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Saturday, 11 May 2013
Ashton Park - Day 4
Yesterday was the day of Ashton Park's Year 11 Prom. I arrived at the prearranged time of 3.30pm I went to reception at the main building to announce I was there, and then I waited for Anita to come and take me down to the classroom.
When at the classroom, Anita, myself, and Margaret, a year 12 student, checked what equipment we would be taking and how we would shoot the images. I brought my Canon DSLR and my flashgun as requested. We also decided to take Anita's camera, a flashgun, a tripod, the studio background structure and material (white fabric), and studio lights. We decided to shoot using JPEG as we would be taking hundreds of photos that all would need to be edited, and the RAW file format requires more editing, something that could not be done before the school's deadline for the images.
We then went and packed away the background and lights from the studio/editing suite, however, one of the lights broke at one of the adjustment fixtures. Margaret luckily had some superglue on her and we managed to fix it using the glue and some tape. We packed everything into Anita's car and set off to her house to collect an extension cable.
Shortly afterwards, we arrived at the Marriott Hotel, unpacked the car, and found the suite in which the prom would be taking place. We set up the background structure and material in front of a curtained window, as it fit perfectly in the space, and it also meant we could utilise natural light during the first few hours. We set the lights up so that they were quite high and illuminating the background. One camera with a flash was set up on a tripod, which Margaret used, while I used my camera and flashgun to bounce flash off the white ceiling for my images. We ended up using three cameras - Margaret used the tripod, whereas myself and another student freeheld our cameras. I shot in a portrait format in order to capture the whole of the clothing worn by the students, as they were all in formal dress.
The initial rush of students came between 7 - 7.45 and weren't shy about asking to have their picture taken. Anita arranged them within the frame and directed them to look at the central camera (tripod). This way, with three cameras shooting, there would be plenty of pictures for the students to choose from when they get the contact sheets delivered.
Their three-course meal was taking place between 7.30 and 9pm, so during this downtime, Anita and myself got a quick bite to eat. When we came back, we began photographing small groups of students who were coming out between courses to have their pictures taken. After the meals were finished, I went into the main room with another student to photograph the students dancing. These results were not very good as they were all facing away from me.
We started packing away the equipment at 10pm, and were finished at 10.30. I found it to be a good experience as I have only shot one event before and feel more confident in taking up more opportunities like this in the future. The nature of the event being a year 11 prom gave it an exciting vibe, and I am pleased with my images. Having to sometimes direct people within the frame of the image was beneficial to me, as I find it difficult to talk to people I don't know.
I will deliver my images to Anita on Monday after the submission of the report, as she needs to send contact sheets out to the students on wednesday.
7 hours, 84 overall.
When at the classroom, Anita, myself, and Margaret, a year 12 student, checked what equipment we would be taking and how we would shoot the images. I brought my Canon DSLR and my flashgun as requested. We also decided to take Anita's camera, a flashgun, a tripod, the studio background structure and material (white fabric), and studio lights. We decided to shoot using JPEG as we would be taking hundreds of photos that all would need to be edited, and the RAW file format requires more editing, something that could not be done before the school's deadline for the images.
We then went and packed away the background and lights from the studio/editing suite, however, one of the lights broke at one of the adjustment fixtures. Margaret luckily had some superglue on her and we managed to fix it using the glue and some tape. We packed everything into Anita's car and set off to her house to collect an extension cable.
Shortly afterwards, we arrived at the Marriott Hotel, unpacked the car, and found the suite in which the prom would be taking place. We set up the background structure and material in front of a curtained window, as it fit perfectly in the space, and it also meant we could utilise natural light during the first few hours. We set the lights up so that they were quite high and illuminating the background. One camera with a flash was set up on a tripod, which Margaret used, while I used my camera and flashgun to bounce flash off the white ceiling for my images. We ended up using three cameras - Margaret used the tripod, whereas myself and another student freeheld our cameras. I shot in a portrait format in order to capture the whole of the clothing worn by the students, as they were all in formal dress.
The initial rush of students came between 7 - 7.45 and weren't shy about asking to have their picture taken. Anita arranged them within the frame and directed them to look at the central camera (tripod). This way, with three cameras shooting, there would be plenty of pictures for the students to choose from when they get the contact sheets delivered.
