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Portfolio task

Today we had to look at images for portfolios you would choose which had to be relevant for a specific job or course.

Fashion photography course at UAL

I think for fashion photography, you need to show that you can work and create images in a studio. It is essential to know how to make the model look and feel comfortable. 

In this image, you are showing that you know how to take fashion type images as well as how to edit, retouch and judge what needs to be changed  

This image shows that you know how to pick your location when trying to advertise clothing. it shows that you know how to set the scene and tell a story through clothing.

This image could be showing that you have had past experiences with working in the photography industry.

This image shows that you are aware of how to put colours together which could tell a story and set a theme. It shows that you have creative ideas.

Commercial photography course in Derby University.

This image shows that you know how to advertise a brand and how to heavily edit images. It shows that you know how to create and control the lighting and scene. 

This shows the before and after of editing which shows that you know how to edit and place and work the lights in a creative and effective way.

This one shows that you know and plan how to edit before the actual post production. It is important to have a visual idea in your head of what you want to achieve before editing.

Even though this is wildlife photography, it is important to show that fashion is not all you know how to do. It shows that you know how to take images of animals and not just humans where you can tell them what to do. This requires you to wander and find things to photograph.

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Client assignment

I worked for the Dice Cup which is a board game cafe. It serves food and drinks like a normal cafe but also provides games and hosts gaming events. It is a great community which gets people together who are interested in the same topic. I found that most people that go there are gamers and they all have a specific/similar personalities. 

I got this job by messaging this company on messenger. I looked at independent and small businesses around the area and thought this was a good place to work for. I messaged them and got an answer quite quickly.

I did not show them any photographs because they did not need them. They told me what they wanted pictures of and let me do the rest. They seemed to trust me to do this project on my own which made me nervous as I feared they would not be good enough. They asked me to photograph the inside and the new games they had to promote them. They also invited me to come to a games night to take images of people playing the games and to a quiz night. I had to ask people if they minded me taking the photographs of them before doing it because they might not be comfortable with it. I did not print any model release forms as there were too many people there.

This experience helped me gain more confidence and gave me an idea of how to work professionally with a business. It also made me realise how hard it is to get a business to agree to work with you. There was a lot of planning involved so I also learned how to plan and manage my time more.

I was sick on one of the days I was supposed to come in but I sorted it by  messaging them and we rescheduled for the week after. It was my first time using my speed light so I also had to learn how to use that properly a long the way. I realised that you could see the light on one part in the images so next time, I fixed this problem by decreasing the power and aimed the light to the ceiling and roof so it bounces off and prevents harsh shadows.

I also took some photographs for my nephews 1st birthday party. The mum wanted to do a cake smash, which did not work as well as we thought because he kept crying and did not like getting dirty. This was a problem, so I had to try different ways to make him happy and stay in the same place. I did things like putting a toy above the camera so he would look my way. 

I took photographs of a climate strike in Nottingham square. There were a lot of people there with posters. Most of them were creative and they were chanting different things about the climate. There were people of all different ages and it was good to see how many people care about the environment. I mostly used my zoom lens to get a shallow depth of field and some good close up shots.

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Personal statement

This is another draft I did where the paragraphs are not organised properly.

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My portfolio

I then added 2 wildlife images which were both close ups and were taken in the same area. I added some documentary and images that are black and white so it matches the sequence. Next, I went with commercial type, studio images.

I tried to include images that showed all of the skills I have and what equipment I have used. I spoke about them so they know I have some knowledge about and how to use these equipment. I also only included images which represented and showed them what I wanted to do. You can tell I like studio and wildlife photography because of the amount of images I have of that style.

I included all the images I did from my printed portfolio in this UCAS application.

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University

When applying to universities, I had to take some steps in order to apply and get an offer. I filled in my personal information such as my name, address etc. I had to write all of my qualifications including GCSE’s, other ones like BTEC’s and my target grade for the course I am in now. I had to include if I had a job or not. If yes, then I was required to include the place which I work at and my managers name. I had to put in all the details of my reference which was my tutor. This was challenging because it was the first impression they had of me and you had to make them like you so it had to be unique and interesting. 

After that, I had to write my personal statement. The maximum was 500 words so I had to write why I wanted to do this course, my interests and what skills i have, all in that small amount of space. I had to choose up to 5 universities to apply to which was one of the most stressful parts because I had to consider if the university was for me, if I wanted to live in that town and if I was willing to spend 3 years there. I did a lot of research and looked at comments and reviews of people who studied or are still studying there. I looked at the facilities they had, the pass rate and what happens when I graduate. This was very important to me as I needed to know what they offered and how would they help me in my photographic career. I applied to Leeds Arts, UAL, Middlesex, Nottingham Trent and Northampton. 

When it was time for the interviews, I researched some common questions they ask you and asked my teachers for advice. The common questions I saw were:

-Why do you want to go to this university?

-What are your career goals?

-Name a few photographers that inspire you

-How did you become interested in photography?

-What type of photography are you most interested in?

-What do you want to get out of this course?

