Increase Blog Hits

I would like to find out how to generate more traffic to my blog - not this one as it is not client facing - this one is a one-off to accompany this module. My other blog has reached 5000 hits recently through regular updates and linking through to social media networks like facebook and twitter. However I only have a small number of followers on twitter and facebook is obviously family and friends and not necessarily potential clients.

Steve has mentioned that there is a way to do this and I would appreciate learning how to do this next week.

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Lighting and Strobist Photography

I am keen to get more experience and practice with studio lighting and on-camera flash. Then I would like instruction on how to make the most of off-camera flash, discovering the difference between lighting kits and hot shoe flash units on remote triggers. And then most importantly taking those skills and equipment outdoors to create stunning images.

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Studio Visits

A studio in Belper has been mentioned and recommended. A visit to this studio would be much appreciated for me to watch a professional studio in action and to see how professional photographers approach activities/briefs/challenges. Is this going to be a tutor organised event or do we need to organise ourselves? If this is a self-organised activity can I please have a contact name and number so that I can make contact sooner rather than later.

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Planning for the future

My web designer has given me a heads up on a website he has put together featuring large format photographs. He thought it would be the way forward for my website. I have to say I like it - the photographs dominate the space.

I have asked for some dummy pages based on what I currently have on my website and a price. My plan is to rebrand myself, with all the work being done in Feb/Mar ready to launch when I graduate in June. I already have the graphic designer lined up so a redesign of my website would be in keeping with this.

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Client D - Stud Manager

Brief: 

To photograph a filly before she goes to the sales in October. Not entirely sure who my client is - the owner or the stud manager - but a morning spent around horses will be good for my soul so I'm doing it even if I don't get paid.

Equipment: 

Not entirely sure if I will be photographing outside or in the covering shed or the indoor school. I will take the Canon 5D with speedlite flash and 3 lens in my bag - macro, everyday and big bertha as I affectionately call them - ask if you want the technical details.

Issues: 

Not knowing who the client was or the required outcome before I set off is an issue - I cannot prepare correct equipment or get ideas into my head about what outcomes I might want from this.

The grooms and stud manager decided that what the client was after was a suitable shot to be used in an advertisement. The grooms told me how the horse should stand for this sort of shot. A lot of shots were taken waiting for the horse to get into the correct position. 

Feedback:

With the advice from the grooms I will choose the correct image and send to client.

Invoice and Payment:

I will invoice the owner for half an hour, images onto CD and mileage. It is clear to me that the stud are not asking for this work but the owner so it is him that I will send the invoice.

Future work:

There was a bit too much hustle and bustle around the yard as a stallion was about to arrive for me to get the chance to have a chat with the stud manager about possible future work. Instead I will send him a letter asking for work.

Images:

Will send copy of these 4 images to client. Hopefully she will sell successfully. Got to say I was tempted.
Feedback:
Owner loved the images and instantly asked how much did he owe me - I love clients like that. I presented him with a CD containing his images at 300dpi (in case he ever wants a print) 72dpi (for the magazine advertisement) and lower res (so he can email them). Owner has also agreed to get me another chance to spend time with the stud manageer so that we can work out a way of doing future work together. I am seriously looking forward to that.

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Finding more clients

Looking for clients in every avenue and grabbing every opportunity.

I was boxing this morning with my personal trainer and she was telling me that she had received some free PR advice. Part of this deal is that she will be given sports equipment to review. I said I would happily do product shots of any equipment she is given so that I am increasing my product portfolio. Ultimately I can offer to sell the images back to the PR company or the manufacturers.

A happy day with possible future potential.

I was impressed by the PR company's strategy during this time of recession. To target small sole trader businesses and offer free support.

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Client C - nhs

Brief:

Brief was to show up at Branston Pavilion at Branston Golf Club and meet the Printing and Photography Manager of the NHS Trust for Burton. There I would have an introductory chat with him and have the chance to photograph an event they were holding before their AGM.

Extra information:

Arranged to visit Alan with my images after the event - there he would be able to give me feedback, show me around the hospital, talk about the different types of photography they need and discuss any employment opportunities.

Equipment:

I took my Canon 5D and Speedlite flash as the event was indoors.

Shoot:

I don't enjoy PR and Event photography when I am not very well briefed. Also as I am not getting paid I do not feel I HAVE to get THE shot in the bag. As I was walking around however a couple of the stall holders asked if could I photograph them and send them the images for their work newsletter. As this was a freebie all round I said yes why not! When I sent the images I did insist that they make mention of me and put my web address next to the images.

Issues:

None except my feelings about doing this with people watching!

