Contacting Aireworth Dogs in Need to gain work experience

I recently volunteered to photograph for Aireworth dogs in need after seeing an advertisement for a photographer. I have been in contact with a lady called Sharron Brigg who helps run the charity. I have been in touch with her over the last 2 years regarding my photography projects but nothing came of it. I have shown I am very keen to help out and this has finally paid off.

So far I have been in touch with Sharron and a fosterer. I managed to sort out a very confusing scenario with communication which I didn't feel was professional of the charity. They some how managed to get my mobile number and gave it out to a fosterer. After sorting out the communication between all of us I arranged to meet at Cliffe Castle - a local tourist attraction. It thought the land would make a beautiful background.

I have volunteered for animal charities before and never really kept in contact with them. I think this was because I didn't have much confidence in my photography. I think I am ready to show my work and to be happy with it. I have learnt a lot over the past year because of my availability to take photographs for people.

Although I will not be getting paid for my photography it is an opportunity to get my name seen. As well as working on my skills as a dog photographer.

An interview with Iain Moyser

After the interview with Ryan Sparks he was kind enough to recommend I get an interview with Iain Moyser because he is a marketing manager too.

I asked the same questions as I asked Ryan because they are relevant to Iain Moyser. Instead of recording the interview I typed because we were in a public place and it was hard to hear what he was saying myself. Here is my interview:

What is your profession(s)?

Marketing manager for Europe's largest printing company - The Northern Flags.

What does your job involve?

Currently he is working on re-branding the UK's work which includes website development. The work he is doing at the moment is a big deal for the future of the company because it is a step forward in a new direction. He is working on automating their services via the new website and this will change the way the company operates. He is in charge of anything associated with marketing. He will soon be launching a company that should make a huge difference to the future of the business. He is organizing development in social media because the company does'nt have much involvement on social media at the moment. 

What skills are required to do your job?

An understanding of marketing channels like social media is an important skill. This is because it has changed so much in the past 5 years you need to have a solid grasp of whats the latest trend. You need to understand data that is put in front of you, therefore having a skill of studying information is key. You also need to be able to work solidly. Be good at researching and collecting information (data analysing). Skills in web design and graphic design is key.

How important is social media to your comapany?

The company is pushing for the use of social media at the moment because the customers reviews have shown they are very interested. They are on some social channels but the main one they use at the moment is twitter because it is easy to use and can spread news further. He believes it is very important to be active on social media and to regularly write posts. You can't put a post on social media and leave it weeks even months before posting another or you will loose the interest from your customers, 

Does your company hire photographers?

Yes they do but they don't have a regular photographer. They are interested in pushing photography in the future to expand their business. They could do with an in house photographer at the moment. A photographer would make a massive difference to their company. They are only interested in having one photographer though.

What would you look for when hiring a photographer?

He would look for an edge to their work. They don't want dull, boring work. The photographer needs to have an eye for their brand especially for re-branding their business. 

Do you use Photoshop in your work and what features do you use the most?

Yes. He uses displacement mapping to to brand stock onto images the most but uses pretty much every feature of Photoshop. 

Do you work to deadlines? Can you describe one time where you felt under pressure delivering to a deadline?

Everything is done to a deadline. He is re-branding the new website at the moment and starting from scratch but needs to have it finished soon. One time an editor of a magazine wanted him to write for them and needed it to be done the next day. He sent the work in and an hour before the deadline they said they didn't like it. He had to re-do it within 30 minutes and make final changes in 5 minutes. 

What are your top tips for setting up a business?

He has set up two businesses before - one failed and one was successful. He cannot stress enough how important planning is. You need to understand financially what you are getting yourself into. Don't get lost in believing things will get better when they start falling apart. Marketing is the most important thing. Be prepared to change. 

Are there stages in succeeding as a business?

You need to start planning and preparing yourself for worst case scenarios. Understand your finances so you know you have the money in case things start to go bad. Have a strong and consistent marketing strategy.

Is branding important?

Yes massively. You need to know your audience. You need to know who you are. What do you want to present to people? Do you want to be approachable? 

What makes a good brand?

Understanding your competitors, your voice and your audience. 

Do you believe working in media is a sustainable future?

Yes - people will always sell things. Everything is becoming more automated. Copywriting departments are disappearing. You need to have so many skills. People don't want to be paying money to hire several people when one person can do them all. 