I wrote down some answers in my notebook because I get really nervous on my interviews and forget what to say. I also wrote down everything I was going to say about each individual image in my portfolio in case they asked me about it. I found this part very stressful because I get flustered and sometimes talk too quick so I had to practice being calm and talk clearly. 

I got invited to 4 interviews out of 5. UAL unfortunately did not offer me an interview. My first interview was Northampton and I got an unconditional offer the week after. I decided I did not want to go there because I did not like the town. It looked too boring for me and a little sad. The University seemed great. They offer you a job if you do not get one within 6 months of graduating and you get either a free laptop or a discount on your accommodation. 

Leeds interview did not go well and I did not get an offer. I was sick that day so my mind was not in the right place. The lady who interviewed me was also very intimidating which made me even more nervous.

Nottingham Trent went very well and they offered me a conditional offer and said if I pick them as my first option, then they will offer me an unconditional.

Middlesex went very well as well, the lady was nice and I felt very confident that day. I got an unconditional offer on the spot. The facilities are great and it is one of the top universities for film and photography in the UK.

I declined the offer from Northampton as I felt like the place was not for me. That left me with 2 options, Nottingham and Middlesex. I spent a lot of time thinking about it and researching. I thought about why I would choose the universities. Nottingham is closer to home so I would be able to go back every weekend and it would not be expensive. I also been studying here for about 4 years so I know the centre and the main parts. I would be able to see all my friends and family a lot. But, Middlesex has better facilities, there are more job opportunities in London and it would be something new. I spoke to my teachers and decided to go to Middlesex because it was more commercial based which I want to do and I need to get out there and move somewhere new and make new friends.

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Instagram

I do not post a lot on my Instagram account but when I do, I try to make sure it is high standard and ones I would want other people to see. A few of these images are in my printed portfolio which I used for my university interviews.

I prefer using Instagram to use as my online portfolio because the majority people have an account, anyone can see it and it is very popular. You can also add loads of hashtags to target different people. There is an option which lets you set it as a business account which I will do soon but I need to post more and be more active on it first. Most people do not know what Behance is and most of the time, only artists have an account. I also find it easier to use and find photographers which I am interested in and am able to message and receive messages from others. There is an option where you can download an app which lets you buy likes and followers to make you look more popular. In my opinion, it is cheating but it helps you gain more viewers as it could pop up on their feed if you are popular. 

I was thinking about creating a photography page on Facebook but I have not come to that yet. Not many people use Facebook these days so it would be really hard to get others to view your images or like your page. On the other hand, you can set up your own business and have others message you if they are interested. I find Facebook pages useful for business because it is easy message on.

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During this academic year, I have learned a lot of new skills such as how to use the darkroom where I had to learn how to use a SLR film camera which required me to use and insert the film properly. I learned how to develop the film and the images. This process taught me the rules when using a darkroom, how to use an enlarger and other creative ways to develop your images. For example, paint or spray the developer on the paper and how to create a solarised image. I also learned about the history of photography and how these methods were invented/discovered. This assignment made me realise how much you can do without using a digital camera. 

I learned a lot about studios, the lighting and how to use these professional equipment. I learned about things like gels, what settings to use and about commercial photography like using Capture One. I connected the camera to the computer which is called tethering and I was able to see and take pictures by only using the computer. This really helped me because I used these images in my portfolio and was able to talk about it in my interview and show what new skill I have gained. I also learned how to use a large format camera which gave me a strong starting point in my portfolio.

I got a chance to work with a client which was part of an assignment and it gave me skills and confidence to go out there and find clients. It gave me an understanding on how to communicate with the clients and how to find them. I messaged a few independent businesses and explained what I was doing and if they would like to participate. Only 1 replied which also made me realise how hard it actually is to find a client and how most people are going to reject you. 

I have also learned how to make my own portfolio. For example, how to organise it, what kind of portfolio to use and what to include. I researched about the different types of portfolios and saw that a briefcase looking one looked more professional, it is easy to carry and easy to update. It does cost more but you can feel the texture of the images. I lost mine after my first university interview so I had to buy a new one and print the images all over again. This part made me more organised and check if I have everything with me before leaving a place. I have created my own Behance account and photography Instagram account to post my best images and gain some confidence and feedback. 

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My behance

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Logos

A logo is a graphic mark or a symbol which is used to promote recognition and promote public identification. It is an important area in graphic design as there are many businesses opening and many need their logos updating. 

A good logo has to be:

Updated as trends change

Make it simple and memorable. Distinctive

Minimal colour palette. E.g only 2 colours

Simple type face which fits the purpose

Don’t:

Over complicate it

Add too many colours

No accidental innuendo

A good logo is expected to look good on any photograph and is original. 

These are my sketches showing ideas of how I want my logo to look like. The circled ones are the ones I am working on creating on Photoshop or Illustrator.

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Creative CV

A cv is a written overview of your experience and qualifications which you give to the employer when applying for a job. When creating a cv, you should include things like:

A bio with personal interests so they can get to know you.