Images:

Here are a couple that I like:

Derbyshire Link

Clive, RSM Tenon

NAK - Newhall Art Kollective

Client feedback:

My images were liked and we discussed how they could be used, the different uses if cropped differently and the technical issues I had had. Very useful. I also had feedback about my website saying it was very good, professional, with some lovely images. He even said he might have some of the abstract images for the hospital. Well that was tremendous and not what I was expecting.

There is going to be the opportunity to do some portrait work for their staff awards. I am looking forward to that.

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Shooting children

Things I have learnt whilst shooting children:

1. Prepare but not over prepare.

I ensure I am prepared to work in any weather. I have ideas for all weather situations and often work on the hoof as new ideas and inspiration presents itself.

2. Don't worry about equipment.

I set up my equipment before I leave the house. Choosing suitable ISO, AWB, jpeg and RAW, and multi pattern metering as I will have in mind what I am after. I don't want to be worrying about my camera - I want to be chatting to the child when I arrive.

3. Engage with the child.

This is important because they will not smile, and they will look away if you have not got their attention. Make them feel special. I do all this long before I get the camera out.

4. Pick my spot.

Backgrounds and clutter are a worry and a distraction. I generally shot with a very shallow depth of field to blur the background, but this cannot always be the case so I choose my spot carefully.

5. Get the light right.

I sometimes use flash but much prefer natural light and position children near a window or under a tree. I avoid direct and bright sunlight because it makes the children squint.

6. Clothes.

Depending on the reason for the shoot I sometimes ask for the child to have a change of clothes or a different coat.

7. Keep it short and sweet.

Children have a short attention span so I try not to wear them out or bore them. Sweets sometimes help, but you need permission from parents to hand out sweets, especially to littlies.

8. Don't panic about the weather.

Rain can result in interesting images and I never worry if it is raining. I have wet weather kit in my camera bag. Brollies are good fun for children and puddles even more so.

9. Help.

Sometimes help is required. Holding a reflector, this can be done by an older brother or sister who feel special because they are helping. Getting a child to look towards the camera, a parent standing behind you can help.

10. Composition.

Knowing what the shot is going to be used for helps me decide how to compose the shot. I will usually take a shot with more than one option eg child on left of shot and also on right - rarely centred.

With these points in mind I find I have a successful shooting experience, leave happy children and lovely images in the bag.

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Loss Leader

In marketing terms a 'loss leader' is an item or service that is competitively priced to draw in customers. Sometimes this means it is priced at a level that means the you are making a 'loss' on the cost of buying in that item (or providing that service). However the item or service will have been chosen because it is the one that people will definitely come to you for, it will be your 'leading' item. Once your customers are with you to see this competitively priced item you can sell on other items or services which will be normally priced.

To summarise - you are selling your 'leading' item or service at a 'loss' to gain competitive advantage - a loss leader.

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Client B - Lots for Tots Brief

Brief:

Brief from the client for this work is as follows:

"I need two shots of 0-5 year olds with or without their parent for the October-December magazine. I need an image for each of the magazines (Derbyshire South and Burton & Ashby). They don't have to be two different children just doing two different things. I think the closer the shot the better. The focus needs to be slightly off centre so the text can run down the side (it doesn't matter which side), plus you need some space around the focus as the photo needs to fill behind the header & footer. I very much look forward to seeing what the outcome is! The deadline for the magazines are 30th September. Please take a look at previous front covers on my website."

Extra information:

A telephone conversation also revealed that last year she had used children playing in autumn leaves being thrown into the air. It needs to be autumnal and the children have to be all wrapped up - not christmasy and not too wintry. Playing with parents indoors or outdoors is OK or even being cosy in front of the fire.

Models:

I decided to source models for myself. Approached members of my networking group and will be using Ashley. I will ensure that her father signs the model release form.

Equipment:

I will be using Canon 5D with Speedlite flash. Anything more will be too cumbersome as I want Ashley to be freely running around and having fun - so I need to be as mobile as I can be. This will not be a static studio set up.

Shoot:

I also have four different set ups for her to choose from. If I was shooting again I think I would have put the flash on. In fact I think I would have taken another camera body with the 50mm lens on.

Issues:

Boy do children move about quickly. I have a high ISO and a fast shutter speed but still some of the images have motion blur. However there were enough interesting images for me to pass to my client.

Images:

I am going to give the client the option of 4 different activities and then she can chose which she prefers. Being mindful of how her front page works and where the mast head, footers and lead articles sit I have chosen these as the ones I think meet the brief - however I am sending more that I processed in case there is one that suits her more.

