Feedback received.

 I informed my tutor about the amount of photographers who have let me down in giving me feedback recently. I was given the email address of a photographer called Jack Boniface-he has given a few students feedback and his an accomplished photographer and has a has his own photography business'. 

I sent him a total of 5 still life portraits that collectively created my narrative of the rise and decline of The British Empire via email.

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Feedback.

Hi mark 

So I was a little unclear in what it is you imagine you will do with photography. I would say your images fall into still life...your personal interest is in historical narrative using still life photography. Bear this is mind when shooting next time have a look at other still life work and how it can improve your very unique interest. Historical Diagramas are very cool and could be very interesting....so a great start good subject and still life technical approach.

Looking at you images, to keep it purely photo to start.  A hard light as you have tried works well in still life, can be dramatic not quite there in your images but keep playing and should find the sweet spots. The first image is my favorite and would love to see a series just on historic boat replicas. Unfortunately all your image a floored technically. They all have too much contrast and under exposed in general. 

Moving to your  sets, they felt a little sparse, however this could be very cool but it would require a massive commitment on set building and design with the photo only being the tip of the ice burg. Yours are a little underwhelming but feels there is great scope here to create something bigger. Possibly find someone to collaborate with that likes to build. 

Good luck 

Jack 

My response. 

I see that in terms of lighting I have some way to go to find "the sweet spot" that Jack refers too. I have just bought a snoot for my lighting equipment at home, hopefully this will create a better source of lighting in the future.

In terms of creating dioramas with a contextual theme, I am currently looking at this and was on this path prior to Jacks comments. I agree with Jacks comments regards to the first image (HMS Endeavor) being the best as this images I created was with a lot of tutor assistance and direction. Instead of being eager and doing all my images at home, with my lighting set, it might be a good idea to use the universities resources (while I can) and the tutors experience. Finally, I know my idea is sound and the concept is interesting. In the future, working with somebody on this or another concept would be good practice and would be good for my creativity. 

Creating a logo

The recent work on a zine was the catalyses for creating a logo. This is due to having a logo was a requirement for the zine. I wanted the logo have a dark background and white writing. Also, some imagery which is associated with photography such as a aperture ring. I also want to keep the design simple and not over complicate it.

I have researched other photographers logos to draw ideas and inspiration. 

Bing images.

As I have articulated, the most simple ideas are the best. To create my logo, I am going to use Adobe Express-as it has a logo, flier function. The first design was one I used on my zine. It used a blue aperture ring on a dark background with a white typeface font. A simple message was conveyed to the viewer was simple, my name and the the companies name.

Researching logos.

According to 5 Tips for Creating a Memorable Logo Design | Design Shack

"The mistake that most designers make when creating a logo is that it contains too much information. To ensure simplicity in the logo design, consider these guidelines:

 1 Use no more than four words (or 30 characters).

2 Stick to three or fewer colors.

3 Don’t use more than one design trick or effect.

4 Avoid thin elements for type and artwork"  

It is important that your logo is an accurate representation of your company or product. It should have a meaning that’s unique to what you do.

Think about the meaning of colors and shapes when planning the design and how those associations can impact users. (You don’t want to communicate the wrong thing by mistake.) It’s also important to think about the logo in context of your overall industry.

 

1 Does the logo show what you do or sell?

2 Does the imagery communicate the right thing?

3 Can it stand alone?

The first logo created was used on my zine.

I added a border around the page o fit the rest of the zines pages. However, as I got more technically competent using Adobe express, I began to experiment more. I did another logo using some on the same ideas from the first such as using the aperture ring.  

The example above is roughly the ballpark I wish to use for my logo. I added a shape (a camera) to the middle of the aperture ring.and used a different font format. 

Registered with Curator Space.

 To keep up to date with information and treads involving curation, I have registered for a newsletter with the website.

Competition entry

 The competition was again with Photocrowd. The brief was sunset. 

I submitted 

Entry submitted. 

Elevator Speech

 An elevator speech is a speech given in a hypothetical elevator to perspective clients. Therefore, it has to be a very concise, captivating and simple speech which "hooks" those listening. It should be about 90 words. 

The mean questions you should consider are.

1 Who am I?

2 What do I offer?

3 What problem is solved?

4 What contributions can I make?

5 What should the listener do after hearing this speech?

My Elevator Speech. 

