The Royal Photographic Society.

After being told about the The Royal Photographic Society in a professional Studies session and it being mentioned by Paul Kitchener, I thought it best to look further into them.
The site is devoted to all types of image creation, from all levels of expertise in the industry. It's a fantastic platform for networking and learning new skills.

The society has been operating since 1853 and claims to owe it's long standing reputation to keeping it's content in line with its members needs and the current trends in the industry.

http://www.rps.org/

Polly Morgan - What Do Artists Do All Day ?

An interesting documentary I watched was 'Polly Morgan - What Do Artists Do All Day ?'

Although not a documentary about photography, it gives an insight of where artists ideas and inspiration comes from.

The processes we follow in photography can be very closely compared to Taxidermy.

Polly's success has come from her pushing the boundaries of art and where some people may be shocked, others see beauty.

Gallery Questionnaire.

After being invited to the preview of a gallery (Little Village) I asked the Artists and Museum where the exhibition was being held if they'd mind me asking their guests to answer a short questionnaire for me.

This is the questionnaire I gave them:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Gallery Questionnaire.

How Often do you attend Galleries?

1-2 3-4            4-5            More

What type of Art do you go to see?

Photography     Painting     Sculpture     Other

How did you hear about the Gallery?

Internet      Newspaper         Flier            Other

Do you read up about the artists after your visit to a gallery?

Yes             No

Did you buy anything today?

Yes              No

Thank you for completing this questionnaire.  

Little Village.

https://www.facebook.com/redcarandclevelandtourism/photos/oa.331021360356358/624595824282357/?type=1&theater

Copyright P.Kitchener

https://www.facebook.com/redcarandclevelandtourism/photos/oa.331021360356358/624596164282323/?type=1&theater

Copyright P.Boville 

https://www.facebook.com/redcarandclevelandtourism/photos/oa.331021360356358/624595987615674/?type=1&theater

Copyright P.Kitchener

I was recently invited to the preview of 'Little Village'.  An exhibition based upon a collection of fishermen's huts located on Redcar's South Gare. A popular subject for photographers in the Teesside area.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Painter Phillip Boville and Photographer Paul Kitchener. The Images weren't to concentrate on the hut's themselves but the people in them.

Not only was this an opportunity for me to see the finishing touches put on a gallery before it's opening day to the public. It was also a chance for me to network with other artists and people in the industry.

I asked Paul and Phillip if they'd mind me putting out a small questionnaire for the people attending the preview. This would give me an insight of what the viewers would like to see also in a gallery, Which they we're ok with.


Little Village is now open to public viewings

http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/rcbcweb.nsf/Event?ReadForm&ID=2248615006A841AB80257CB00047A75A

Garth Badger - How to be a great fashion photographer.

Here's a quick-fire interview with Garth telling 'How to be a great fashion photographer.'











All very valid points and simple basic practices to give better chances of getting noticed or published.

Ethics.

"Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity."
- http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ethics

Something that plays a large role when it comes to professional photography is ethics. It's quite clear that no two Photographers have exactly the same views on ethics and it's not something that's widely agreed upon. Take one of my previous blogs for example. Bruce Gilden claims to have no morals when he's taking pictures. He see's that he has the right to do it, so does.

My previous blog about Bruce Gilden:
http://streetphotovirgin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/mr-bruce-gilden.html

Many other people would see this as invading peoples personal space and borderline harassment.

As of the 15 March 2014 in Hungary, It's now illegal to take street photographs with out prior consent from the people in the images.

Here Is a link to an article on the Guardian's website:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/14/hungary-law-photography-permission-take-pictures

What will my Report be?

I wanted to write a report on something that would further my career and be something to look back upon if I ever feel the need to get back to basics.

It would need to be something that was basic but still very helpful and factual.

With this in mind I decided to find out 'How to become a professional Photographer'.

