UCAS- Offers and my personal statement

My personal statement:

Photography, to me, is a way of expressing myself and to share a moment captured in time, which can be viewed over and over again. However there is so much more to photography. It enables us to make films, advertisements and artwork, all of which truly inspires me to want to work in this field. I believe that university will bring the best out of me and help me achieve a career path within the industry.  I am currently completing an extended diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging at Burton and South Derbyshire College. The facilities available to me ignited a passion for not only taking photos but for developing and editing. Working with other students has enabled me to see others perspectives as well as my own.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate at Canons 'Best shot' competition at London Fashion Weekend 2014. The task was to photograph two catwalk events; sort, edit and forward the images to Canon direct within 50 minutes. Even though I found the day challenging, the knowledge and understanding that I gained was invaluable. The whole experience boosted my self-confidence by working in a professional environment and the challenges it presented.  Whilst at college I was requested to shoot a drama production of 'The Little Shop of Horrors' and several other events, including team sports. On each shoot I found myself gaining valuable experience and the motivation to further develop my skill set. An area of photography I would like to develop more is the use of darkrooms and different film formats as I like to experiment.   In my spare time I enjoy watching films and other creative media, however I find myself thinking analytically about the still frames and how certain scenes portray messages. This is where I would like to expand my knowledge in the film making industry and university may be able to offer this.  I realise that photography isn't just about taking images and that there is a need to analyse my work to allow improvement. Time management and organisation skills are key for assignments as I found out whilst doing my B-TEC course and an English A-level alongside at night class. I found this has benefitted my essay writing and evaluation within my course work.   One of my favourite photographers is Henri Cartier-Bresson. The use of the 'perfect moment' style of imaging and being ready for anything sums up my passion and attitudes towards photography. It proves that you can take the perfect picture regardless of camera type or settings. It's all about the subject and the photographers view point and style.   To be given the opportunity to progress and to gain a Media degree would allow me to meet a personal goal. I feel my commitment to succeed would make me an asset to your university.

Ewen Spencer: Photographer, Publisher and Film maker

Ewen is a publisher of multiple books, all based on his style of youth culture and music scenes.

Upon leaving the 'University of Brighton' in 1997, there were no mobile phones or internet. This meant that the main source of imagery was in magazines. He had already grew up looking at magazines, such as Sleaze nation. He didn't realise this, but he had found his 'niche'. Finishing university, he photographed music scenes, with a documentary and editorial style. His music scenes included discos, pubs and raves, however the images all have a similar style and this was then picked up by a few magazines, such as Sleaze nation. This then led on to another magazine and a changing experience, in the way of photography, was produced to him. He had gone to New York for a shoot, he shot the normal amount of 20 to 30 rolls of film, to be then told they expected 100+ and he needed to reshoot. This is inspired and informed me for the working world, sometimes when working with clients, the images may not be what they expect and you may need to re shoot. However, you need the skills and motivation to work around this and in the end give the client what they need and want.

From this opportunity, he was then called up by ‘The face’ magazine, they wanted a mixture of garage scene images, only new could be used. This then placed Spencer back in his style and genre of photography.

Most of his older images were often unused, but somewhere picked up by businesses; they showed his style and what he could do. Here, he highlights the use of the internet and social media to branch out to clients and get yourself noticed.

He was then freelancing and decided to do a project on teens and sex, however after a few shots, this widened into teen culture. Whilst doing this, he used visual media to win the confidence of models, he would show instead of say what he wanted and the high quality results often persuaded them.

Whilst this was happening, he accepted commissions for advertising within his field. His most famous work, merging with his past experience with teens, was working on the advertisement for skins. This then led on to more work, with a similar style.

This image came from his series about teen culture, this is a documentary shot in a club. The images use a harsh flash, which would distract and upset the model, however enabled the photographer to capture what he needed, in otherwise low light conditions.
This also gave the images a certain style, which he used in most of his images, of this theme.
This also brings the models to the focus and front of the image and brings a contrast from the background to the foreground. 

This image is the paid advertising work for skins and shows the style, compared to his own documentary work. The flash is still being used, however the models are more glamorised and sells the programme.  He explained that for this advertisement, the company held a party for the cast and let them run wild. The photographer then was put in the usual working condition's and was able to get images more in his style and with a higher quality. This says to me that having a style is an easy way to attract clients and often clients will find you, if what they want is similar to your style.

