PhotoLink Studios Manchester (Old Post)

http://www.photolink.co.uk/

When I initially started contacting studios for work placement, I didnt even find the photolink studios on the web. It was only after a few days trawling through the web that I stumbled upon this studio. From my initial research, I understood that this company was one of the biggest and most well established in Manchester. And by the looks of it, there was several hugh well equipped studios. 

I contacted the company via email initially and within a few days I received a reply asking for me to send them a copy of my CV. As it happend, I had just about finished putting together a brand new CV so I changed some of the details and sent the finished CV off with a quick turn around. 

I then received an email telling me that the company would be more than happy to accomodate me for work experience for two weeks. However, due to the time scale of the assignment and due to my other work placement falling through, It worked out that I would have had to have done the time at the studio after the assignment hand in date. I have been conversing with a female member of staff there who sorts out all of the work placement, she has basically siad that it will be a full time two week placement and that maybe it would be better if I was to do the placement in the summer holidays. I took her up on her offer and I will see where the placement takes me. Hopefully I could get a job!

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The following is how photolink describe their selves online. 

Their website showcases some really interesting work that they have done, I will look forward to working with them later in the year. 

Creativity meets commercialism – Our ethos is shaped by a strong creative instinct and straightforward commercial thinking. By bringing these attributes to every professional collaboration, we get straight to the point for our clients; simplifying the creative processes and immediately recognising significant cost efficiencies.

Fully-integrated service – Photolink has evolved from purely photographic roots to become a fully-integrated creative agency with dedicated, integrated departments specialising in all creative disciplines. We now offer clients everything together under one roof, end-to-end solutions, the whole nine yards, the full service. We are a creative machine that turns problems into to creative solutions for multichannel retailers.

Possitives

Overall, this experience has been very positive and I have learnt a lot about the industry that I will be going into after university. There are certain things that I would like to mention in this post, these are as follows.

• The first positive thing that I have got from this assignment is more advanced communication skills, in terms of emailing professionals & studios and also developing my one-to-one people skills during interviews. This is not only a photography skill but in fact a life skill.

• Another positive from this assignment is the fact that I have been able to get all the questions that I have about the photographic industry answered. Through choosing the right questions to ask the photographers, I have been able to get further knowledge about certain aspects that I didn't know about before.

• The third positive skill that I have learnt from this assignment is how to act around professionals, as well as how to promote myself and introduce myself to them. This has been one of the first times I have been networking within the industry and I will continue to do more and more networking throughout my career. 

• I have also found out about several interesting and useful websites and magazines that I have been told about during the interviews, I will regularly check up and read these articles and websites.

It has been a great experience and I have enjoyed it thoroughly, I have taken away many skills and life skills. 

Challenges

Throughout this assignment, I have come across some challenges. I will now bullet point some of the challenges that I have faced. 

• The initial problem was the time limit, we was only told about the work placement very close to the start date of the assignment. This meant that I had to work hard on producing a generic email to send out to possible future employers. I started by creating a suitable email which is shows in one of my previous blog posts. I then searched for photography studios and other freelance photographers around the northwest, the closer to me the better. This issue has showed me that It is good to use your initiative some times and that the photographic world is very stressful.

• The next issue that I was faced with was that the photographers that I was emailing and contacting were either too busy to reply, or not enough work so placement students wouldn't be needed or other reasons that I couldn't do placement with several companies/ practitioners.

• After I changed routes to the interview route, I was very sure what I wanted from the interviews and how to go about it. The only other challenge from here on in was that it was hard to find a suitable time with the practitioners to meet me, it had to be a mutually agreeable time and I had to go out of my way on two occasions. This was very worth the hassle though. 

I have learnt a great deal about how to cope with certain situations from this assignment, how to face certain problems or challenges. 

Note

It seems that throughout the interviews and also through watching/ reading online interviews that the biggest thing that seems to come from professional photographer is that you have to enjoy what you are doing and photographing. That is the best and most useful piece of advice I have been given and I will not forget that. 