Thinking about photographers you know, do you think it is important for a photographer to be flexible in their work? i.e. photograph different subject areas/expand into different roles?

Answered above.

What I have learnt from this interview is that I need to work on my branding. I know I would like to be a dog photographer and I need to focus my branding on the right audience and to show who I am with my branding. Being good at dog photography and knowing I want to be a dog photographer is great as a starting point but I need to also know as much as possible in photography because as Iain explained..having as many skills as possible will make it easier to be hired in the future. I would like to be more open on my choices to accept work experience. At the end of the day, being financially stable means not always being able to choose what you want to do. 

13/04/16 Business Skills

What were you paid to do?

I was paid to photograph a friends dog. I was only paid £20 because they were a friend. I was given the opportunity because he liked my first photographs (studio lighting) but wanted some photographs outside.

How did you give your images to the client?

Yes I gave the edited images to the client.

What are they allowed to do with the images?

They can use the images for personal use. They can have the images on social media but again for personal use only. 

Are there any restrictions on their use?

I discussed that I did not want the images using for advertisement purposes. 

Here are some of the photos I took:

Interview with Ryan Sparks

Interview with Ryan Sparks

Had a voice recording of the interview but could not add it.

1.  What is your profession(s)?
   He is public relations and marketing manager for ISC global who supply kit and sporting apparel to some of the biggest clubs in the world. Also managing director of Mirfield Stags rugby club.
2. What does your job involve?
   Day job as PR and manager means he is responsible for all marketing and public relations. Creating strategies and sales leads. For the Rugby club he is responsible for the day to day running of the club. Making sure they meet all requirements. Team leading. Ensuring the club is financially stable.
3. What skills are required to do your job?
4. Interest in social aspect of work. Social networking is key in this industry. You need to know everything that is trending at the moment. Aware of seasonal things. Constantly one step ahead
5. Does your company hire photographers?
6. He is responsible for hiring them if they did. There isn't a need at the moment for a photographer but they usually get a freelance photographer. This is better for budgeting. For the Rugby club they have people at every game and sometimes they pay them but other times they volunteer. He usually looks at portfolios.
7. Do you use Photoshop in your work?
8. photo shop is an essential part of his work. He uses mainly layering, masking, cropping. 
9. Do you work to deadlines? Can you describe one time where you felt under pressure delivering to a deadline?
    always works to deadlines in both his jobs and previous jobs.
10. What are your top tips for starting a business?
11. sound business plan. Financially stable. Have Capital. Know your market and audience.
12. Are there stages in succeeding as a business?
     Yes. Rugby club has a 5 year plan. targets to hit. your successful when you have profited in your first year. Base your success on growth. Strongest businesses are on social media.
13. Is branding important?
14. Branding is the most important thing. You need to have it perfect. you'll fail without it.
15. What makes a good brand? Consistency. Strong.
16. Do you believe working in media is a sustainable future?
17. depends on the media. He worked in journalism before and he doesn't believe that will last in the future. The printed form anyway.
18. Thinking about photographers you know, do you think it is important for a photographer to be flexible in their work? i.e. photograph different subject areas/expand into different roles?
19. yes. The financially poorest photographers stick to one role. easier to hire with more skills.

Logos from Graphic Designer

Frances Stokes got back in touch with me and sent me some images of what she made.

I really like the first image and I think it will look good on business cards and promotional packs. I'm going to see what the text looks like moved around. I will need to work on a water mark for my images because I won't be able to use that image for it.

After moving the text around myself I have decided that this looks best and I will use this as my logo and water mark.

Getting in touch with a Graphic Designer to make me some Logos

Creating a logo with Frances Stokes (Graphic designer) [Facebook Conversation]

• Abbie Rose Wade
  

  
  

  
  

  Hi Frances. I have a module at uni where I need some logos. Do you think you can make me some mock up logos by Sunday?
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  4/05, 11:28am
  

  Frances Stokes
  

  
  

  
  

  Yes I will try get some done for Sunday but if I'm too busy when do you need them by? Also could you send me some details of what you want.smile emoticon
• 

  4/05, 11:28am
  

  Abbie Rose Wade
  

  
  

  
  

  Thank you I have a deadline on the 4th may but need to have the work done way before
• 