I'm Mark Baigrie, I'm a photographer whose work has conceptual elements which are political and look at historical events. I know I'm a bit old, but that gives me the flexibility of addressing history because I've been around for 50 years. 

I am committed to researching any contextual project I undertake to make sure the finished product is completely satisfactory. If you are interested, don't hesitate and contact me, here is my zine i worked on recently with contact details included.

Thanks.

   Bing images. 

Summery of what I have learned. (update)

I started engaging with the college in 2021 when I started my diploma in Photography. in that time, I have learned a vast array of different skills with regards to photography. The most important elements I learned is the fundamentals of lighting and understanding the cameras reaction to light. Working in the studio taught me how to create decent still life and portraits while creating contrast, shadow, tone, texture, shape, space, color and line. This information helped me to create images that said something. 

I have applied what I have learned in the studio into other genres of photography so that I am adaptable to any demands or opportunities which may arise.

For my current live brief, I am producing images which reflect stages of empire.

I have also learned stop motion photography, which I enjoyed very much. Also, light painting and wire wool photography has become something I do in the winter months when there in little daylight as a way of still getting out with my camera.

The thing I am most impressed with is how I have been able to learn appropriation and creating digital images manipulated out of numerous images. I have learned this through learning how to navigate Adobe Express, Lightroom and Photoshop. I especially enjoy using famous paintings and recontextualizing their meaning.

This ability to adapt and have many different styles of photography to utilize will benefit me in the long-term and make me much more flexible in the market place. 

My style of photography. (how I define myself)

Like anybody, I go through phases of being inspired by something, wanting to learn it, achieving learning and moving on to the next project. This might sound "flakey" but this desire to learn new skills will benefit me in the long-term and lead my work to be more varied in its scope and subject matter. In terms of contextual influences, my work is influenced by politics and history. At the moment, I am reflecting this through still life photography and appropriation. I am guessing in the future I will find other way of expressing myself as I progress.

I define myself as a photographer and something of a digital artist who is currently inspired by installation and street art. I enjoy using miniature people and creating indoor and outdoor images which reflect an historical event or my ideological standpoint. 

Branding. 

The most recent life brief I am engaging in involves me creating a logo and branding myself with a zine.

My logo is quite simple of an aperture ring and my corporation name.

A work in progress but I am currently looking for an aesthetically acceptable logo which I am happy with. What I am excited about is I now have the ability to create a logo digitally and put it on all the material I produce. This is progress I am excited about when i consider how far I have come. 

Competitions. 

I have engaged with multiple competitions which have included numerous live briefs. I have a stock also of images that I have taken that I have used. I cannot just go off and go for a shoot, as I work long nights that leave me exhausted the next day. I therefore sometimes use images shot weeks ago that fit all aspects of the brief demanded. An example is a brief requested images of spring, I posted these entries.

Engaging with employers

This I haven't done and I don't wish to just yet. My current job working in social care allows me to spend hours doing my university work while, doing my job and earning money that gets me through this period of transcendence. I will feel more comfortable considering this next year or going on to do a masters. I have a long way to go so I don't want to run before I can crawl.

Social media 

This I have done. I have many local and national followers who are on Instagram, Linked In and Facebook. 

CV.

My CV is updated to reflect my new skills and pervious skills, education and employment history. 

Barriers to my ability to get a career in photography. 

Simple, not having confidence in myself and comparing myself to others who have been doing photography for years. This can be debilitating and undermine your confidence. The best way around this is dwell instead on where you are now, what you know compared to what you knew a year ago. My age is a bit of a barrier but also an asset. My age means I am dedicated to my work and I am consistent. I also look at my success in other areas of work which I have achieved and how I managed that. Hard work is rewarded-fact.

What motivates me

The thing that motivates me the most is constantly learning and developing. I am not happy unless I am learning new skills or processing facts. The thing which motivates me in photography is being able to be inspired by an image then replicating it in my own style. I also love looking at the finished product of any photograph and feel satisfied. 

What approaches and qualities do I bring to me work

I research the topic I am asked to reflect upon to create a image which represents the brief. I see my work as continuously evolves and adapts in scope. I am a hard worker who is diligent in my work and sees things through. My creativity is defined by research and being completely absorbed in any topic. 

