Thursday 20 January 2011

Subcultures - Elderly People


Subcultures Evaluation

The aim of this assignment is to visually document a subculture and in the end produce a set of 9-12 photographs that really captures the chosen subculture. I could not think of one specific subculture that I wanted to document so I chose to create a mind map to help me break cultures into all types of subcultures. I started of with categories such as Hobbies, Jobs, Lifestyle, Fans, Style, Age and from these starting points I went on to discover Giggers, Football Fans and Elderly People. These are just a few that caught my eye out of a list of subcultures, so I chose to look more in depth into these three subcultures.

After creating a mind map and looking more in depth into certain subcultures I chose to study other photographers work and look into what they document and what style they document in. I chose Jane Bown, Bruce Davidson and Phil Borges to research so I could gain some influence and ideas from. From all of them I like the matter and meaning behind the documentary as I think they portrayed their own projects in unique ways. Mainly I enjoyed Jane Bown’s work as her style was black and white but with a high contrast, which made her subject’s skin very eye catching. This was due to the contrast making the person look stronger and bolder because of the light on sections of their face.

Once I had researched into other photographers and had now gained a better understanding in subcultures, I wrote a proposal for my assignment as I had chosen to base my documentary on Elderly People. I chose to capture how they live their daily lives and decided to portray their life in two different ways, depending on whether or not they live a busy life or a relaxed life. If their life was busy I would show it in a fun colourful way but if their life was relaxed I would show it in a sad and dull way by using black and white imagery.

Now I had better structure and control over the assignment I decided to do a photo shoot so then I could gain feedback on how I am capturing the Elderly People Subculture. My plan is to try and create a similar style to Jane Bown with a black and white theme as the photo shoot shows the Elderly People in a relaxed way. I shot my first photo shoot in black and white hoping to capture the style but they didn’t turn out how I wanted them to. I gathered feedback to help capture them how I wanted them to come out like, I got told that if I take the images in colour instead of black and white I would be able to colour select the image.

From my photo shoots I collected key images that stood out and wrote about why they stood out to me as I was going to develop them into final pieces for my project. I then chose 12 images that I wanted to develop which were images from both photo shoots and use them as my final pieces. I showed a visual diary of my images as I also documented how I create the final image.

I finally presented my work in a symbolic way by attaching my images to tags and hanging them on up and down shaped wire to help show that life is not just one straight course as you have good times and bad times. To me my final pieces show a journey and contrast of life between the view and the photographs, which are the meaning I want to come through, through my work.

I enjoyed this project and found it very interesting, as I like documenting another age in life that I have yet to come up to and discover my self. It was an easy in my personal opinion as I found that my ideas came quick to how I wanted to do my assignment. I think I have completed it to the best of my abilities and done as much as I could do for the assignment.














My project was about the capturing a subculture and I decided to document elderly people, as they are a group of their own in their age range. I chose to capture the sad and lonely side of being elderly in life but also show how she is content with it.

Heroes and Villains

Heroes & Villains Evaluation

For my Heroes & Villains assignment I had to create a minimum of 3 film posters that represent both a hero and a villain. The starting point for this assignment was for me to understand what the main concept of what a hero and villain are, as well as have other ideas as to what creates a hero and villain. To help me I created a mind map of words relating to the following questions, what is a hero? Who is a hero? What makes a villain? Why are villains bad? This gave me many ideas as to what theme I could go for as well as what type or characters I could create and basically give me ideas that I can make my own.

To get a feel for film posters and what they consisted of I reversed engineered three film posters. For the film posters Little Miss Sunshine, Bridget Jones (The Edge of Reason) and Salt I looked at the colour scheme, where the image was taken, what type of camera was used, whether Photoshop was used, if the font was consistent and the angle of light. I did this for each poster and in result of that it gave me more ideas and tips as well as a better understanding of what needs to be in a film poster.

