Unit 9 : Task 1 - The Blog
Research into progression route
What I want to be able to progress onto is Level 3 Extended Diploma (year 2) in photography, the reason I have opted for this decision because I want to be able to take my photography further and advance my skills to a higher standard so I am able to progress even higher onto university and aim for distinctive qualitifcations i.e masters in photography, I strive to achieve the best and I will work as hard as I can to be able to accomplish my ambitions in life.
Once I have completed my Level 3 Extended Diploma photography course I believe I will be ready and prepared for Higher Education - I will hopefully become part of Falmouth University and extend my knowledge in photography and expand on my skills - learning a variety of new techniques.
The advantages of photography and completing all the courses through to the end is there are so many opportunities within the career industry, photography can make you achieve the unachievable, it can take you so many places which might of seen unrealistic in the past i.e the industry in which photography is catered with is incredible (Photography Marketing Intern, Assistant Producer, Visuals Editor, Manager etc.), your able to take advantage of all the possibilities which photography has to give - photography doesn't just involve taking photos you can go further and become the manger of your own company or editing photographs for other companies or even assisting another photographer, theres so much more involved and so many different industrial jobs that are available nationally.
Occupations for photography
These are potential opportunities for a career which you develop your skills towards -
even though these jobs do not correspond towards photography initially however theses are just a few of the career paths which your able to go towards by having a photographic background this is because a photography course isnt just about taking images, its also about analysing your own work as well as others to be able to understand the narrative and why they've chosen to specifically edit their piece etc, so each of these occupations relate to photography.
Journalist, Newspaper or Periodical Editor
Jobholders in this group investigate and write up stories and features for broadcasting and for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, evaluate and mange their style and content and oversee the editorial direction of these types of output and publication.
Typical Tasks
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Determine subject matter and undertakes research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc
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Writes articles and features and submits draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor
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Selects material for broadcast or publication, checks style, grammar, accuracy and legally of content and arranges for any necessary revisions
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Liaises with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing
Who are the Employers?
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Publishing of journals and periodicals
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News agency activities
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Artistic creation
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Publishing of Newspapers
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Radio broadcasting
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Book publishing
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Television programming and broadcasting activities
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Other publishing activities
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Media representation
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Motion picture, video and television programme production activities
Advertising accounts manager or creative director
Advertising accounts manager and creative directors plan, design, organise and direct the advertising activities of an organisation.
Typical Task
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Liaises with client to discuss product/service to be marketed, defines target group and assesses the suitability of various media
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Conceives advertising campaign to import the desire product image in an effective and economical way
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Reviews and revises campaign in light of sales figures, surveys, etc.
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Stays abreast of changes in media, readership or viewing figures and advertising rates.
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Arranges conferences, exhibitions, seminars etc. to promote the image of a product, service or organisation
Who are the Employers?
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Advertising agencies
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Motion picture, video and television programme production activities
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Manufacture of perfumes and toilet preparations
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Publishing of journals and periodicals
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Sound recording and music publishing activities
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Radio broadcasting
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Media representation
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Support activities to performing arts
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Specialised design activities
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Other publishing activities
Public relations professional
Public relations professionals plan, organise and co-ordinate the activities that promote the image and understanding of an organisations and its products or services to consumers, businesses, members of the public and other specified audiences.
Typical Tasks
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Discuss issues of business strategy, products, services and target client base with senior colleagues to identify public relations requirements.
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Writes, edits and arranges for the effective distribution of press releases, newsletters and other public relations material.
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Addresses individuals, clients and other target groups through meetings, presentations, the media and other events to enhance the public image of an organisation
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Develops and implements tools to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of public relations exercises
Who are the Employers?
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Publish relations and communication activities
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Manufacture of other ceramic products
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Media representation
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Sound recording and music publishing activities
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Manufacture of optical instruments and photographic equipment
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Repair furniture and home furnishings
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Publishing of journals and periodicals
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Performing arts
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Manufacture of soap and detergents, cleaning and polishing preparations
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Photographic activities
Photographer, audio-visual or broadcasting equipment operator
Workers in this unit group operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras and operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes.
Typical Task
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Selects subject and conceives
composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues - Arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones
- Inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary
- Operates scanning equipment too transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect
- Photographs subject or follows action by moving camera
- Takes, Records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage
- Controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems
- Checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment and mixing and dubbing equipment
- Operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes
- Manages health and safety issues
- Operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound
Who are the Employers?