Ashley gardening

Ashley cycling

Ashley clearing the leaves

Ashley playing with Play Doh

This does not fit the client brief but I will like it and perhaps her parents will

Invoice and Client feedback:

Invoice was raised and posted along with the CD of high resolution images. I send 4 low resolution images with an email to my client to give her a taste of what was coming. I posted the invoice with a covering letter and the CD first class to her.
In the meantime I received a response from my email:

"Thank you- the photos are fabulous!! The 2 I am instantly drawn to are the leaves & the bike ones. They have the room to the side & the top to fit perfectly & they are great for the season, thank you so very much!"

Job well done I think.

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Client A - resize image

Nice trip out today to deliver a job to my client 'A'.

Background:

He had asked me if I could take his favourite image of the ski resort he visits every year and double its size to 4ft wide. His plan was to frame it and hang it over his fireplace. He had been to see a number of printers and photographers with this problem and no-one had said they could help him. I asked him to give me his image and leave it with me.

Challenge:

When I got the image home I realised that it was approximately the length of two A4 sheets of paper (around 60cm). This meant I would be able to scan it on my A4 scanner and stitch the two images  together in photoshop.

Quote:

I worked out how much this might cost. I had to work out how long it would take me and apply my hourly rate to that; account for the mileage I had incurred and would also incur; find out the most effective and cost-effective way to get this huge image printed. I prepared a quote and sent it to him - he approved it. 

Process:

This was a very tricky process and I gave it a lot of care and attention, whilst not over-running the time I had quoted. Burton and South Derbyshire College shop was my preferred supplier for the print and I negotiated with them how to prepare the image and when they could do it. It took a week for the print to be ready but my client was on holiday - so there was no rush.

Delivery:

Today he was back from his holiday and back to work and we met half way up the M1.

Future Work:

He drove home happy asking if he wanted it bigger could I do it. I said 'Yes, of course'.

Payment:

I drove home with a back pocket full of £20 notes and the possibility of producing another print for him.

Image:

Les Carroz

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Finding new clients

Future work booked in:

• Magazine shoot lined up for Saturday afternoon. Requires a shot of a 0-5 year old child suitable for the Autumn cover for this local magazine. I have organised the model, her parent, her brother, and my equipment. Model release forms are prepared. Quote given.
• I have a family portrait shoot lined up for early December. Venue to be confirmed but quote given for half a days work.

Need to make sure business is a steady flow and ensure I have business filling each week.

Finding New Clients:
Stud Manager - At my weekly network meeting this morning (Thursday this week instead of the usual Friday) I asked a contact who keeps racehorses if there was a chance to see his filly. He has been promising this for the past few months. He has given me the contact details for his Stud Manager and has advised him that I will be in touch. His filly is being sold in October and she will need a brochure preparing in advance of her sale.

I will make sure I offer to undertake other work when I visit the stud as I know they are having a new stallion and they will need to prepare a stallion brochure to sell his 'attributes'. They will also require livery and training brochures.

Have called on landline and mobile - no reply - left a message - will try later and tomorrow.
Date and time booked ... 10.30am Wednesday 28th September.

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Meeting with the Bank of England

NLB VISITOR DAY 22-9-11 7-9am

Bank of England - East Midlands Agent

Alistair Cunningham

 

An Off the Record meeting

 

Monetary policy

Interest rate changes take one or two years to have an impact.

The country lost 6% of activity during the recession.

There was some growth in 2010 but it is still volatile - weather didn’t help.

Royal Wedding Bank Holiday was a cause for moans and groans in the business world and the tsunami had a huge effect on Toyota, Derby.

People are nervous but growth is slowing through 2011.

Looking at growth in the business sectors:

Retail - tough trading environment but not a blood bath. Increasing foot fall has been the way forward rather than sale sale sale. People spend differently - monthly spending is smooth do not have pay day spikes anymore like we did in 80s. Flat to down.

Manufacturing - furniture activity has fallen. Yellow goods (JCB etc) exports going well and there is growth. Up a bit.

Business services - private sector revenue cuts has meant this area has not been affected to badly at the moment but the pipeline is long. But public sector marketing/advertising has reduced tremendously. Up a bit

Construction - affected by public sector cuts. Flat to level and down possibly as pipeline begins to hit.

 

The economy is expected to be slow through rest of 2011 and pick up into 2012.

As a committee they see 3 Head winds:

1. Household disposal incomes. Have effected slow-down in consumer spending.
2. Fiscal cuts. Is the worst still to come? Or has everything been cut as far as it can go? Construction. More cuts to come as pipeline takes effect.
3. Stock of lending. This is declining. But then businesses don’t want to borrow. They are building up a cash buffer. Difficult to find someone to lend to you money. Banks funding costs are high and they will stay high.