Their three-course meal was taking place between 7.30 and 9pm, so during this downtime, Anita and myself got a quick bite to eat. When we came back, we began photographing small groups of students who were coming out between courses to have their pictures taken. After the meals were finished, I went into the main room with another student to photograph the students dancing. These results were not very good as they were all facing away from me.
We started packing away the equipment at 10pm, and were finished at 10.30. I found it to be a good experience as I have only shot one event before and feel more confident in taking up more opportunities like this in the future. The nature of the event being a year 11 prom gave it an exciting vibe, and I am pleased with my images. Having to sometimes direct people within the frame of the image was beneficial to me, as I find it difficult to talk to people I don't know.
I will deliver my images to Anita on Monday after the submission of the report, as she needs to send contact sheets out to the students on wednesday.
7 hours, 84 overall.
Bristol Water - Editing
During the past four weeks that I have been working for Bristol Water, I have been editing images for them concurrently.
I have been editing images for a few of hours a day, several times a week. My methodological approach means I put a lot of time into editing a single picture. I have been touching up the images, as well as editing contrast, brightness, selective colours, saturation, etc. As all of my images have been shot in RAW, editing has taken longer due to the extra editing control shooting on RAW allows.
I will show my edited pictures to Paul, Sandra, and Janice at corporate affairs in the forthcoming weeks as I continue to work for them.
In total, the hours add up to roughly 50 of editing.
50 hours editing, 77 overall.
I have been editing images for a few of hours a day, several times a week. My methodological approach means I put a lot of time into editing a single picture. I have been touching up the images, as well as editing contrast, brightness, selective colours, saturation, etc. As all of my images have been shot in RAW, editing has taken longer due to the extra editing control shooting on RAW allows.
I will show my edited pictures to Paul, Sandra, and Janice at corporate affairs in the forthcoming weeks as I continue to work for them.
In total, the hours add up to roughly 50 of editing.
50 hours editing, 77 overall.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Bristol Water - Day 5
As my two days with Ashton Park were cancelled due to an unexpected OFSTED meeting, I went to Littleton to photograph their new UV filter. The UV filter eradicates germs from the water, and is one of the stages along the way to getting clean water that is health to consume.
The filter is situated on a lower level, so I shot images from above to get an overall view, as well as going down to the filter to photograph the machinery in closer detail, and utilising a shallow depth of field with varied angles.
I then went to the filter gallery to take some interior shots. The filter gallery is all white with white machinery, and I felt that I got some good interior shots that show off the space well. I also photographed some of the equipment in the lab, just as I felt I should capture it while I was there, as I have not seen a lab at a Bristol Water site before. I photographed as well a detailed, almost interactive map of the south-west (particularly the Bristol-Gloucestershire area and Wales) that used lights to demonstrate water flow in rivers and estuaries. I found this to be an interesting subject matter, and thought it was worth photographing to try to capture the glow from the detail in the rivers.
I sent the contact sheet to Paul, Sandra, and Janice, who also works in corporate affairs. She was especially interested in the shots of the UV filter, and would like to use some of them in the upcoming annual report that is sent to the Bristol Water shareholders. I would be credited for my images. She would also like to go on a shoot with me, so she can direct me to take some images that she needs. I may also be getting paid for this, which is a bonus, and I am excited at the prospect of having my work published and being credited for this.
4 hours (without editing), 27 overall
The filter is situated on a lower level, so I shot images from above to get an overall view, as well as going down to the filter to photograph the machinery in closer detail, and utilising a shallow depth of field with varied angles.
I then went to the filter gallery to take some interior shots. The filter gallery is all white with white machinery, and I felt that I got some good interior shots that show off the space well. I also photographed some of the equipment in the lab, just as I felt I should capture it while I was there, as I have not seen a lab at a Bristol Water site before. I photographed as well a detailed, almost interactive map of the south-west (particularly the Bristol-Gloucestershire area and Wales) that used lights to demonstrate water flow in rivers and estuaries. I found this to be an interesting subject matter, and thought it was worth photographing to try to capture the glow from the detail in the rivers.
I sent the contact sheet to Paul, Sandra, and Janice, who also works in corporate affairs. She was especially interested in the shots of the UV filter, and would like to use some of them in the upcoming annual report that is sent to the Bristol Water shareholders. I would be credited for my images. She would also like to go on a shoot with me, so she can direct me to take some images that she needs. I may also be getting paid for this, which is a bonus, and I am excited at the prospect of having my work published and being credited for this.