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Photographic activities
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Motion picture, video and television programme production activities
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Motion picture, video and television programme post-production activities
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Operation of arts facilities
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Sound recording and music publishing activities
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Installation of industrial machinery and equipment
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Renting and leasing of recreational and sports goods
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Other construction installation
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Television programming and broadcasting activities
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Renting of video tapes and disks
Task 2
Communication Skills
I believe that communication skills are crucial especially within a working environment, to be able to achieve and complete set tasks you must have the ability of reading, writing, speaking and listening because each are essential within a workplace - communication skills don't just require just speaking it concludes in multiple skills:
- Listening to others and showing interest.
- Dealing with telephone conversations in a respectful manner.
- Encouraging interest and interaction from others within your team.
- Expressing an opinion or asking a question.
- Be able to persuade others within your line of focus.
This is just a short list of why communication skills are essential.
Communication skills are always necessary wether thats having an interview or to just do your job sufficiently - they are a vital life skill for every aspect of your life, the better your communication skills the more likely a company will qualify you to become part of their organisation, communication skills are a key quality in what company/universties looks for in their applicants. I believe that my own communication skills aren't sufficient enough for varied work placements however I strive to overcome that by developing them slowly and gaining confidents within the work area that I am with currently, ive already begun communicating within the work area i.e with my work colleagues and the customers which I attend to during my hours - however I still have some learning to accomplish.
To communicate effectively to an audience you have to be confident and proud of what you are trying to portray wether thats through photography, Media, Art or Speech, you have to be able to connect with your audience and have them feel involved within your work - I communicate to my audience using my art form of photography, I believe that a photograph expresses a thousand words - I am able to get that connection from my work to the audience and create an effective way of communication towards both myself and the audience as well as my work as a whole - this would support me in developing myself as an artist/designer, completing job or university interviews because I am able to exhibit my personal views within my photographic work, not only will I have the ability to divulge my work and express my own opinions I'm able to link my work with my desired audience and have them feel a bond between them and myself.
These videos show the vast amount of universities which supply the course of photography and where you are able to adapt further within your career choice - these universities offer an acceptable range of UCAS points to qualify for their courses, these range from 96 to 128.
Entry Requirements for each universities.
York St John University
Falmouth University
University Of Plymouth
University of Brighton
University of London
Progression opportunities
Website Reference : Creativeskillset.org
After finishing your course and graduating with your grades there are a variety of different career paths which you can adventure towards thats either going forward and doing a higher educational course in university or applying for an apprenticeship, you can also go straight into a working environment or develop new skills by taking up another course - its down to your independent choice, you could also go further and travel to different areas of world and continue with your progress in your desired career path.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great way to start or build your career, you have the opportunity to earn while you learn - having the ability to get into the creative-industry is a difficult task as well as having competitive people along side you makes the opportunity even lower, being accepted into the industry is hard however it takes hardwork to show the capabilities you can do and express why your good enough.
Apprenticeships are perfect for those who are wanting to gain on the job experience, you can develop skills, experience and even gain some contacts and doing an apprenticeship is a great way into the creative-industry itself.
What types of creative industry apprenticeships are there for photography based?
Screen industry apprenticeships are available in the areas of broadcast production, broadcast engineering, VFX, journalism and content production.
These apprenticeships go into this specified group for photography purpose:
Content Creation, Production and Post Production :
- Broadcast Production Assistant
- Creative & Digital Media Existing framework
- Junior Content Producer
- Junior Journalist
- Photographic Assistant
- Photo image existing framework
- Publishing Assistant
- Creative industries production manager
- Post production technical operator
- Production Co-ordinator
Employment
There are so many photographic job roles that you can participate in once your qualified, photography jobs aren't just about taking photos - theres so many different opportunities out there within the employment industry of photography.
Job Roles
- Advertising and Editorial photographer
- Assistant photographer
- Business Development Manager
- Corporate Photographer
- Digital Imaging Specialist (Photographic Laboratories)
- Digital Imaging Specalist (Picture Library)
- Field Service Technician
- Forensic Photographer
- General Practice Photographer
- Machine Print Operator
There are so many specific jobs that are catered around photography, and these are just a few examples of all the opportunities that are out there.
Industry research within photography
Being a photographer within the creative industry there are many opportunities and jobs which are available however dependent on where you live is another matter - your more likely to get a job which you desire if you lived within South East Of England (27%) however if you lived somewhere like the East Midlands (5%) your less likely to get the job you wanted specifically within photography however you would still have a chance of getting a job associated with photography as a whole.
Photography is also one of the highest rates of degrees which is studied within the United Kingdom (21%) meaning you have more competition to occur with while trying to up your career within the industry, it also makes you getting into the industry more difficult due to the fact that there are more variety of choice for the industry to choose from and have selective people become part of their photographic company - there is currently over 40,000 people in the photographic industry.
