Working to a Brief : 2 ( Location) - Facebook Group

The is once again another Facebook group page that we can all comment on and communicate with each other - I have included some of the messages as proof and evidence of our conversations.
We established that I was the only one in the group that could drive therefore, I had to drive the whole group down to the beach we were going to.
The messages on the group show the planning of every stage of the brief from the very beginning.  It shows the Location scouting by Richard, Myself finding the Clown costume for the styling and us discussing the Call sheets and model recruitment.  Clare posted the call sheet so we could all have a copy.  W were set to meet in the morning of the shoot and I would drive us all down to the beach.

Working to a Brief : 2 ( Location) - The Roles

I do not need to run through what each role does as I have done that for brief 1.  There are six people in my group and we decided on the Roles quite quickly and I was with three of these people in the group before we all decided to stick with what we already wanted to do. 

Producer - Ellie Freeman            

Photographer - Madalina Diana

Prop / Stylist - Suzi Slough (ME)

Model Recruitment - Madalina Diana

Assistant Lighting - Clare Rowden

Assistant Props - Richard Burke 

Working to a Brief : 2 ( Location) - Interpreting the Brief

The Brief I was given & What I think About it
By the sounds of both of the shoots I actually much prefer the Daz shoots, it sounds a lot more fun and exciting to work with.  Once we were put into our groups of 5, The most of my group actually wanted to do the Samaritans as we were given the choice of choosing what Brief we wanted to do ourselves.
Because the most of my group wanted to do the second brief I automatically thought that It was going to look quite simple and for this brief the whole image will change depending on what the model looks like.  We have to have a model on the beach with half a suit on and then clown trousers and shoes on.  I would expect to see a model, probably male in a black and white suit or a grey suit with a black tie, this would look like the traditional office worker for the british Isles.  I think this shoot could potentially look good but we shall have to see once we get started.

Interpreting the Brief - Samaritans
O - Sketching out initial ideas for this brief could be beneficial and show ideas that portray this concept.
O - Looking at descriptions in the original brief, 'fresh' 'bright' and 'sad', could helps to reach what is needed to be conveyed.

O - The Format for these images is important.  We need to know what parameters we need to fit the images to.  Need to make sure it will fit as a single page magazine spread and probably at 300dpi.  We need to make sure that there is enough deadpan space around the subject for text and logo's to go for the client.

O - The Location for this location shoot is down to us as a group.  We need to go on the hunt to be able to choose which we think is best for the advert. We need to go as a group to each of the possible locations and check accessibility for props and equipment, what direction the sun appears from, work out the ownership of the land by investigating for signs etc.  We also need to remember to get any permission landowner or council forms.  The possible locations are all beaches around the area.

O - Street Casting can be cheap and fast, but also not as reliable, the model may not turn up. Using people we know may be a little easier, as long as we stick to the age group.  W r need to take the description from the brief and apply that when looking for the model.  We have to learn to engage with complete strangers, which I think is something I can do very well. We need to decide if the model we choose has the right temperament to be photographed, especially on location.  We as a team could get details from all the potential models and find out their availability for the shoot day.

O - The Prop / Styling is something that one person should be responsible for, which might be me again if I do the same role as brief 1.  This person is responsible for sourcing clothes and props for the shoot.  They need to be savvy with the budget given, and try and get the best props available.  We can also use our own clothes and props if we have them.

O - Lighting / Equipment will need to match what is given in the brief.  We will have to work out what lighting and equipment we will need, and when we will need it and how will we get it to the location.  Do we need a back up system, camera etc?  What other equipment will we use if it rains or is too windy.
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The Roles of each person with in the groups were all explained in the previous first group task, so i can just look back at that particular blog post to see what everyone does.  I have taken Role as Stylist agin as I like the role a lot and I can still have a big enough input to the way it looks.  The other Roles are Producer, Photograper, Prop/Stylist, Model Recruitment, Assistant for props and lighting.

Working to a Brief : 2 ( Location) - The Briefs

This is now my second workshop task in this Professional Practice module, this time we were split into small groups of around 5 people in each group.  This workshop in the on Location shoot using models and props.  Each group again would have to handle street casting, model release forms, styling and prop re-sourcing, organisation of location times and location equipment.  This was test number two to see how well we work with a different team and on location, whilst dealing with an industry standard brief, along with lighting skills and photo-shoot knowledge.

This briefing explained and assigned today is for a shoot that will take place in One weeks time and therefore means we again have one week to plan out and produce the shoot.  Next week will be the shoot day and then the week after will be the de-brief about the shoot.  The same as before, i know that I am capable to play any of the roles in a team, even producer and handling everything but I thought I would wait a while, see who was in my group this time and see what happens.
I played quite an important part in Brief 1 and think that I could play just as big role if not bigger in this second brief, the reason for this is because the group is smaller and therefore I could speak up and take charge for a while and help group the team together.