4 hours (without editing), 27 overall
Ashton Park - Day 4
Today was supposed to be my fourth day at Ashton Park Sixth Form, helping out with the exams. I got to the school and went to the reception to introduce myself and to ask if I could go straight down to the sixth form (it was during registration and the corridors were empty, so I felt it was wise to announce I was there).
The receptionist rang the sixth form reception to see if someone could meet me outside, however, when she ended the call she told me that OFSTED were in for the next two days and therefore could not let me help out in the exams today or tomorrow. This is disappointing, as I was looking forward to it and there would be several hours completed, however OFSTED turn up with half a day's notice.
I will still be helping to shoot the Prom tomorrow night, and will meet Anita at the school at 3.30pm.
I ended up going out with Bristol Water to take more images today instead.
The receptionist rang the sixth form reception to see if someone could meet me outside, however, when she ended the call she told me that OFSTED were in for the next two days and therefore could not let me help out in the exams today or tomorrow. This is disappointing, as I was looking forward to it and there would be several hours completed, however OFSTED turn up with half a day's notice.
I will still be helping to shoot the Prom tomorrow night, and will meet Anita at the school at 3.30pm.
I ended up going out with Bristol Water to take more images today instead.
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Bristol Water - Day 4
Today I went to the Barrow logistics depo to photograph some more required shots for Bristol Water. This was mentioned during my meeting as a place where they would like some images, especially of pipes. The logistics depo is where water pipes of all shapes and sizes, as well as what connects them, are stored, which gave me plenty of things to shoot that would fit the brief set.
Upon arriving, I was given a high-vis jacket as a safety measure, as "plants" (heavy-duty vehicles) operate outside. I was then shown the various different pipes and other equipment kept there, and started shooting. The pipes were made of various materials - long concrete and metal ones, long plastic ones, and plastic ones so long they are stored rolled up in rings. I managed to get various different shots by employing different techniques to create many images I think may be suitable for publication.
A contact sheet of the images can be found here.
This is my last shoot for Bristol Water that will count towards the work experience unit. I will continue to work for them after the deadline next week to complete the work set. This has been a brilliant opportunity for me, and will look great on my CV.
3 hours (without editing), 23 overall
Upon arriving, I was given a high-vis jacket as a safety measure, as "plants" (heavy-duty vehicles) operate outside. I was then shown the various different pipes and other equipment kept there, and started shooting. The pipes were made of various materials - long concrete and metal ones, long plastic ones, and plastic ones so long they are stored rolled up in rings. I managed to get various different shots by employing different techniques to create many images I think may be suitable for publication.
A contact sheet of the images can be found here.
This is my last shoot for Bristol Water that will count towards the work experience unit. I will continue to work for them after the deadline next week to complete the work set. This has been a brilliant opportunity for me, and will look great on my CV.
3 hours (without editing), 23 overall
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Bristol Water - Day 3
Yesterday, I took the hot weather as an opportunity to take some more photos for Bristol Water. I had arranged with my cousin to go round to his house and take some pictures of his son playing with the paddling pool. Bristol Water wanted some images of people using water, so I thought these pictures would be a good addition to the project as it shows a different way of using water featuring younger consumers (so-to-speak).
My cousin and myself helped to set up the paddling pool while his son got changed. We got a range of his paddling pool/bathtime toys for him to play with, including rubber ducks, boats, and a toy watering can, that he enjoyed throwing into the water and splashing about with. I also brought the "Drip" mascot plushies with me, one of which ended up getting in the paddling pool and featured in a few shots.
This shoot was fun, as it allowed me to spend more time with my family, but also because there was no posing in the images. I feel that a shoot like this has to be spontaneous, not because an 18 month-old can't really follow direction from a photographer, but because it shows him authentically using the water - the way he has fun with it, and how he interacts with it (it might be worth noting that baby cuz has been going to swimming classes for almost a year or more, and loves the water, which probably made this shoot easier).
I ended up taking over 250 images during the three hours I was there, and I believe I captured many images that fit the brief set by Bristol Water.
I have sent the contact sheet to Paul and Sandra, and received positive feedback on my previous shoot of the filter being cleaned at Stowey. They have said that there are images from the previous two shoots that they would like to use, but have not specified which ones.