There are (76%) more freelance photographers than there are people who have been hired directly from education (47%) this is because as a freelancer your able to produce your own work and schedule your own hours and make money within your own time, you often get paid more if your a freelancer photographer, the average income of any photographer is (£24,131 a year).
Work Placement
While I've researched into different job roles I haven't explained them furtherly and described what qualifications you'd need to qualify for their job role - I've also chosen certain photography jobs because they are the sort of jobs which I would want to associate my career path towards.
General Practice Photographer
What does a General Practice Photographer do?
GP Photographers are commissioned by private individuals, small businesses or local organisations to take on a wide variety of assignments i.e. portraiture, wedding or commercial photography etc.
Qualifications?
You dont need any set qualifications to become a GP photographer.
Best Route In?
To get into the route of a GP photographer you don't need the academic training however you could develop your way to becoming a full time GP photographer by starting out as an Assistant Photographer - be able to learn the creative, technical and business skills on the job.
Forensic Photographer
What does a General Practice Photographer do?
Forensic photographers produce a permanent visual record of accidents and crime scenes for use as evidence in court, they are used for measurements and analysis to accompany forensic reports, articles or research papers, assigned to take photographs of graphic scenes i.e dead bodies, body wounds due to assault etc.
Qualifications?
To become a Forensic photographer, you will normally start out as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) or a Scene Of Crime Officer (SOCO).
To become work as a CSI or SOCO you must have excellent passes in your GCSE
( C - or above ) including English and either science or maths, and at least an A-Level or higher in a science subject.
Best Route In?
To become a full time/ lead forensic photographer, you would need to have a strong background and qualifications in photography however you usually start off as a CSI or SOCO as I've explained above.
Staff Photographer
What does a Staff Photographer do?
Staff photographers produce images in a wide variety of disciplines i.e. portraiture, PR and still life - there work is similar to that of a Corporate or Commercial photographer.
They are employed by large commercial corporations i.e government departments, universities, museums or research agencies and a loads of other different agencies - they have less control over subject matter and how much you work unlike a freelancer however you have a regular salaried employment with benefits.
Qualifications?
There are no set academic qualifications needed to work as a staff photographer.
Best Route In?
The best way to get into this type of photography is by starting off as an assistant photographer supporting an established corporate photographer, General Practice Photographer or local Press photographer and learn on the job.
These are just a few of the photographic jobs which I would steer my career towards after ive finished my college course as well as completing my university courses.
Budgeting/Money Management For FMP
Minimum wage for an 18 - 20 year old is £5.90 an hour however for my three Final Major Project photographs I would charge a minimum of £400 for all three photography pieces at the size of A1,
£5.90 x 10 hours = £59 for editing all my photographs, £242 + £59 = £301, I would earn a £99 profit.
£400 is a decent amount for all three photographs in my opinion because I would of spent £242 on creating the photographs this includes, the time and effort in which I had taken to create my photographic pieces i.e the editing , the equipment I had used as well as all the lighting/studio space and then printing the final pieces at £10 per A1 sheet.
Interview Preparation
What is your previous experience within photography?
My personal experience within photography is having the ability to photograph a range of subjects from models to perfume bottles, this shows that I am skilled within a numerous amount of photographic genres and have the capability to produce significant work as desired.
From your point of view, what makes a good photograph?
I believe that what makes a good photograph is down to how the image communicates with the viewer, photographs should be able to tell a story and the viewer should be able to feel connected within your art wether the emotions are anger, happiness or sadness, the most important part of a photograph is having the ability to stimulate emotions from the viewer.
What kind of photographs do you like to take and what do you avoid?
The photographs I enjoy most is portraiture and landscape, I have a passion for double exposure, the feeling of combing two different styles of photography into one and creating a concept of emotions is amazing.
The photographs I avoid are the typically standard "sunset or flower" photographs, I want to be able to express emotions within a image not show of some flowers that anyone can take a photograph of, I like to create something unique and have powerful meaning behind it.
Who influenced you the most? if there any other photographer that that you consider as role model?
The photographer that influenced me the most is Luke Anthony Gram, this is because he creates such mesmerising pieces of abstract work that it takes my breath away, he travels the world and captures so many beautiful moments and thats inspiring to me because hes the type of photographer that I want to become.
Another photographer that I would consider a role model is Cindy Sherman, she is known as one of the most famous self-portrait photographers - even though its something ill never experiment with I do love her courage and photographic work and am inspired by how she creates such crazy and out-going photographs using herself - she pushes her abilitys to the limits and that is definitely portrayed within her work.
Photography Course Research