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The Two Location Briefs were explained to us;

Brief One - DAZ
Proctor & Gamble want to produce an advertisement for their leading washing up powder, Daz. 
They are after a fresh, bright image to appeal to young men / women between 18 & 25 to show the benefits of using Daz, i.e you only have to wash your clothes once, thus giving you more time to pursure the life you enjoy.  The idea is to have a young man (18-25) dressed as a goalkeeper, in front of some goalposts which he has used to hang up his washing.  He proudly shows off this washing by resting one foot on a packet of Daz, in a self-congratulatory/proud pose.  

Format - The image will appear as a double page spread, for various mainstream mens / womens magazines - GQ, Heat, etc.  The Daz logo must appear on the top left of the image, so be sure to leave space for it.
Location - A football pitch, with generic buildings in the background.  The setting should feel urban, but also have a sense of freshness and openness. (The client wants to see a selection of locations, to see that the right one was chosen).  Also check with landowner / council to confirm permissions are in place.
Casting - As previously described, the client requires a young man between 18 and 25, who looks fit and healthy - a goalkeeper.  Your average Joe, no catwalk models.  (Again, the client wants to see evidence of a selection process, you need to street-cast  potential models).  The client also requires a model release form.
Prop / Styling - A selection of clothes for the washing up line, as well as a goalkeepers outfit/kit are obviously essential.  The wardrobe should be that of a young male.
Style / Lighting - The client wants the viewer on the individual and particularly the box of Daz at his feet.  You need to develop a way of bringing the product and model out of the shot.
Conclusion - The client expects to see a fresh, bright style to the images.  They also expect to see a selection of angles shot in different formats both landscape and portrait for multi-purpose use in advertising.

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Brief Two - SAMARITANS
The Samaritans require an advertisement produced for a new campaign they are running in regards to the well - being and mental health of office workers.  Depression effects many office workers, but usually due to their hectic lifestyles, they are often able to appear happy on the outside, while depressed on the inside.  The idea is that the client wants to show this visually by creating an image of an office worker (male or female), and have the top half of them dresses in a suit holding a briefcase, and the bottom half dresses as a clown.  The office worker is to appear  to look sad, by over exaggerating his / her facial expression as a clown might do. 

Format - The image is to appear as a single page spread for various newspapers and magazines.  The Samaritans logo will run along the bottom of the image, so leave enough dead-space for this.
Location - The client wants to portray this office worker standing on a beach, holding his / her jacket over his / her arm and briefcase in hand.  Ideally, there should be some headland in the background of the image, to indicate it is located in the British Isles.  The client wants to see a selection of locations, to see that the right one was chosen).  Also check with landowner / council to confirm permissions are in place.
Casting - The client requires a male / female, between 25 and 40, who looks like your average office worker.  Straight looks and haircut, he or she has to look believable.  (Again, the client want to see evidence of a selection process, you need to street-cast potential models.)  The client also requires a model release form.
Props / Styling - A simple shirt, tie and jacket, as well as a briefcase for the top half of the individual.  A pair of clowns trousers and shoes for the bottom half.
Style / Lighting - The client wants the viewer to focus on the individual and have the lighting appear to separate the figure from the background.
Conclusion - The client expects to see a fresh, bright style to the images.  They also expect to see a selection of angles shot in different formats both landscape and portrait for mulit-purpose use in advertising.

Lecture Content Responses 3

Agents
Whilst in class I was looking up some Agencies as part of a task, and was looking at Peter Bailey's Agency.  It looked fantastic and there was actually a lot of photographers that I had known and researched about that were on Peter Bailey's agency.  Here are some other great one's that I have looked at after class. Lisa Pritchard, Wyatt Clarke Jones, Horton-Stephens, Peter Bailey, Trayler and Trayler, Vue-Us. I love to look on agencies like these ones, as i just get lost staring into amazing photography by so many photographers an hope that one day I could be in an Agency like these.
Here below are my notes from agencies.

Applying for Funding
This is something that I would most definitely do when I finish University for my own brand.  I would write out a funding application summarising my project and pitching my idea in a short minute. I would also write up a structured, simple plan of action with a time line.  Planning a Budget is important too.  Sponsorship and Time management are two thing to have before sending a funding application.
I can apply for grants through many different sites, but for this, the application is assessed to see if they think it is worth getting a grant for.  It has to engage with the public and fit in with my current work and future developments. I would also have to explain exactly how I would make it happen in stages of my activity. Finance and an Evaluation is to finish the application for funding.  This is only something I will do when ready to and when I feel like I could do with one.

Lecture Content Responses 2 - Portfolio's

Marketing the Practitioner

My Portfolio Box

Portfolios to Paperwork

I have just finished Compiling, editing and presenting my Portfolio for this particular module.  There are a lot of benefits to having a printed portfolio and I personally love having one. Printed Portfolios are always good to have and will probably never disappear no matter how good technology gets. As long as there are face to face meetings, and as long as there are printed end applications like magazines, brochures and posters etc, the portfolio will still have a place. 

