Evaluation

Throughout the course of Professional Studies (Employability Skills) I gained a range of skills in professional practice. Throughout the first few lectures I learnt about Personal Development Planning and different career pathways. Learning about Personal Development Planning enabled me to become a more effective and independent learner as well as seeing changes within myself as a result of monitoring my own development. This particularly helped me with my report writing, in terms of structuring and planning for primary and secondary research.

The lecture in Week 5 about report writing gave me advice on writing and structuring the report in the right way. Prior to this lecture I thought that a report was similar to an essay, however, I realized that it is a more structured form of writing, which is designed to be read quickly, and also based on fact rather than pure argument. (At some points I did get slightly carried away in terms of writing in first person too much.)

I decided to write my report question on ‘Wedding Photography’. The main reason I went about this topic is because I would like to have my own sort of Photography Business after Graduation. By completing a survey and receiving feedback from people already within the Photography industry I have gained great advice and inspiration for my future ideas.

The best feedback responses I got back from my survey explained to me what the role of a photographer has to actually do on the day of someone’s wedding. , I got a deeper perspective from Wedding photographers in a one to one personal way. To be a Wedding photographer you need to be prepared, insured in a worst case scenario and also plan ahead before the event.
Wedding photography is the high-profile moneymaker. Most photographers generally recognize it as being a highly skilled job – not only taking photographs but also dealing with people at such a emotional time.

Before writing up my report I had to do a presentation during one of the Professional Studies lecture. In my presentation I spoke to a group of people on my table about what I was going to do my report about and my plan for writing it. Each slide addressed different concepts and a logical progression- I made sure there were no more than six lines of text on one side, so that I could speak more to the viewers rather than making them read of my presentation.
Overall, the presentation turned out well, I felt comfortable talking about my ideas and planning because it was something I am passionate about. I displayed photographs I had taken of a Wedding within my power point to allow the viewer to get a better idea of what I was speaking about and allowed them to see different styles of photography.

To conclude, the professional studies lectures have taught me to become more familiar with my chosen creative industry and the professional roles and careers within it. Not only had the lectures helped me gain more knowledge but also made me a better person in terms of time management and also communicating using a range of formats.

CV writing

I was quite uncertain as to whether to state photography jobs on my CV which I haven't been paid for. But I suppose its a job even if it is only for experience and not the money. In the lecture about CV writing we discussed how a CV is a story of your life - My skills, knowledge, experience, aspirations and passions.
I struggle speaking about myself in a really positive light as I feel kind of big headed, but I suppose I must introduce myself to prospective employers/clients who I feel I would like to work for therefore I must pursue my strengths within the Photography Industry.



A CV is a marketing document- unlike other industries 
which employ personnel staff to filter job applications, 
your CV may arrive directly on the desk of the person 
with the authority to give you a job - this person will be 
very busy, your CV has only seconds to make an 
impression.
The BASE CV should include...
Education
schools, college, university, relevant training courses
Employment
relevant to your career 
Exhibitions
when and where? Was it solo? 
Publications
have you had any work published or have you been featured in publications 
Awards & Prizes
have you won or been nominated for any? Do you have qualifications gained outside formal education – say 
sports coaching badges or Arts Award
Other Experience
volunteering, Students Union, general experience where you have gained valuable experience but not in your 
chosen field (say team work in a sales environment) 

list any memberships to relevant professional bodies or trade associations

Create an identity

Setting up a professional business can take a very long time, however, you must always do what you can to get public attention. Regarding the book 'Setting up a successful Photography Business' - Lisa Pritchard her top tips for Creating an Identity are..
Register a domain name
Design your brand identity
Use your brand consistently
Become visible through an effective approach to marketing
Be ‘the person behind the brand’

I have began my own identity regarding Photography by making a photography Facebook page, which has allowed me to show my work to anyone online anywhere in the world (If they search for Photo related stuff).
People can follow me and see everything I post, it is not in your face but it is quite an effective approach to marketing as I have had a few messages regarding my photographs.
Here is a link to my Facebook Photography page if you would take the time to view it..
https://www.facebook.com/roliphantphotography?ref=hl

Marketing

Personally, I haven't had many paid jobs although I do feel a lot more confident in terms of how much to charge for certain jobs. (Mainly because I read AOP- Beyond the Lens and looking into release forms etc.)
In the Pro Studies lecture about marketing we discussed what 'top' photographers have in common, which are they know how to build relationships with clients, buyers and curators. They also have a combination of crafts and ideas, work that gels and surprises - each week I realize step by step the changes and confidence I have been building. Whilst reading the book 'Start your own business' I came across a section about Photography that was really helpful. (It was also about Wedding Photography which was great for secondary evidence whilst writing my report.)
Wedding Photography tends to be seasonal, its all about handling all kinds of people at a potentially emotional time. Most photographers state 80%-90% of their busiest time is from May - September - with the rest of the year being relatively quiet. Many Wedding photographers will turn to other sources of income, such as portrait work or commercial. (This means pay is more flexible).
We also learnt about making an 'action plan' (Lisa Pritchard) about setting up a 'successful' photography business...

1.Have the best website or online presence possible
2.Make the most of search engine optimisation
3.Prepare the best portfolio you can
4.Do some ‘go sees’
5.Send out some printed mailers
6. Get a small print run of business cards
7. Get listed
8. Send direct mail
9. Blog
10.Twitter and other social media
11.Book a stand at a trade show
12.Exhibit
13.Place an ad
14.Publish a book
15.Enter competitions
16.Get some press attention
17.Network
18.Talk
19.Send a gift
20.Keep shooting!

AOP Beyond the Lens

In Week 7 of Professional studies we looked more into the book AOP - Beyond the Lens. The book really confused me at first, mainly because of how much information was inside- then I realized I must learn and read about everything inside if I actually become a Professional photographer. The book is an essential guide to rights, ethics and business practice in professional photography.  The book is also known as the 'Bible for photographers and commissioners, as it is a step to step guide about how I can turn into a professional photographer.

Careers Guide

Throughout the lectures of Professional studies I have been looking at various books, one being 'Photography- Careers Guide'. The book has really shown me how photography is often portrayed as a glamorous and fashionable profession with top photographers earning high salaries. However, in reality it is one of the most competitive and grueling careers open to young people. Researching into the career side to photography has made me realize that I would like to write my report about 'Wedding Photography' as it is a well-known career for a photographer that is reliable - also a job that will never go away because there will always be people getting married. I am also interesting in the subject and would like to have my own Wedding business one day in the future.
However, I learnt that photography can be an excellent career for those with talent, or technical skills, but particularly if they have both. If I write my report on Wedding Photography I will have to question Professional photographers about working with people as well as time management and equipment.

Writing a report

During the professional studies module, we have to create a report about a topic within the Photographic industry. Writing a report can be quite difficult, in terms of remembering it is more based on facts rather than opinion. After our lesson on writing a report, I felt a whole lot more confident when it come to writing it myself. From the lesson I realized that writing a report is a more structured form of writing in terms of it being designed to be read quickly and accurately in any order. A report may be a form a presenting information in business that may inform a later decision.