Qualifications- Education

Past experiences

References- at least 2. Include your tutor or course leader if you have never had a job before. Include their name, email and number.

Contact information- Not address as they can be prejudiced towards you and judge you from where you live.

Skills (soft skills)

Name

Availability

A cover letter is a separate written document a lot of places ask for where you have to tell the employer why you are fit to the role and why you want the job. Show experiences and passion for the job. Make it stand out and let them know you know information about the company. Include career path and a portfolio if you are applying for a photography related job.

After that, you might be invited to an interview and you need to be prepared for anything they may ask you. These are some examples and typical questions you can be asked:

-Why do you want the job?

-What skills do you have?

-What do you know about the company?

-What are your strengths and weaknesses?

-Have you had any experience working in this field?

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Portfolios

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a document folder or case which hold your photographs. It exemplifies your skills, qualifications, education and experiences. You need it for interviews and when looking for jobs in the photographic industry to present your work and provide evidence of your accomplishments. For example, a sports photographer would put together a portfolio to show to a person looking for a sports photographer. 

The word portfolio is from an Italian word portafoglio with the French word portefeuille meaning folder or wallet. From a Latin verb portare meaning to carry and folium for sheet. 

You should put your best work and the photograph you are able to talk about more at the front to give a good first impression and then a very good 1 at the back as people usually remember the 1st and last thing they saw.

Put the images in themes and styles so it is not all mixed up. E.g. Landscape then studio and then experimental.

You need to consider some things when creating a portfolio like,

Do not:

-include similar photographs

-Forget your audience

-be afraid to shoot free 

-use images that need an explanation

Do:

-Cut back

-Consider different formats

-Get peer feedback and opinions

-Start and end strong

There are different types of portfolios such as-

Leather ring bound. You can get this from all good craft and art shops. You can get this from college shop for 16 pounds and 75p for each plastic sleeve.

Advantages: Professional looking, clear structure, houses various types of work, conserves work, can update and personalise content to suit purpose, closer inspection.

Disadvantages: Size, heavy, expensive, time consuming, wallets create shine, limited audience.

Newspaper. You can get this on newspaperclub.com. You can get a tabloid from 16 pounds for 1 copy and 4 pages and then the price for each lowers if you buy more.

Advantages: You can hand them out to anyone anywhere, very portable, quality of prints, content, informal.

Disadvantages: Expensive, can loose them, quality of prints, informal.

Zine. You can make these yourself on Adobe Indesign and print them out on normal paper or on better quality paper which would make it look more professional. You can get the good quality paper from 12 pounds. You can get Adobe Indesign for 19.97 pounds a month with free 1 month trial.

Advantages: Good quality photos, creates flow to your work, portable, longevity of the product, networking opportunities.

Disadvantages: Crease in the middle of book creates a distraction, could get damaged easily.

Poster. You can get this from johnewright.com

Advantages: Eye catching, cheap to make, can hand them out, conversation starter.

Disadvantages: Limited audience, restricted content, only see once.

Book. You can get this from exwhyzed.com or blurb.com

Advantages: Interesting, tells a story, lot of content, unique, longevity

Disadvantages: Expensive, you cannot update it.

You can use websites to create your portfolio such as, Behance, smugmug, Portfolio box, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Tumblr, Pinterest, Pixpa and more.

-Instagram

Pros: Very easy to post, popular, easy to share your brands message, hashtags make it easy to connect with people, location tagging, can go viral anyone can see and its free.

Cons: Your targeted people might not have Instagram, not always a platform that focuses on commerce. E.g many people use it to pass time but ave no intentions of buying anything.

Facebook:

-Pros: You can reach a huge audience as it been shown that there are 2 billion active users in 2017, You can pay to advertise to a specific audience. E.g females age 16-35. Its free, easy to update, convenient way to communicate with customers.

-Cons: It needs to be updated and maintained as it shows the audience he last time you posted so if it was a while a go then they might think that you are not in business anymore. It is not customisable, there are only basic functions so you cannot make it as creative as you like. It is not for you if you want control over the design and it looks less professional.

Behance:

It is a website where you can post your best pictures to create an online portfolio. It is used by the creative community because it looks very professional and it showcases your work. People usually use this platform to build profiles which consists of work they want others to see. 

-Pros: Looks professional, easy to use, popular, part of the adobe creative cloud, you can as followers for feedback.

-Cons: Not free, takes time to save images, shows the number of people viewed and liked which could be bad for business and for yourself.

Advantages of a printed portfolio:

-Creative

-Shows you made it

-You have full control on how it looks and is presented

-Can feel the texture of the paper

-You have full control

Disadvantages of printed portfolios

-Hard to update

-Costs more

-Fragile

Advantages of a digital portfolio:

-Is always available by you an anyone else

-Easier to get feedback

-Easy distribution

-You can zoom in

Disadvantages of a digital portfolio:

-Less control as technology varies and you have less customisation

-Technology can break. E.g. Battery dies, internet goes off.

-Limited in size. Screens tend to be smaller which means detail can be lost.