To get more concrete ideas on what style and techniques I should use in my film posters I looked into Lionsgate (SAW) and Joey Lawrence (Twilight) for some inspiration as I like both the films as well as the film posters used for them. Lionsgate mainly focused on the imagery being black and white with only one colour, which was red being used. The red was symbolic for blood and danger, which there is a lot of during the film. The imagery would consist of either one actor/actress or an object, there wouldn’t be more than one person used in a film poster. Where as in Joey Lawrence’s film posters he uses either one actor/actress or more, with a cloudy effect around them in the image, which helps give it a feel. Also the colour scheme has more colours used than Lionsgate but the colours used are dull and don’t stand out much, due to the position of the light that is on the actor/actress.

Since looking at other film posters it gave me more ideas of what I wanted to do for my film posters, now knowing what I want my film posters to be about I created two mood boards. One showing the theme as well as style of what I want my film posters to contain and the other showing the story line along with key imagery that I may use and make my own. After knowing what I want my film posters to be about I created a synopsis for my film that I would try to be shown in the imagery used for the posters.

Before creating my film posters I created a proposal outlining what I will be setting out to achieve in my film posters. The proposal included a health and safety assessment, techniques, equipment, camera settings and sketches of what I wanted my film posters to look like on camera. Once the proposal was done I started to develop my ideas by deciding on lighting, layout, models, depth of field, location, shutter speeds, exposure, fonts, make up and film poster presentation. Instead of doing 3 film posters I have chosen to do 5 due to experimentation with different effects and styles.

To test out my proposal and planning of the film posters I did a test photo shoot which was to try to create the imagery I am after. In doing the photo shoot I learnt of light issues as well as angles that needed to be altered to capture the imagery I would like. On the final shoot for my film posters I decided to change the studio around to capture the right imagery and my whole shoot was a success as I got all the imagery I needed.

On Photoshop I gave all the images a plain background whether that is black or white also I kept the images used in colour instead of using black and white imagery, as I preferred it in colour. Plus I layered text that was scanned into the computer as well as computerized text and other imagery to help create the film poster look and style that every poster has.

As a final summary I believe I completed the assignment to the fullest of my abilities as well as covering everything there was to do on the brief and more. I think I have done what has been asked of me for the unit and have used my time well to handle tasks. I found the assignment hard to understand at first but then once understood found it an exciting project to work on. I would say I need to plan more in the beginning to be able to expand more in the project.






Tuesday 18 January 2011

Wildlife Photography


Wildlife Photography

What does the job entail? -


A wildlife photography job consists of traveling the world finding certain animals, taking risks in getting the image and maybe coming across rare animals that are hard to capture. Not having fears of certain animals due to the fact if the customer or company wants a certain animal photographed. Being patient as waiting is one of the most important things to do while on a photo shoot so then you can capture the animal at its natural form.

What skills/qualifications are needed for the career? -


Being able to change shutter speeds and settings quickly as when in the wild animals can do whatever they want. So being able to be fast as well as pack up and move quickly is useful as the animal/s may run so you would have to be fit. Plus a A Level or BTEC is very useful to have due to this showing that you have experience and most importantly the basic knowledge needed with a camera.

What would the typical starting & senior salary be? -


The salary would depend on the amount of time it took for the photographer to get the image as well as the amount of money spent on travel and if underwater the boat that they would be on to dive. 

Where are positions advertised? -


Positions for wildlife photography are advertised on the internet, at a zoo, sea life centre, animal organization, newspaper etc.

Is it contract or self employed work? -


This photography job can be both contract and self employed work due to if a animal company or organization employ you for a year if your photography is good. If it is self employment then you can sell the photographs to animal organizations, zoos or sea life centers.

What equipment is used? -


I would say that two cameras are needed due to the fact if one malfunctions the you have a back up camera. Batteries, tripod, wide angle lens, macro lens and waterproof equipment is also needed due to weather or location conditions.