  4/05, 2:21pm
  

  Abbie Rose Wade
  

  
  

  
  

  I need a mixture of logos and water marks for a module at uni. I have to show for the module that I will be setting up my own business for when I leave uni being a dog photographer. If you can do some logos and watermarks with these 3 names for the company that will be great: unleashed dog photography, paw print dog photography, Abigail wade dog photographer. I prefer unleashed so if you can do 2 different mock ups of that it will be fabulous. I will send you photos of logos I've seen that I like.
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  4/05, 2:24pm
  

  Abbie Rose Wade
  

  
  

  
  
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  Abbie Rose Wade
  

  
  

  
  
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  4/05, 2:25pm
  

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• Thursday
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  4/05, 6:37pm
  

  Frances Stokes
  

  
  

  
  

  Not a problem. I will be in touch soon.

Working on a LOGO

I will be researching into other dog photographers logos and watermarks. This will give me an idea of what I want mine to look like.

Here is a selection of logos taken from 3 different dog photographers on the internet. My favorite photographer so far is the Phodographer. I have referenced her throughout this blog and I would say she is an inspiration to my work. Compared to the first two photographers the Phodographer has a style. She is anonymous and I like this. I would prefer to be anonymous because I'm not sure I want to be a dog photographer full time. 

All three of the photographers have an aspect of what they do in their logos (the paw print, the dogs) and I think this works well. It's a perfect way to show what you do without any images which will be good for business cards. 

Having two different logos for my work is what I am going to work on. I think two makes the work more interesting and can be used specifically for different things.  

Becoming a professional dog photographer

To become a professional dog photographer I will need to start thinking about marketing myself. I need to think about my target audience and how I can reach them. Here is a list of what I think I need:

LOGO

WATERMARK

WEBSITE

ABOUT PAGE

PRICE LIST

BUSINESS CARDS

DOG PHOTOGRAPHY POSTCARDS

PROMOTIONAL PACK

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

To achieve some of these I would like to work with a graphic designer to help me with a logo and possibly water mark. I think it will benefit my work if I get in contact with someone in marketing to understand more about setting up a business and to gain tips in being successful. I would also like to get in contact with a photographer. Not necessary a dog photographer but at least a freelance photographer to again, gain knowledge in setting up a business in photography.

SWOT TWO

Skills

1. Creativity 
2. Incorporating fun
3. Understanding the behaviour of dogs
4. Problem solving
5. Time management
6. Photo shop
7. Lighting

Weakness

1. Can sometimes forget things under pressure
2. Talking to people about my work

Opportunity

1. Talk to people about my work 
2. New pets have been adopted in the family 

Threats

1. Organisation
2. Confidence

Improving my lighting skills

On my S.W.O.T from the start of this module I talked about my poor lighting skills. I have finally decided to do something about this. It is the Easter holidays and I have decided to loan a lighting kit from college. Here are my outcomes;

I have found lighting to be a nightmare in the past but I think this is because working with animals is extremely hard. Animals move around which means your lighting can be perfect to begin with but your results show all the negatives (extremely light patches, shadows or too much darkness). I ended up moving the lights around several times. I think it would help a lot more if I had an assistant to keep the dogs occupied whilst I deal with the technical aspects.
Although I worked in a small space and had no assistant I think I improved my lighting skills. I was not lazy during the shoot and moved the lights whenever they were needed. I did not rely on my photoshop skills to change the background. I problem solved through out the shoot by using materials around me to keep the dogs entertained and to change the background.

Competition

I've recently been searching on the internet for competitions I can enter that will show off my skills as a dog photographer and to use for Publish or Perish. As a dog photographer the best places to enter are well known dog photography competitions such as The Kennel Club. After searching the internet for a while I believe this is the only competition that looks professional. Other competitions advertised on the web are small businesses where anyone can enter. The images posted on them sites are commonly photographed on mobile phones. Because of this I will not be entering them.

The Kennel Club have a competition that is free and I feel I will benefit entering. There's 6 categories I can enter; Dogs at play, Dogs at work, Portrait, Puppies, Assistance dogs and Dog charities, Man's best friend and Oldies. Only one image can be submitted per category. If I was to win in either of these categories my image will be displayed in the kennel club art gallery in Mayfair London and I will also be provided with ONE Smugmug business account and a two day course hosted by Andy Biggar photography - one of the best known professional dog photographers. Plus a framed image and certificate. The runner-up winners will also receive the same. Entry closes on the 30th March at 5pm.