Quote

"I am selfish, but that's an attribute that all artists possess."- Robert Mapplethorne.

This quote links in well to what Jason Lock said to me when I was interviewing him, he told me to watch out in the photographic world because there are lots of snakes.

Interview (Online Magazine): Michael Mayren

Where did your interest in photography start?
"My mum gave me an Olympus OM10 when I was about 11 so I'd say from quite a young age I was used to seeing the world through a camera lens."

Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your work and your artistic style.
"I'm mainly inspired by my own life and where I grew up, as well as people with struggles and passions to get somewhere in life. There are so many photographers who I love. Ed Templeton, Larry Clark, Ari Marcopoulos, Tobias Zielony, Perry Ogden, Jacob Holdt."

Whereabouts are you based and who are your clientele?
"I'm based in Manchester. I do most of my personal work in Manchester and commercial work in London. I've worked on projects for Adidas, Converse, Kickers, G Star, Y'oh Streetwear and had work published in VOGUE L'UOMO , Hero, Dust, Dazed & Confused, i-D."

What sort of projects are you working on at the moment, and what is the most memorable project you have worked on so far?
"I'm currently doing a lot of documentary work with young boxers in the north. It's an ongoing project but I'm hoping to have an exhibition early 2013. I only look forward so I'd have to say my current project with the boxers is my most memorable."

What do you think it is that makes your work stand out from other photography?
"I'd say the crossover of documentary and fashion photography keeps my work interesting. I personally don't like most fashion photography I see. I take inspiration from anything other than fashion when I'm preparing to shoot editorials."

Describe the best part of your job.
"The best part is being able to show people how I see the world. Another is the amount of inspirational people I get to meet on a daily basis." 

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
"Do it for love, not money." 

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This online interview is extremely helpful, though good questions the interviewer has found certain aspects that they want to know about the photographer and has been very successful in doing so.

A personal favourite answer was to the last question, I asked a very similar question at the end of my interview and I received a very similar response from all of the practitioners. Doing what one enjoys/ loves seemed to come up throughout all of the interviews, this is probably the best piece of advice that I have been given. 

It is interesting to understand other photographers viewpoints and learn about how they do certain things, even in this interview I have learnt some more about a very inspirational photographer. 


http://www.manchesterfashion.com/c/19/1013/in-focus-michael-mayren

Voice Recorder

I chose to record the two informal interviews that I did inorder to help me remember the practitioners answers when looking back at the interview. I recorded using an application on my Iphone, I emailed myself each of the answers to the questions through the application. This was a very useful and worthwhile thing to do because I am able to listen to the answers that the photographers gave me in-depth whilst writing the script of what the photographers said would have stopped me from being able to listen and ask further questions. I didn't have to worry about writing the answers down, I was able to engage more with the photographer which made for more professional and interesting interviews. 

Interview: Jason Lock

I recently interviewed the freelance editorial photographer, Jason Lock. 

I arranged to meet up with him in Manchester city center, I took him to a quiet cafe where I bought him a coffee. It was much better being in a relaxed environment and I felt that the informal feel to the interview seemed to allow me to get better answers out of Jason. 

As I have mentioned on my blog, I recorded the conversations that myself and Jason had, this was for me to remember all of the information and answers he gave me. This was very useful!

Below are scans off my notes that I took whilst interviewing Jason, please excuse the messy handwriting!

 

Below are some of the most important things that I took away from the interview with this practitioner.

• Travelling is important, meeting people.

• Share your experiences.

• Show determination

• Enter competitions and do everything you can to get your work seen.

• You may find yourself being not paid for some work you do, this doesn't mean its not worth doing.

• Qualifications aren't necessarily needed.

• Experience is needed.

Below are some of the most interesting quotes from the interview.

“You have to be passionate. You have to put the hours in.”

“Worry about your photography and everything else will work its self out.”