Wildlife Photographers -


Andy Rouse 








George McCarthy




Portrait Photography


Portrait Photography

What does the job entail? –

A portrait photographers job entails them doing family shoots, baby shoots, school shoots etc, and these can all be at a studio or the customers chosen location. If it was at the customers chosen location then the photographer would have to travel to the location so transportation is a must. A studio would be required as that is were most portrait family shoots are done. The studio would have to have a white back drop and it doing baby shoots have props for the baby.

What skills/qualifications are needed for the career? –

Camera skills are needed as the photographer needs to experiment with wide angle lens and portrait settings on cameras. Patience is needed as the customers are not natural models so you have to place them in certain places and direct them on the shoot. Plus an A level or BTEC in the course would be highly beneficial as it would have given you plenty of experience behind a camera and expanded your knowledge. Studio work would be good to have as well as being highly creative.

What would the typical starting & senior salary be? –

For this job the salary would depend on what the customer would buy when the prints are done. The typical way of pricing photographs would be to times the price that the photographer has paid to get them done and times it by 200%. If it was a location shoot and not studio I guess that it would cost more due to traveling fees.

Where are positions advertised? –

Advertisements for portrait photographers would be found in newspapers, internet, poster, word of mouth, yellow pages, friends etc.

Is it contract or self employed work? –

This is a self employed job as you work when you want, for whoever you want, it is totally up to you. The salary can be increased or decreased when needed without anyone’s permission. You can choose what props to use and what size photographs are available to buy.

What equipment is used? –

Normally when doing portrait photography I would say two cameras are need incase the other malfunctions and a laptop to do tethered shooting. Tethered shooting is needed to show the customers their photographs and for them to decide which photographs they want to buy, in what size. Studio with a white back drop and props are needed, as well as a portable back drop for doing school photographs with portable lights.

Portrait Photographers-

Yousuf Karsh



Elsa Dorfman


Fashion Photography


Fashion Photography

What does the job entail? –

A fashion photography job entails the photographer being able to work with the model that is in front of them as well as selling what is on the model. Companies that employ photographers want them to be able not to make the model the main focus in photographs but their products that they are trying to sell. On a run way at a fashion show a photographer is expected to capture the fashion model showing the product/s at there very best, both in motion and still life. Also being able to work on a random location and in a studio.

What skills/qualifications are needed for the career? –

I would say that camera skills are needed as Macro shots of jewelry is a common part of fashion. Macro can be used to take photos of detail in a garment that a model is wearing. Being able to communicate well with the fashion company to understand what they want and what the campaign is about. Also being able to direct and work with the model/s wearing the fashion pieces, as they need to work with the camera. Plus an A level or BTEC in the course would be highly beneficial as it would have given you plenty of experience behind a camera and expanded your knowledge. Studio work is also need as most fashion shoot are done in studios.

What would the typical starting & senior salary be? –

It depends on what company you are working for, if it is a high end company that is well known such as Vogue, Elle, Cover Girl, Ted Baker, Jimmy Choo etc.

Where are positions advertised? –

Positions advertised can be from word of mouth, a friend, on the company’s website, modeling agencies, cat walks, fashion magazines etc.

Is it contract or self employed work? –

It is contract work as the company would employ the photographer to do the campaign a season or depending on how good they were with the first campaign, they might book them for a year contract.

What equipment is used? –

Normally when doing fashion photography I would say two cameras are need incase the other malfunctions and a laptop to do tethered shooting. As well as spare batteries, a tripod, a ring flash for when doing straight on portraits, maybe a remote for flash or camera, wide angled lens, macro lens etc. They would also need portable studio equipment like lights, fans, pop shield and maybe a white backdrop.

Fashion Photographers -

Nigel Barker



Raya



Wedding Photography



Wedding Photography

What does the job entail? –

A wedding photography job lasts around 5 days, as there is time needed to go through all the photographs that have been taken at the shoot. Day 1 is the photo shoot of the big day. Day 2 and Day 3 would be to sort through all the photographs taken and choose or alter certain ones. Day 4 plan what photographs will be need and were they will be placed in an album. Day 5 is to send of the layout and photographs to an album company for them to create the album.