Most advertising and design agencies and most magazines and newspapers still ask to see a portfolio in hand, even if it is private clients like weddings, families and portraits, it is just nicer to present them as a folio rather than on a laptop.  Clients tend to look at websites and then still ask for the request of a portfolio, which ever industry I go to, I need to make sure my portfolio is at a high standard because is says a lot about a photographer, keeping work, clean and up to date is the right way. 

• The best Portfolio box or case that I can afford will be the nicest to use, especially for 3rd year and leaving out into the real world.  That's why I have a Silver print A4 box. 
• I need to consider a case for my business cards to make sure they do not get crumpled, and the Portfolio Box is the colour Black, It is standard and most professional. 
• The prints will be of a good quality and on a decent paper type. 
• I have worked with paper types before and know the differences between a good paper and a bad paper.  I would like my prints to suit the paper I choose, so I may have to look back at all my different paper types to decide what looks best. . 
• I will not have any sleeves in my portfolio as they are reflective and make it harder to see the images.  The size for my Portfolio box and prints is A4, I only choose this size as it is my first professional Portfolio Box that I will be getting, when I produce another Portfolio later down the line with much more base to my work I will get an A3 box so I can show the images off. 
• I will include additional materials as well as all my necessary contact details at the beginning of my portfolio.  This will include my name, address, my website, phone number and e-mail.  This is important If I am unable to find some business cards cases. Cover letter and Contact Details.
• It is known better to keep all Portfolio prints either all landscape or portrait, according to what best suits my work, but also says not to mix them up at all.  I have quite a few of each so will have to sort this out a bit later. 
• The standard photo number for a Portfolio is 25-50 images.  Some pages could have multiple images on the same page, this can be appealing to design agencies and magazines who are used to looking at images as stories rather than singular images. 
• I will make sure all images within my Portfolio are kept to a similar theme and are right for the viewer or client I can potentially show to, and will only show my best work.  
• Making sure the Images flow well is important too, should have a beginning, a middle and end.  Its sometimes good to include strong work at the end as well as the beginning. 
• My Portfolio should be updated regularly as I want to give the impression I am constantly working on new projects and new imagery to keep it looking fresh.  

Lecture Content Responses

Lecture Content - My Critical Responses

I wanted to include the Lecture context so that I could give my own views and critical responses to each of the individually. Through out my lectures I have been shown information about The Professional Practitioner and The Law, The Business of photography and Marketing the Practitioner, which have included topics such as Copyrights, Moral Rights, Contract Law, Going Freelance, Company Set-up Considerations, Portfolios to Paperwork, Agents and Associations.  I have also been shown how to Apply for Funding.  All of these things are extremely important to me as a Photographer, so I will need to take all into consideration when continuing my Career after university.

Copy Rights & Moral Rights

This lecture held some very important information that is something that every photographer needs to understand.  I know that it is quite heavy stuff when it comes down to copyrights and rights, and if I learn all of it by heart then I should be able to make sure nothing bad happens to any of my images in the future.  Moral Rights are an integral part of copyright law. Moral rights emphasis is to maintain the integrity and honesty of a piece of work, rather than protecting its economic value.  Moral rights are personal to the photographer and cannot be transferred to someone else, unlike copyright which can be assigned.  I learnt that moral rights and copyrights last for the whole of the photographers life plus 70 years after death.  Copyright comes down to the rights in which the photographer must know in able to deal with them. Ideas are not protected by copyright as they are only 'products of the mind'. I will not assign copyright to anyone at all for any of my images, if I do so i will loose all Control of what happens to the images.  I am careful and take all this into consideration at any job. 

Going Freelance & Self Employment

I know already roughly how to store everything if Self employed. I know from people I know with their own business's.  But learning about each step is very helpful, registering for self assessment, record keeping of business records, such as cashbooks, invoices, bank statements, receipts of purchases etc. People like my mum who is an accountant has told me how everything is kept for a minimum of 7 years so it is something I will always do. 

Company Set-ups & Starting a Business

I have already started to set up a business and created all medias necessary, I have reached out as a brand and have got quite a number of customers willing to be clients,  but there is much more to do to really get the business up and running.  I need to research my market even more and identify potential customers.  Finding partners in business I have already partly done with my sister who is a Graphic Designer and Photo Editor, she designed my logo for my brand. Funding is also something I could consider.  Understanding my markets competition and picking the target has done but I would prefer to aim to a young adult audience. My marketing message includes what my brand is like, along with the behaviour, personality and values I care about. 

I have quite a few different Marketing Media's but I would like to extend and create more within the near future. I have medias such as a website, business cards, word and mouth, leaflets, networking, and e-mail, but hopefully once I finish university I can branch out even more and produce advertorials, posters, brochures, enter more competitions, newsletters and articles.  And door to door leaflet drop is something I should do as well as window displays.  All medias to get my photography brand out there, i just need to be a little more prepared first. 

Business Planning involves things such as Profit, Cash-Flow, Pricing, and the Pricing Policy.  If I choose to develop of my Business as part of this project then I will Include all of these things within the live brief.