Paul 'Him' Hallows

Below is a link of a really interesting artist who's work is primarily on the streets. I saw him whilst shopping in the Northern Quarter, the artistic district of Manchester. 

I stopped and talked to him for a few minutes and swapped details, I then got out my camera and took a portrait of him for my website. I sent him the image over an email. 

He creates really nice quirky street art and also paints shops! 


http://www.himhallows.co.uk/

Questions For Interviews

After extensive thought and research into which questions will get me the most useful information from the practitioners, I will ask the following questions:

1.)  What was your desired occupation when you were growing up?

2.)  Where did your photographic career begin?

3.)  Do you have a degree?

If so, what is your degree in? And, do you think that potential commissioners/ employers look for a higher education qualification?

4.)  When your photographic career was in its infancy, where did you find work? And, was this work steady?

5.)  How do you go about pricing for a commission? Hourly, day rates etc.

6.)  What do you find most affective in terms of self-promotion?

   For example: Website, word of mouth, business cards, flyers etc.

7.)  Are there any photography magazines, blogs, books or websites that you find particularly useful or inspirational?

8.)  What does your personal photography entail? And, how does this differ from the work that you are paid to do?

9.) What advice would you give to an up and coming photographer?

Interview: Trevor Palin

http://www.palinimages.com/

I recently interviewed the commercial photographer Trevor Palin. Due to certain time restrains and partly due to him being so busy at present, it ended up being an email interview. This turned out fine because I got all the relevant information through his replies over email. We mutually agreed to do it over email after discussing possible times that we would both have been free. 

His answers were very informative and he answered in great detail on certain aspect and questions. 

One thing that I saw was key for his line of work, in this particular area he photographs in, was that there had to be a very high level of customers satisfaction. This was also in terms of conversing with the clients pre and prior to taking the photographs. This really seemed like something that is important, not just to him but to all photographers as a whole. 

Below are some of the most important things that I took away from the interview with this practitioner.

• Qualifications aren't necessarily needed.

• Client satisfaction and building report with clients is key.

• Building a good rapport is crucial.

• Networking is very important.

Below are some of the most interesting quotes that I took from the interview.

“Going freelance was daunting but exiting.”

“Advice, shoot and shoot as mentioned. Don’t be precious.”

“Listening and working with photographers is essential, this is not about taking pictures but understanding the nature and attitude of dealing with a client and their requirements.”

Interview: Kevin Crooks

http://www.kevincrooks.com/


The interview with Kevin Crooks went very well, I met him in a coffee shop near Warrington, where I live.

Below are notes taken from my interview with Kevin Crooks.

 


Below are some of the most important things that I took away from the interview with this practitioner.

• Social Media is extremely important.

• Networking is key.

• Unpaid work builds your portfolio.

• London is the place to be but there is plenty of work in each major city.

• Join the Redeye Photography Network.

Below are some of the most interesting quotes from the interview.

“Pursue what you enjoy.”

Skinny Magazine

http://www.theskinny.co.uk/

THE SKINNY began in autumn 2005 with the aim of informing people about Scottish culture, to help them go out and make the most of the scene. When released The Skinny filled a gap: it's free, and covers cutting edge, forward-thinking culture as a priority, directly engaging with the creative and curious populations of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

INTERESTING!

Flux Magazine

FLUX is a spirited, independent fashion, music and arts magazine featuring the best, living, breathing culture from the UK & across the globe. FLUX was launched as a fanzine in Manchester in 1997. It evolved into a high end style and culture magazine distributed across the UK and beyond.

BIPP

I was introduced to the BIPP by two people, firstly my tutor David and then again a few weeks later by a photographer that I interviewed.  

The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) is an internationally recognised qualifying organisation with over 100 years of experience in supporting photographers. The core aims of BIPP are to train, qualify and support professional photographers. One of the key areas of our work is representation, we represent professional photography to government and industry.

I will continue to regularly look at this webpage and take information from there for my future professional career. One aspect of the website that I like is the fact that one of the key areas of the company is all about representation of photographers. This is a big part of this module/ assignment.