What am I trying to achieve in my work?

At the moment, my work is trying to achieve a look at different aspects of a period in history through photography. This is done through engaging in research in a particular historical time and trying to reflect this in my images. I also like to add a satirical element to my work which is aimed at politics or the modern world. I am hoping the viewer reflects on the images of mine they have seen and question what it is about. 

An example of my work. Appropriation created showing Putin as a warmonger. 

What matters to me?

Whatever work I am involved in, my reputation is important and doing a good job is important to my reputation. In terms of photography, creating something that the client is happy with and hopefully they then spread my name thus helping my reputation. Therefore, how others see me and my work is important. I have a good reputation in social care with professionals in the council, criminal justice, probation and third sector organizations, I'm certain I can expand this into other fields too.

How I work is interesting. I have worked 6 years as a loan worker and 5 years as a manager with a team of kitchen staff and support workers. This demonstrates I am flexible and can work independently or part of a team. The type of clients I hope to attract are varied. I would give anything a go at the moment as its all practice. I can decide what I don't like and not do it again. However, at the moment, I am open minded. 

What characteristics are unique to my practice? 

My inspirations are contemporary and historical. This is reflected in my work. Rather then recreating a scene with live models, I prefer to use miniature people to represent history. This reflects how inconsequence we are as a species in the grand scheme of life. Mankind's narcissist tendencies means men elevates himself about even nature. This is preposterous and I try to reflect that in using small people-a similar concept as Slinkachu. 

Who is your audience?  

Those who share my views of the world and wish to buy my work hopefully. This could be anybody who is political or conscious of social issues. 

There is a market for my work as Peter Kennard does very well creating contemporary appropriation for mass consumption. In terms of historical narrative works, I want to create reenactments of lesser known events-not just battles (which is done by others) instead, pivotal events like The Peasants Revolt or The Charteris's taking demands to Parliament. This work has a message and a social conscious.

Is there a client who buys your work? 

In researching people who build diorama scenes and people who create model villages, there is a market. This genre is big and companies like Hornby make models for this market. In terms of appropriation, yes. Banksy is an example also of graphic works which is big money in contemporary society.

Why should people buy or hire me?

Because my work is original. Despite appropriation being popular, I.ve not seen any images that I have appropriated with the same contextual narrative I have created. Therefore, my work stands out. All I need to do now is get it noticed. 

Mark Baigrie. 2023

My first zine.

 I have just completed my first zine with a collection of images which consist of a contextual idea which underpinned the zines contents. The process took a few days from research to creation of document. The costs were quite cheap as all I required was a zine template (free from the internet) access to Adobe Express (free) and my own images. 

The cost therefore was minimal and I printed a few off to see what a hard copy looked like. I used my works printer and ink so again, no cost. This proved to be very cheap to produce and very effective when showing perspective clients in the future. The people I have showed it too seem positive in their responses so far. 

 

Images taken by my tutor when he received my zine. 

Lord Kitchener added onto a teapot using Adobe Express.

In terms of displaying my work in the future, I have in the past use platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. However, now I have created a zine and I have an hard copy, this can be shown to perspective clients and be included in my scheme of work. The zine has elements of appropriation and a contextual narrative in the form of images.  

Prices to charge clients

 How much a photographer will charge varies from photographer to photographer but they usually are:

1 Hourly rate of pay, which is dependent on the photographer experience in the field. Usually from a few hundred pounds to 7 thousand pounds. 

2 Day rate of usually 6-8 hours work. Other factors influence this such as location, type of shoot and equipment used. 

3 Per image pricing. The client pays for several images they require rather then a full shoot. 

4 Packaging pricing. This includes a set of images, shooting time and an album retouching 

5 Licensing fee. Some photographers license their images to certain clients for a set amount and set amount of time. The licensing agreement can vary.

The method the photographer uses is up to himself and the client. The model used will depend on experience and quality of previous work. 

What is an assignment?

Assignments can vary in requirement of what the client wants. You could be asked to do a number of things such as a portrait of an editorial shot for a business. Others include, weddings, animals or product photography for a business'. There are two types of clients-the public (will ask for portraits and weddings) and the corporate clients (who are interested in you taking images such as products, places and people).

Things you need to find out about the shoot is where it will take place, how many photographers are needed, how many images are required and what items need to be included in your estimate. Clients should tell you all this but if they don't-ASK.