Careers in photography:

Photographer (generally)
National careers service
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/photographer.aspx

Most photographers specialise in a genre of photography, these can include, but not limited to:
general or social – weddings and portraits
advertising and editorial – advertisements, magazines and photo libraries
press and photojournalism – newspapers and other news publications
fashion – photographing models and clothing for magazines and catalogues

With photography, day to day life includes discussing projects with clients, discussing and finding the correct locations to shoot, selecting the right cameras for the project and making sure these are up to date and usable, composing and taking shots, checking image quality and editing images, retouching if need be and also marketing and running your business.

Working hours include evening and weekends and often you will need to be flexible when working, you need to please the client.   The environment also changes during the year, some can be studio and indoor shoots, where others will be outdoor, you must be equipped for these scenarios.

Income:
"Starting salaries for assistant photographers can be between £12,000 and £17,000 a year.
Full-time photographers can earn between £18,000 and £50,000 a year.
Freelance photographers are normally paid a fee for each job, or an hourly or daily rate. Rates can vary widely depending on experience and reputation, the type of assignment and the budget available."

Skills needed:

To become a photographer, often you will have:
Creativity and a good eye for things that work.
Technical photography skills.
Reliability
And more.
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Clinical photography:
NHS JOBS:
http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/careers-in-healthcare-science/careers-in-clinical-engineering-and-medical-physics/clinical-photography/

A clinical photographer works closely with doctors, healthcare scientists, nurses and other professionals within care. They are hospital based, in a studio, in clinics or within wards. They are responsible for providing photography records  and other visual records of patients. 

Skills required:

"In addition to having an understanding of anatomy, you must show evidence of technical expertise. You may need to use particular skills creatively (such as lighting or composition) to depict some conditions effectively. It is also important to have good written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to accept high levels of responsibility.You must also have a sympathetic and professional attitude when dealing with patients and family/carers who may feel especially vulnerable. To work in clinical photography you will need effective communication and team working skills. You will also need to be confident with technology and systems/processes. If you work in a role with responsibility for resources (such as staff, budgets or equipment) you must have good leadership skills and be able to use your initiative within the remit of your job role."

For qualifications, you will need a degree in photography, followed by either a post graduate certificate in clinical photography. When only having a degree, you can apply for a position of trainee clinical photographer. 

"Registration is required for many healthcare science roles.

On completion of your clinical photography training you will be eligible to join the voluntary register of CAMIP."

^CAMIP - Committee for the Accreditation of Medical Illustration Practitioners

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Film/video editor: 
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/film_video_editor_job_description

Freelance work and using digital technology and computer software are key aspects of a career in film and video editing. As an editor, the main responsibility is assembling recorded materials into a final project that is suitable for its medium. This may include 'camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects'. Mostly, you will be employed on a freelance basis, with short term contracts. You will most likely work standard office hours, but with the often need for overtime and. You will be working on a variety of productions, including and not limited to "feature films, Tv programmes, music videos, corporate training videos and commercials".

"Your work as an editor will involve:

• receiving a brief, and maybe an outline of footage and/or a shot list, script, or screenplay;
• assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer;
• inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on the computer;
• digitally cutting the files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what is usable;
• creating a 'rough cut' (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages;
• reordering and tweaking the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

Additional tasks may include:

• overseeing the quality and progress of audio and video engineering and editing;
• experimenting with styles and techniques including the design of graphic elements;
• writing voiceover/commentary;
• suggesting or selecting music."

Work experience opportunities:

Overall I have completed 15 hours of work experience at the London Fashion Weekend. I did 2 hours at the Red nose day stall, followed by 3 hours of editing.  I have completed 20 hours, meaning I still have to complete another 10.
There are various ways of doing this, approaching companies, doing more work for the college itself, or doing commission work for friends and family. I am booked to do a commission for a birthday party, which will be around 5 hours shooting and 5 editing.

Places I could call:

Things I could do for a commission:
Ask in person, do people want any shoots doing
Ask via social media
Hold contest on social media to boost audience but also gain the experience.