AOP

http://www.the-aop.org/find/photographers?specialism=&combinedLocation=location-5


I was again introduced to this organisation by tutors and professionals, this usually means that they are worth looking at! Jason Lock, a photographer that I interviews said that he regularly  checks up on the websites, as well as others.

The Association of Photographers was first formed in 1968 as the Association of Fashion and Advertising Photographers and is one of the most prestigious professional photographers' associations in the world.

The Association's aims remain the same today as they were more than 40 years ago: to promote and protect the worth and standing of its members, to vigorously defend, educate and lobby for the interests and rights of all photographers, especially in the commercial photographic industry.

I will continue to look at this website regularly. 

Magnum Photos

http://www.magnumphotos.com/

I was told by my tutor about this website, it showcases some of the worlds finest photographers and some of their work, a very very useful tool for my university work. I will use this website as a reference to find photographers etc...

Magnum Photos is a photographic co-operative of great diversity and distinction owned by its photographer-members. With powerful individual vision, Magnum photographers chronicle the world and interpret its peoples, events, issues and personalities. Through its four editorial offices in New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, and a network of fifteen sub-agents, Magnum Photos provides photographs to the press, publishers, advertising, television, galleries and museums across the world.

Interview: Chris Nash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et0B6t1dMXI&list=UUk-27VbXPGS8SgMbzZd0g-A&index=23

The above link is a video of an interview between the people of IdeasTap and dance photographer Chris Nash.

As with all interviews from Ideas Tap, this interview gives a short but sweet look into the work and life of Chris Nash the professional dance photographer. 

Chris Nash is a London based photographer specialising in Dance with a worldwide reputation built from over 60 one man exhibitions across the globe. His highly theatrical style and ability to capture key choreographic moments have been in demand for over 2 decades, not only by Contemporary Dance companies needing eye-catching promotional images, but also within the fashion, advertising and editorial worlds. 

The thing that I really like about this interview is the way that he focusses on the techniques how he photographs, his style and im glad he didn't go into too much detail about technical camera information. 

This interview along with a few other ideas tap interviews, have given me a greater understanding of how to conduct my own interviews.

Interview: Rankin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbPucYrCSwE&list=UUk-27VbXPGS8SgMbzZd0g-A&index=18

The above link is a video of an interview between the people of IdeasTap and the great portrait photographer Rankin (John Rankin Waddell). It is a very interesting watch and it gave me some really useful information as to how I can generate questions for my own interviews with practitioners. 

Rankin sounds really down to earth, interviews can really change your opinion of someone. A lot of the truth comes through good interviews.

In a way Rankin is similar to me, he is able to connect with the subject well before he photographs them. A great trate! 

Interview: Olivia Arthur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cJ3wlKV2Mlc

The above link is a video of an interview between the people of IdeasTap and international photographer Olivia Arthur. It is a very interesting watch and it gave me some really useful information as to how I can generate questions for my own interviews with practitioners. 

One of my favourite interviews from ideas tap, it really shows that although there might not be that much well paid work available in London or England, there are many more opportunities in different countries. This is one of the things that I asked the people that I interviewed. 

Personal Identity

Self Promotional Merchandise

I produced around 300 business cards, about 3 years ago for my very first exhibition at college. The business card design that I produced was a very basic one to say the least, saying that, that is what I wanted at the time. 

I think that as my career progresses, I will have to have an identity rebrand. I can see this rebrand to include styles from my website, same logo etc. I am currently in talks with a friend who is a designer, from this he will design and get printed more of my new business cards, flyers and other promotional material.

After talks with the people that I interviewed for this module, I have been told that it is always worth while for you to keep a number of business cards on yourself incase any opportunity arises. Not doing this could cause myself to loose business or opportunities. 

Personal Website

http://ben-stokes.co.uk/

In this post I will talk about my newly developed website.