Project requirements may include Travelling cost, hotels, models, location scouts, props, meals, equipment and pre and post production. Also, costs such as permits to shoot in certain areas and insurance. All the expenses can be estimated. Remember to keep your professional expenses separate from other expenses. 

Image Licensing is legal agreement between the photographer and the client. This allows the client to use the images for a specific purpose and a period of time. It allows the client to use the images while the photographer retains the copyright. This business' model is common in photography and it allows the client to use the image for purposes such as website, magazine article or advertising while copyright belongs to the photographer. The photographer may add clauses onto use of image such as it cannot be edited and allow it to be used in specific geographic areas.

The fees asked for licensing agreements vary depending on the experience of the photographer. The photographer may use a flat fee method or charge on the amount of times the picture is used. 

Usage

Despite being on assignment for a client, you own the copyright on your images (unless you agreed otherwise by you and the client) See below. 

 Several situations may exist where you own the copyright to an image but you may still be unable to use it.

1 Intellectual property infringement. If the image includes copyright materials such as artwork or a corporate logo that do not belong to you. Usage may infringe on the owner of the artworks copyright.

2 Model release. If you need a signed signature from a model or persons in the photo to use it.

3 Data protection and GDPR (Privacy concerns). If the image was taken where there are vulnerable children or adults such as a hospital or homeless hostel. Unless permission is granted by the adults in the image.

4 Contractual obligations. If you entered into a contract with a third party such as a licensing agreement or disclosure agreement-you are prohibited from using the image. 

5 Ethical reasons. Contents on the image may be upsetting or distress somebody-due to its offensive content, you choose not to use it.

6 Legal restrictions may prevent you from using the image such as defamation, obscenity or invasion of privacy. Due to such laws, you cannot use the image.

It's vital to understand the law when it comes to your images.

Reasons you may not be able to reproduce an image, even though you own the copyright. 

1 Privacy concerns. Even if you took the image, you may not be able to show it if it shows a person being treated by a doctor, in a care environment, You will require their consent.

2 Contractual obligations. If you have entered into a contract with a client, you cannot use unless you have their authority.

3 Trademark issues-logos and brands seen on the image.

4 Public domain Despite you owning the copyright to the image, if the image is in the public domain website, you cannot stop it being used.

5 Fair usage. If your image is used in education, news or reporting, this may be agreed upon as long as it is agreed under the fair usage doctrine.   

Pricing 

Negotiation is important when it comes to pricing.

Often, a client may state a budget of money they wish to spend. This is common with magazine assignments where the editor will inform you of home many images are required, what the pay is and any other details. It is upfront and simple. Magazines buy a one time rights and some electronic rights to the pictures. Also, they may ask for right at the time of publication of magazine. 

The magazine may pay the photographer for the amount of time spent on the assignment. You are therefore paid for the day. Doing this means you accept a flat rate regardless on how many images you shoot. The issue here is you may be giving away images at a reduced rate. A better option is on a fee based on the more value they received. The more images used, the more money given to you. If this model is used, you need to include a certain amount in a day rate (say up to six) any images after that will be at extra cost.

If you want to know what to charge in your area, contact photographers and ask them what they charge. Say, you are researching. 

Production Costs. 

All assignments can incur production costs that can spiral. It might be an idea to get a 25% advance from the client to pay for items (if it is a large project). Most clients should understand especially if you are small in business size. 

B&FC Photography Level 5. 

 

Blackpool & the Fylde College Level 5

Conclusion

When giving quote to clients, you need to consider your experience. Early in your career, you will need to get a reputation and take a bit of a hit in terms of fees charged. In the early years, modest amounts should be quoted.  

Time, How long will you spend travelling, shootings and post production.

Equipment, Make sure you add camera, lighting etc. Factor in any maintenance or replacement costs.

Type of photography, Different photographic styles requires more skill. Consider this.

Location, Think fuel and distance.

Usage rights, How will the client be using the images. Will they be used commercially or personal. Will they have control over usage.

Market demand, Is there a demand for your work in your area. If yes, you can charge more.

Clients budget, Consider the amount of money available from your client. 

Maybe consider creating a document with prices on for clients. 

A good example is the document above, these can be downloaded and tweaked to your specifications. 

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