I will need to visit Galleries, speak to already practicing photographers from different genres and that have been in business for longer or shorter. This will give me insights from old and new Eyes to the industry and also potentially how they feel about the industry.

The Photography Show.

The Photography Show.

We we're offered to visit The Photography Show. Which is this biggest photography event in the UK, were people in the industry from all over the UK. This was a chance for me to speak to more professionals in the trade and find out how the world of photography is progressing.

I found this event to be a key part of being a practicing photographer. No matter what level you are. Being able to see almost every Camera and equipment company under one roof and be able to use the products is a massive help.

Keith Moss, Professional Photographer

I set up an interview with Keith Moss to find out a little more about him and his views on the industry.

I've previously been taught on a one to one basis with Keith and took much more than just what settings I should be using. He taught me to make the photograph mean something, rather than just be a pretty picture.

Keith works mainly in black and white and does a lot of work on film. Having his own Darkroom, he has over the years perfected his very own styles and techniques. He told me of the ways he plays about with the chemistry involved to create different tones and feelings to the photographs he produces.

My first question that I have been asking the Photographers I interview is 'What got you into the industry?'. Keith's answer was quite surprising. Formally he was a Master Butcher, working from the feeding of the animals all the way to the end product. A serious work based accident forced him to leave his job and he shortly after picked up a Camera.

I find it quite amazing the difference between his previous and current profession but can also personally relate to it as my previous profession was far from artistic.

Anyway, on with the questionnaire.

What got you into the industry?

 I was in an accident at work when I was a Butcher and crushed my Spine making it impossible to carry on so shortly after I picked up a Camera.

What’s changed since you started?

The quality of work seems to have got less and the obvious introduction of digital photography. 

What do you do to keep up with technology?

Research and the testing of new products. 

  

What level of training have you had?

None.

All self-taught.

What is your on-going training schedule?

Newsletters from companies and pushing own boundaries. 

 What equipment is a must?

 A Camera.

 How do you get your work noticed?

Social media, PR, word of mouth, deliver on promises and years of hard work.

 Where is your presence in the Social Media?

 Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, Pintrest, Instagram, Google+, Flicker

Which photography organisations or subscriptions are you a part of?

None.

What would you say is the most important thing for an aspiring photographer?

            

            The Psychology of people - understanding your audience and catering to their likes.

            Keith currently runs tutorials in the UK and Barcelona. His details can be found on the                           following websites:

            http://keithmoss.co.uk/

            http://keithmossphotography.co.uk/

            http://www.photographycoursesandworkshops.co.uk/

Interview with Paul Kitchener, Professional Photographer.

Interview with Paul Kitchener (Peak Image Studios)

I got in touch with Paul and asked if he minded answering a few questions about himself and his views on particular parts of photography.

Paul has been operating in the Kirkleatham business, Redcar since April 2012 and has built up a commercial portfolio with large corporations and local businesses. He also works frequently with the public for family photo shoots.

Interview.

What got you into the industry?

"I was given a Camera as a gift for Christmas and didn't put it down after taking it out of the box." 

What’s changed since you started?

"My lifestyle."

What do you do to keep up with technology?

"The Gadget Show, Google and various Magazines." 

What level of training have you had?

"I'm self-taugh so I've received no training." 

What is your on-going training schedule?

"I'm going to stick to teaching myself." 

What equipment is a must?

"Phase One Capture One 7 Pro, Cannon 5d mk2, 6D, Photoshop and a Studio.

 How do you get your work noticed?

"Exhibitions, Facebook, Galleries."

Where is your presence in the Social Media?

"Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Viewbug and 500px

 Which photography organisations or subscriptions are you a part of?

 "RPS and SWPP."

  

What would you say is the most important thing for an aspiring photographer?

"Get out there and take photos."

___________________________________________________________________________

Paul currently has an exhibition at Kirkleatham Museum called 'Little Village' and his links are below:

Web:               http://www.peakimagephotography.co.uk/

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/peakimageredcar