Inflation is above target caused by:

·         VAT rise.

·         Commodity price increases eg oil, cotton.

Businesses chase hard for what little business there is and people compress their margins.

Construction sector - Some even take part in ‘Suicidal Tendering’ in order to secure work and keep their employees busy.

Business services sector - Clients want more for less.

Forecast: Inflation will fall through 2012 without a rise in interest rates.

Questions:

Euro zone – how is BoE dealing with the potential issues to come out of Greece and Spain?

Wait and see and react then. Not expecting it to grow spectacularly. We will never go back to the Nice decade (n.i.c.e. = No Inflation Constant Economy - 2000-2009).

Royal wedding bank holiday and tsunami caused dips - do you see Olympics as helping counter those issues and cause a rise?

Not really was the short answer – don’t bank on it. Seems all downward movement is affected by events but upwards rarely is.

A very interesting meeting.

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My Clients

People I have worked with are shown on my website and can be found here. I have worked with many other clients - but I have not necessarily linked to them from my website.

Which were most successful/best/interesting clients?

Part of me wants to say the best job was the one I was paid the most money for - but this is not always the case.

SHEEPDOGS
The work for Nij Vyas Sheepdog Training involved 12 hours in a field with him, four dogs and over 40 sheep. It was a blissful day and very enjoyable. The weather was good so I did not have any issues with lighting. The only issues were to capture the image he required for his book. I took art direction from him about where he needed himself, the dogs and the sheep to illustrate the point he would be making in his book.

EDEN
The work for the Eden Project was very interesting. Well written briefs allowed for the speedy turn round of edited images that were required by the client. My images have been created into a book - which has been sent to the client. Eden Project have begun to use my images on their website. I like some of the images so much I use them on the back of my business cards.

PORTRAITS
The clients that are the most fun are the clients requesting portraits - even though I sometimes don't like dealing with people, the results are always lovely - basically because my clients are lovely. I am particularly proud of the images of Maisie and Charlotte and her family. Primarily because I made use of the lighting kit. Which I would like to become more adept with.

Maisie

Maisie

Charlotte and her family

Charlotte's youngest son

Other lovelies are:

John Merison - JMBMC

ISSUES
Work for Company X where I was given a very specific brief. I produced shots that met the brief, whilst adding some of my own creativity. These images have never been used as the client has issues with their web designer. I have all sorts of ideas for what I can do for this client. But it requires a long discussion which I do not want to have at this stage in my business - come June I will be contacting them and have already got the support from another company that also wants to work with him when he is ready.

List of recent clients and the type of work:

Portraits of people at work for their website, annual report and conference banners.  Images for a college for use in their prospectus. Event photography for the Vikings of Middle England. Captured images for local fitness coach for her website. Family portraits for 3 clients. Training for a student about to start A level Art.

Pet Portraits - Ruby

Family Portrait - Jacob

Work in the pipeline:

• Magazine cover for Lots for Tots magazine - model organised, images to be capture this Saturday afternoon.
• Product shots for Eves of St Agnes once her rebranding has been completed.
• Training on how to get the best out of camera for an Ecclesbourne Interiors - interior designer to capture her own work. 
• Family portrait set for early December.
• 2012 - wedding. Have always said I wont do a wedding but a very persuasive person is encouraging me to photograph his son's wedding.

MARKETING
This work is coming my way because I market myself. I have decided that the best form of marketing for my business at this stage is word of mouth and the best way to do that is face-to-face. I do this by attending two very useful network meetings. One is weekly 6.45-8.30am every Friday morning and the other is monthly 12-2pm on the first Thursday of the month. These networks require not only the time to attend the meetings, but the commitment to attend every meeting, money in the form of a subscription fee, time to prepare a 60 second presentation, politeness to follow up contacts made at the meeting and finding referrals for other businesses in the network. Hard work, but rewarding on a number of different levels.

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Labels

"You know how to whistle Steve,

just put your lips together and blow".

Humph the Bogart

Labelling for blog entries:
Professional and Contextual Studies
PCS:LO-01. planning events and issues surrounding that.
PCS:LO-02. communication methods when planning.
PCS:LO-03. industry guidelines when planning.
Creativity and Social Context
CSC:LO-01. research of media industry.
CSC:LO-02. key movements and influences.
CSC:LO-03. cultural inheritance and creativity.
CSC:LO-04. talk about your work to your client.

Not sure how I will organise this as the marking criteria is always a bit like quadrilateral equations. But have assigned a meaning based on the learning outcome tables to try and make it smoother. I think one blog entry my cover off many learning outcomes - anyway - I shall give it a go. Knowing me I'll probably add the labels in hindsight. Might be easier that way.

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