I decided that if I was to become more of a professional in the photographic industry, I would have to have a fully functional professional looking website. Around the end of 2012, I decided to ask a designer about a design that I had done myself. The designer told me that it looked really nice and we then began discussions to build the website. A few weeks later and the website was up and running. I am very pleased with the design and i believe it creates a whole new social platform for me to promote myself over the internet.

I attached a link to my website in every email that I have sent to practitioners, this has come in useful because one practitioner told me that he had clicked on that link inorder to have a look at my work! This is interesting and has made me think about making a letter head/ footer/ draft for my future emails.

Contact

After I had waited for the photographer to email me back for several weeks about the placement I decided to contact him via his private Facebook page that I was friends with him on. 

I messaged him asking if her had received the emails and he replied telling me that he had but he had been busy. He apologised for this and then went on to tell me that due to certain issues, he would not be able to accomodate me for the work experience. He then said that he would put my name forward to a lady photographer based in manchester. This seemed ideal but after a few days of waiting, she didnt get in touch with me. 

I decided to then contact my tutor to see what other options were open to me. I was then told that I would have to do the inerview route of the module, this involves doing informal interviews with a number of different practitioners/ photographers. I am extremely keep to pursue this and gain as much information as I can from the interviews. It will allow me to understand the industry better as well as asking any questions that I want to know.

Initial Emails

Below is a copy of a semi-specific generic email that I sent out to a number of photographers. I subconsciously thought that it would be much more efficient for me to taylor each of the photographers emails to their specific field of work. I changed the name and did a basic amount of research inorder to gather a good understanding of what they were about. 

• I decided to add a link to my newly developed website, with my latest up to date images as well as previous bodys of work. I tried to include a wide range of my different styles of photography.
• I chose language that was quiet formal.
• I wanted to get straight to the point, I thought this because I am sure that photographers receive numerous amounts of emails/ letters from students searching for work placements. 
• I started by giving a brief introduction to myself, explaining that I am a student. Mentioning that I am a student to current practitioners was tactical because some photographers are weary of the up and coming student photographers due to the lack of work in certain areas of photography. Once the individual sees that I am a student, they might be more inclined to engage in an email conversation. 
• I then went straight into the dates that I would be available and decided to mention that I was willing to travel inorder to assist them, this would make me seem more desirable to a wider range of photographs.
• I decided not to add images/ jpeg attachments to the email because I thought that the link to my website would be easier and more effective.

Although this initial email was relatively quick to produce, I think that it is effective and straight to the point. I do however after thinking about it more think that I should have added more personal information about myself and that I should have tailored each email more specifically for each practitioner.

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Hi Jayesh,



I am currently in my second year of studying photography at Salford University  (Manchester) and our next module is work experience.

The module will start in around 4 weeks and will last for 6 weeks. The days I would be available will be Tuesday and Thursday and I am willing to travel.

I am a willing and capable student with a passion for fashion photography.

I have attached a link to my website below if you would like to have a look at that. 

http://www.ben-stokes.co.uk

Please get in touch if you require any assistance. 



Regards, Ben Stokes.

Initial Thoughts

When I was given the work placement brief I initially remembered a photographer who had already made contact with about work experience in the past. This photographer is called Michael Mayren, a Mancunion fashion photographer with a documentary twist.
I had been interested in Mayrens work for a number of years and around a year ago (In 2012) I had contacted him to ask for work experience/ a part time job. Due to the certain things, there was no need for him to have an assistant, as a lot of his work can be done by himself, there was also the fact of it is easier to connect with the person that you are shooting intimately when you are one-to-one.

Mayren popped into my head straight away at the assignment briefing because I have wanted to work with him for so long. This seemed the perfect opportunity.

I then emailed Michael straight away and had a reply within a few days. 

I also sent out a rather generic email to other photographers, fashion and beauty photographers mainly. 

I knew that i didn't want to do my work placement in a standard studio doing portraits of families etc... I wanted to get stuck into some location shooting with interesting and passionate photographers.