4 hours (without editing), 20 hours overall
My cousin and myself helped to set up the paddling pool while his son got changed. We got a range of his paddling pool/bathtime toys for him to play with, including rubber ducks, boats, and a toy watering can, that he enjoyed throwing into the water and splashing about with. I also brought the "Drip" mascot plushies with me, one of which ended up getting in the paddling pool and featured in a few shots.
This shoot was fun, as it allowed me to spend more time with my family, but also because there was no posing in the images. I feel that a shoot like this has to be spontaneous, not because an 18 month-old can't really follow direction from a photographer, but because it shows him authentically using the water - the way he has fun with it, and how he interacts with it (it might be worth noting that baby cuz has been going to swimming classes for almost a year or more, and loves the water, which probably made this shoot easier).
I ended up taking over 250 images during the three hours I was there, and I believe I captured many images that fit the brief set by Bristol Water.
I have sent the contact sheet to Paul and Sandra, and received positive feedback on my previous shoot of the filter being cleaned at Stowey. They have said that there are images from the previous two shoots that they would like to use, but have not specified which ones.
4 hours (without editing), 20 hours overall
Ashton Park - Day 3
On the 25th April, I had my third day at Ashton Park School.
I arrived at the prearranged time of 1.30pm and headed straight to the photography room.
On this day, the class was split up moreso than usual, and I went outside with the technician and a group of five boys to take photos that would be made into photomerges/panoramic images in Photoshop.
We instructed the boys on how to shoot the images so they would be in the best condition for Photoshop (shooting methodologically - straight up or straight across, with a bit of overlap in the images, as this is the easiest way for Photoshop to merge the images together - around 15 images per person). We then split the boys into two groups - one group of two, and one group of three - and gave each group a DSLR. We let the boys get on with it, letting each student complete the images necessary for their photomerge. One group of boys needed some guidance, as they were not completing the images in the way we had instructed, had not paid attention, and were messing around. However, the group of two were focused and followed instructions well - they are doing some photography for their art GCSE and seem to be very focused and hope to do well. Once everyone had gotten their images, we headed inside to instruct them on how to create their photomerges on Photoshop.
We took the boys into the photo editing suite opposite the main classroom. There were three computers in there - one Mac and two laptops. The group of three got to the Mac, which was a bit of a shame since the group of two were more focused on the task and had more interest, also the laptops were really slow.
We instructed them on how to create the photomerges by going to "file - automate - photomerge...", and then to select "collage" and to untick "blend images together" - this was so that they could move the images around and organise them themselves if they needed to. The images were selected, and then the computer generated as close matches as it could before opening the collage. Using the layers function, the students could then select certain images to move around and edit (they edited colours and saturation to create more vibrant images). The group of two students created the best images, as they had followed my instructions and had overlapped their images, meaning that the computer had created the collage almost perfectly. The group of three each had some matches in their collages, but some had not followed instructions and had just been shooting willy-nilly, so to speak. I helped to keep them on track (the group of three - they were messing around, and not sticking to the task at hand) and offered advise and help when they needed it.
After the class had finished, I helped to save their collages to a memory stick, and then went to help Anita clean up. I helped to tidy up the classroom (some of the students had been sticking their work onto sheets, leaving lots of backing to double-sided paper everywhere), before going in to the darkroom and cleaning away the darkroom chemicals. The developer could be thrown away, but the stop and fix could be reused. To do this, I put the stop and fix into their corresponding bottles using a funnel. I then organised the darkroom filters again (as none of the packs seem to have full sets, and often have multiples), and helped Anita put away the laptops in the upstairs storage space.
I had told Anita previously that I would not be in on the following week (2nd May) as I had the deadline for my second semester photography project that day. We also discussed the exams on the 9th and 10th May, and I agreed to come in at around 8.45, so that I would be there the whole day for both days. We also discussed what to wear for the Year 11 Ball in order to look professional.
I was there for three hours. I am learning more about how to be approachable to younger students (I haven't spent any time with 15 year-olds since I was 15 myself!) while maintaining an air of authority. I also had to keep the students on track when they were getting distracted (not disciplining them per-say, just keeping them focused on the task by asking them about it and offering help), which is something I feel that boosts my confidence, as I find it difficult to speak to people I don't know, let alone be directive. I was called "Miss" again, which makes me smile.
3 hours, 16 hours overall.
I arrived at the prearranged time of 1.30pm and headed straight to the photography room.