I have decided that I would like to submit these images in these categories;

Dogs at play

Portrait

Puppies

Oldies

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/our-resources/competition-details/

Dog photographers I plan on getting in touch with

1. Nick Ridley – Telephone: 01296 655690 – Mobile: 0777165584 – Email: nick@nickridley.com
2.  Andy Biggar – Online form
3. The Phodographer – Annie marie King – Phone number: 01904 777323 – online form
4. Elliot photography – daytime: 01943880777 – Mobile: 07972354487
5.  Rebecca Ashworth –Sit stay capture -  Online form – Facebook
6.  Eloise Leyden – forest pet photography - online form
7.  Adrian Bangham – online form
8.  The dog snapper – 07813194638 – online form
9.  JFerrett photography – phone: 07920196950 – email: Capture@jferrettphotography.co.uk
10.  Erin Vey – studio@erinvey.com

An example of one message I sent

I planned on asking questions when she replied

All About Me

FROM a young age, Abigail has shared a passion for animals and, from the age of 16, she has worked as a photographer of dogs.

Having studied for a degree in the field of photography, while piecing together a lenghty plethora of projects in the area, Abigail has gained a high level of industry-standard experience.

Over the past three years, Abigail has volunteered her time within leading pet charities, photographing dogs of all breeds in order to gain vital experience, in addition to adding to an ever-growing portfolio of work.

Abigail takes pride in dog photography, providing memories for owners, families and friends, which can last a lifetime.

All about animal photographers

Once finding who you want to be as a photographer the next steps after collecting photographs is presenting your work. Every photographer should have a website and an 'about' page. This post is going to explore the about pages of my favorite photographers as well as some new dog photographers I have not looked at before.

The first photographer I will be looking at is Tim Flach. I have admired his work for many years and so this will be very interesting for me to comment on how his BIO is presented. 

The first thing I noticed was the amount of text that has been written, which is a good amount. The first paragraph is informative, it tells the reader what Tim Flach photographs, what he is interesting in as a subject matter and what his intentions are. The second paragraph talks about the work he has done including the names of the books he has made. A good way to promote his books. The last paragraph promotes him as a professional photographer by flaunting his participation withing the Royal Photographic Society and an award from Norwich University. Followed by where he lives and works including his family. 

In my opinion I think his 'about' page would be better if it only had the first paragraph. I understand how it would be important to include the work he has done, as well as rewards for potential clients. However, there are more pages on the website that again repeats the projects he has done and the books he has made. 

At the bottom of the about page is a link to 'View Wikipedia Page' which I think is unprofessional. It makes me feel like the author could not be bothered, as though it has all been written before. Because of this I still believe the second and third paragraph should have been deleted. 

 I have recently discussed The Phodographer in another post because her work has become a new inspiration to me. I like the way she has written this herself and it is not in third person like Tim Flach's about page. Her information flows well by telling it like a story. She starts by telling the reader how she began photographing dogs to what she offers. I do think the start of the page could have been condensed down. 

Nick Ridley is a dog photographer I have not looked at before which mixes this blog post up a bit. The first thing to point out is the text at the top of the page that tells the reader he has been a dog photographer for over 30 years, something a reader is not really bothered about and could have said 'Nick Ridley is an experienced dog photographer..'. 'During 2015 he took over 45,000 dog related images' again some more useless information. Reading on I began to get bored, it goes on and on about what he has done. I think it would have been better if he had told the reader what he does and what he will offer you as a client. 

How to find out more about your subject matter

Understanding where and how you can learn more about your subject matter is important for a photographer. You need reliable information that is up to date. Gathering knowledge about the genre
you would like to work in is also important firstly because you need to know what photographer you are and secondly because becoming a photographer is a lot of hard work as it is a competitive business to get into.