What skills/qualifications are needed for the career? –

I would say that camera skills are needed as Depth of Field and Macro is used a lot. Also there would be a lot of light changes on the photo shoot, so there needs to be settings changed on cameras such as ISO and Exposure. Plus an A level or BTEC in the course would be highly beneficial as it would have given you plenty of experience behind a camera and expanded your knowledge. Being able to work under pressure and fast at changing your setting, as well as being one step a head of the bride throughout the whole day are useful skills to have.

What would the typical starting & senior salary be? –

For the typical starting salary I say it would depend on your personal experience behind a camera and if you have ever been a wedding photographer for family and friends in the past. Also the photographer chooses the salary themselves as they are the ones doing all the work themselves. Price would normally increase with experience and what the customer wants doing.

Where are positions advertised? –

Positions can be advertised in the wanted sections in newspapers, magazines, internet, yellow pages, word of mouth etc.

Is it contract or self employed work? –

Wedding photography is self employment work as you work when you want, for whoever you want, it is totally up to you. You make your own salary, work with your own equipment, have your own places of work (home) etc.

What equipment is used? –

Normally when doing wedding photography two cameras are need incase the other malfunctions. Spare batteries, a tripod, a ring flash for when doing straight on portraits, maybe a remote for flash or camera, wide angled lens, macro lens etc. It is totally up to the photographer what they use.




Wedding Photographers -
Karen Wise
kwise_bridgehampton48.jpg







Karen+Wise1.jpg

Elizabeth Messina

030209_schwartz04_400x400.jpg

elizabeth-messina.jpg

Photography Jobs

These are the jobs that you can get in the photography industry...

  • Fashion
  • Portrait
  • Medical
  • War
  • Food
  • Wildlife
  • Wedding
  • Sport
  • Event
  • Fine Art
  • Advertisement
  • Forensics 
  • Journalist
  • Travel/Humanitarian
  • Editorial
  • Industrial
  • Astrological
  • Architecture

    Riverside College - Ian Han

    Ian Han is a professional wedding photographer who came into college and gave a talk on the dos and don'ts of wedding photography. He started off by going through his own blog showing us step by step what is needed to complete a photo shoot of a wedding. Wedding photography consists of both documentation and studio photography. The first thing to photograph is the building due to the bride and groom paying so much for the venue this can be done on any day before the wedding just incase it is too busy to photograph on the big day. When the bride is at home that is the place to start as she is getting ready for the big day starting, the things to photograph are hair, make-up, dress, flowers, shoes, bridesmaids etc. Maybe do some still life with the flowers, dress, rings, shoes. After spending time at the brides house you need to make sure you get to the reception before she does, so then you can get the transportation she comes in to the venue as well as taking shots of the people she comes with. Once in the reception it is always good to take photographs from behind and in front, also don't miss the 'kiss' and book signing of both. Straight after the reception make sure you get a group photograph of everyone together then of certain family members together like parents from both sides etc (before they go for drinks). It is good to have someone help you gather the people for group shots. Before they go for the sit down meal take the bride and groom for a walk to get a many shots as you can of the happy couple together alone. When the bride and groom have a speech also get photographs of the guests while the speech is going on as well as the bride and groom. The next set of photographs should be the 'first dance' which can not be missed it is just as important as the 'kiss'. One last night shot is always good to be taken outside the venue as this shows what a eventful and wonderful time the bride and groom have had. For all the photographs being take it is best shooting them with a shallow depth of field as no one really wants to see the background.


    Equipment: 2 Cameras are needed as one may malfunction so then you have the other camera as a back up. A wide angle lens is great for group photographs as it will fit everyone in also a macro lens os good to use for the rings and detail on the dress. Ring flash is good for portraits.

    Tips: It is always good to meet the customers and go for a walk, to let them be natural in front of you. This also lets them get used to you being there with the camera taking photographs.

    Edit: If you need to edit some photographs its is best to use...

    • Photoshop
    • Aperture
    • Light Room