On this day, the class was split up moreso than usual, and I went outside with the technician and a group of five boys to take photos that would be made into photomerges/panoramic images in Photoshop.
We instructed the boys on how to shoot the images so they would be in the best condition for Photoshop (shooting methodologically - straight up or straight across, with a bit of overlap in the images, as this is the easiest way for Photoshop to merge the images together - around 15 images per person). We then split the boys into two groups - one group of two, and one group of three - and gave each group a DSLR. We let the boys get on with it, letting each student complete the images necessary for their photomerge. One group of boys needed some guidance, as they were not completing the images in the way we had instructed, had not paid attention, and were messing around. However, the group of two were focused and followed instructions well - they are doing some photography for their art GCSE and seem to be very focused and hope to do well. Once everyone had gotten their images, we headed inside to instruct them on how to create their photomerges on Photoshop.
We took the boys into the photo editing suite opposite the main classroom. There were three computers in there - one Mac and two laptops. The group of three got to the Mac, which was a bit of a shame since the group of two were more focused on the task and had more interest, also the laptops were really slow.
We instructed them on how to create the photomerges by going to "file - automate - photomerge...", and then to select "collage" and to untick "blend images together" - this was so that they could move the images around and organise them themselves if they needed to. The images were selected, and then the computer generated as close matches as it could before opening the collage. Using the layers function, the students could then select certain images to move around and edit (they edited colours and saturation to create more vibrant images). The group of two students created the best images, as they had followed my instructions and had overlapped their images, meaning that the computer had created the collage almost perfectly. The group of three each had some matches in their collages, but some had not followed instructions and had just been shooting willy-nilly, so to speak. I helped to keep them on track (the group of three - they were messing around, and not sticking to the task at hand) and offered advise and help when they needed it.
After the class had finished, I helped to save their collages to a memory stick, and then went to help Anita clean up. I helped to tidy up the classroom (some of the students had been sticking their work onto sheets, leaving lots of backing to double-sided paper everywhere), before going in to the darkroom and cleaning away the darkroom chemicals. The developer could be thrown away, but the stop and fix could be reused. To do this, I put the stop and fix into their corresponding bottles using a funnel. I then organised the darkroom filters again (as none of the packs seem to have full sets, and often have multiples), and helped Anita put away the laptops in the upstairs storage space.
I had told Anita previously that I would not be in on the following week (2nd May) as I had the deadline for my second semester photography project that day. We also discussed the exams on the 9th and 10th May, and I agreed to come in at around 8.45, so that I would be there the whole day for both days. We also discussed what to wear for the Year 11 Ball in order to look professional.
I was there for three hours. I am learning more about how to be approachable to younger students (I haven't spent any time with 15 year-olds since I was 15 myself!) while maintaining an air of authority. I also had to keep the students on track when they were getting distracted (not disciplining them per-say, just keeping them focused on the task by asking them about it and offering help), which is something I feel that boosts my confidence, as I find it difficult to speak to people I don't know, let alone be directive. I was called "Miss" again, which makes me smile.
3 hours, 16 hours overall.
Friday, 3 May 2013
Bristol Water - Day 2
On
the 24th April, I went back to Stowey treatment works. The sand
filter was being cleaned, which was an opportunity for me to get some
shots of employees at work.
The
filter was being cleaned by three employees using yellow machinery,
which was a bright pop of colour in the dull, neutral landscape. The
machinery moved around in the big, square filter for a lengthy
period, in which I took many images of them moving in tandem, and the
gradually clean filter emerging. I experimented with motion blur in
my images to create a more dynamic image, something that the people
in Corporate Affairs are looking for. I also took some images of the
employees doing manual labour with shovels, something that my
employees are looking for. However, due to the health and safety
limitations, I could not photograph them from within the filter, and
had to shoot them from a higher level.
I
used a tripod to get a steady image, especially with the motion blur
pictures. I also used my 35-55mm and my 55-250mm lenses for a greater
zoom range.
The contact sheet of my images from this day can be found here.
The contact sheet of my images from this day can be found here.
I
am learning more about working to an employer's brief. I will learn
more about selecting and editing images suitable for a client after I
have shown them my contact sheets.
My
contact sheets from the previous shoot were well received.
I
have emailed the contact sheets to Sandra and Paul, and have asked
when it will be possible for me to photograph the customer services
department and the newly refurbished exterior of Head Office.
3
hours (without editing), 13 hours overall
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