How to find out about your subject

• As a starting point read about your subject online.
• Go to your local library and read books that are relevant to your subject. 
• Read E-books.
• Find articles in news papers or magazines.
• If your subject is exploring a current issue watch the news to see if there is anything relevant.
• See if there are any blogs with information that you can use. 
• Look at websites.
• Find out direct knowledge about the subject by interviewing people and photographers.
• Go out and photograph

How to find out more about your genre (fine art documentary)

• Visit Galleries.
• Look at photo books.
• Email photographers.
• Email gallery curators.
• Experiment with your photography.
• Look into how other photographers present their work.
• Find out how to make your work stand out.
• Experiment with promotional material.
• Work with others.
• Ask people about your work.

Knowledge and Understanding of the Professional and Contextual Location of my Practice

A discussion in class took place where we separated into the photographic genre we are interested in working when we leave college. I decided that I would best suit either Documentary or Fine Art because I document memories for customers by photographing their pets. In addition to this I enjoy working on personal projects where I explore current issues with the intention of raising awareness. It is important for me to understand the skills that are required to be a dog photographer and these were discussed when I was with people in my class who were also interested in documentary photography.

The skills we decided are required to be a documentary photographer was firstly to have a moral standing, because there are times when we are working on a project that could be offensive to other's.  Being culturally and ethically aware is another skill that contributes to having a moral standing. It is also important to be comfortable talking to people. This is most commonly used when your project involves gathering information on a specific place or subject. In my case I find this skill most useful when I am talking to a customer or finding out different viewpoint on an issue I am exploring. A good skill to have is being able to capture the moment and in my opinion is something you can't learn but must come naturally to you. Being familiar to the camera follows the last skill because when you see a moment you want to capture it is important to know how to use your camera fast. There's nothing worse than missing a great photograph because you didn't change the camera setting fast enough. Attention to detail is also a key skill required for a documentary photographer because this can influence how the viewer will interpret your work. Researching is another skill that is needed because this contributes to being culturally and ethically aware, having moral standing, knowing who to talk to, learning as much as possible about your subject or project and to learn skills with your camera.

Skills required within other genres:

Fine Art

• Innovation 
• Current issues
• Having a style
• Understanding other photographers
• Understanding the output's of work. E.g. materials, print and book formats.

Commercial

• Being Reliable
• Organisation skills
• Self promotion
• Professional presentation
• Problem solving
• Being punctual
• Being technically sound

Fashion

• Communication
• Ethical in work
• Reliability
• Knowledge of clothing
• Technical skills
• Organisation
• Problem solving
• Knowledge of others

Gathering knowledge of dog photographers from websites

To become a professional photographer it is essential that I emerge myself within the chosen profession I want to go into. As a starting point I have decided to study dog photographers websites. I will be looking for individuality from dog photographers in the local area to help me build a professional and successful business.

The image at the top of this post is a York based dog photographer's website. The thing that strikes me most was the title 'Phodographer'. I thought it was a playful way to present themselves. The sub title is also a creative phrase that captures the viewer from the first look at their website. There is a fun but professional theme running throughout the website from the catchy titles and decorative logos. The home page presents her as a successful photographer by flaunting an award as well as positive feedback from a customer. As I scrolled down the home page I picked up on some flaws. In my opinion there is too many images and information added. I think this would have been better presented on a different page.

There was only one image lower down the page that I liked. It was the last image on the left. I felt this again reflected the photographers creative personality with the theme of exploration.

Within 'the phodographers' portfolio I saw the use of two different watermarks. Both watermarks are the same as the logos on the website. I think this is good branding and is not repetitive which is admirable for my images. There is a selection of about 35 images on this page. All of the images are strong and reflect her style as a dog photographer. However I would argue that 35 may be a little too many because there are only so many dog portraits and family portraits you can look at before it gets boring. I would have liked to see more still life photography to break up the images so they are more interesting.

The information page is a bit of a let down because the content has already been advertised on the home page. Whilst scrolling down the page I felt like it was going on forever. She offers a lot of different packages but a few are similar and the page could have been condensed down.
On the website is a shop page which is interesting because I would have expected to see either some still life images or portrait prints. However she sells cards and calendars which I think doesn't present her as a successful photographer like the home page. I did notice that the cards and calendars are in support of what I presume is a dog shelter but there is no information of this, nor is there anything suggesting there will be a donation to the shelter.
Another page is a link to her blog. I had a quick peak at this and found it very interesting. Her images were beautifully composed and showed a lot more still life. I will be keeping an eye on her posts from now to learn even more about her as a photographer and to learn more about myself as a dog photographer.