achieve by the end of the week is to research Adshell and find out what they do and what relation they have to the the task. I also plan to look at the Levi website and do a little background research about the company itself, their ethics and philosophy, what they are about and how they operate.
The brief was one set by Levi Strauss, the jeans company, and it was actually given to a global advertising firm. Their campaign great success throughout Asia and further afield. The same campaign is soon to be launched in the UK and we have been asked to have a look at the current campaign and provide our own interpretation of the brief keeping several key elements.
The first element is the slogan 'little toughies' ,the second is the route - there are four key nursery rhymes; the three little pigs, little miss muffet, jack and the beanstalk and humpty dumpty.
These elements are not to be changed and we are to adopt these, and produce our own take on one nursery rhyme showing the development of our ideas. This will then lead to one final image that we are to show in different situations from a 96 sheet to an Adshell.
My first target to achieve by the end of the week is to research Adshell and find out what they do and what relation they have to the the task. I also plan to look at the Levi website and do a little background research about the company itself, their ethics and philosophy, what they are about and how they operate.
What is PR, and the PR brief
Before I could undertake the PR brief, it was necessary for me to do some background research on Public Relations
•"A promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution"
•"Any activities or events that help promote a favorable relationship between a company and its customers and prospects; activities used to influence the press to print stories that promote a favorable image of a company and its products or services."
After looking at this I was then able to gain a better understanding of what was to be required and what types of businesses I should consider consulting.
Although there are no real guidelines to the brief it is important that I research the my chosen client and contact them soon. I plan on finding some background information about the company via websites, magazines and promotional material, which I will include in my presentation folder.
The shoot.
Shooting on location poses lots of problems and there are many things that I will need to take into account. I will need to look at and talk about the following areas:
Equipment
Light
Location
Time
Costs
Issues
Personnel
Protocol
I will also document the processes that I will use on the day, editing of images, issues encountered, file formats and timescale.
I will then reflect on my 3 chosen prints and critique and will hopefully be measurable by correspondence between me and the client.
•"A promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution"
•"Any activities or events that help promote a favorable relationship between a company and its customers and prospects; activities used to influence the press to print stories that promote a favorable image of a company and its products or services."
After looking at this I was then able to gain a better understanding of what was to be required and what types of businesses I should consider consulting.
Although there are no real guidelines to the brief it is important that I research the my chosen client and contact them soon. I plan on finding some background information about the company via websites, magazines and promotional material, which I will include in my presentation folder.
The shoot.
Shooting on location poses lots of problems and there are many things that I will need to take into account. I will need to look at and talk about the following areas:
Equipment
Light
Location
Time
Costs
Issues
Personnel
Protocol
I will also document the processes that I will use on the day, editing of images, issues encountered, file formats and timescale.
I will then reflect on my 3 chosen prints and critique and will hopefully be measurable by correspondence between me and the client.
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