Great Expectations.....

Comments and feedback are expected to be happening between everyone on this network all the time. Also you will be getting feedback and comments from me as regards your images, research and development as a photographer. Only by working in this way can you progress and achieve higher.

You are expected at this level to be producing work very independently and proactively and taking complete ownership of all of your work and the meeting of the learning outcomes involved in this course.

This course will be all about contact with the photography industry and its clients. You are expected to be contacting prospective clients and providing photography for them. This can be someone you know, or a friend, neighbour , relative, who works in whatever line of work and produce photography for them.

Initially this can be done via what is commonly known as a 'Loss Leader' this is a method by which you do a totally free job in order to build contacts and confidence in each other without the added pressure of the costs being involved. However you will still have to meet deadlines in a very professional manner if you expect to work for these clients.This is a key way in which to get your photography in front of clients and should not be underestimated in any way.

I will taking the part of a buffer between you and your client, you will have to get the work that you produce past me first before it is returned to your client. This is to ensure a high quality of image is produced at all times. Don't be surprised if I tell that the work isn't good enough and I will be asking for work to be reshot if its not of the required standard (in a constructive manner that will help you to improve).

Remember 'you' must find these clients they will 'not' be provided for you, if you find you haven't got any then you must work harder at your marketing and advertising. Each client you try to work with and contact must be listed on your blog, alongside the date, time and response from the client, positive or otherwise. 

It's getting nearer...

We launch this new exciting course as from the 17th September 2011, everything is ready, are you?. Don't forget if you are interested at all in getting on board let us know now, whether you are local or abroad get in touch and get enrolled so you don't miss out.

If you aren't local don't forget you can enrol and do this course as a Distance Learning experience. You will still feel a close part of the team as we all network together via a Blogger website of your own. This allows total transparency and connectivity between me, yourselves , your peers, and the online mentors.

Hurry as places are going fast on this course, and this site will soon fill with the exciting content being produced by the new intake of students in a few weeks.

Another addition...

A commercial illustrator, Fred Gambino, has agreed to be a part of this program in respect to being an 'Online Mentor'. This will mean he can help with his extensive experience in concepts, designs, use of colour and light, along with art, illustration and photoshop skills.
All of these skills are vital when formulating creative ideas and outcomes to a high professional level.

Also alot of his work is a subtle combination of 3D design (with a program called Modo) and Photoshop to a level where it is difficult to see where the two blend. Some of Fred's work can be seen in the gallery at ;

www.luxology.com/gallery

Please also take a look at the website to view all the high calibre creative imagery he has done over the years.

http://www.fredgambino.co.uk

New Addition - Moving Image Production (Video)

Along with the photography aspect of this course it has now expanded to include Digital Media Production. This will mean that we are now able to provide a video filming provision with use of a range of continuous lighting and set building facilities at our college studio.
This may become extended into our larger industry link studio depending on facilities and timing, etc

This then opens up the possibility of producing short films, documentaries, promotional and music videos with the help of our film, edit, lighting and set building capabilities.

For the full specification you will need to download and study 'Unit 14' which has all the relevant information about this area of the course.

Context and Purpose

As a progression from Level 3 City and Guilds Photography this new Level 4 has been set up to start from September 2011. The course will encourage students to have an ability to initiate 'Business Start Up' programs, and to allow students to become more employable within this area of specialism. Self employment can then become a viable option to students who are out of work or interested in increasing their earning potential.

It will cover in depth the requirements that have to be considered for all people wanting to raise their skills level in order to gain possible employment or self employment within various sectors of the industry. Also it will allow the development of possible 'Creative Collectives' to develop over the two year program.

Within the course it is possible to start from a 'blank page' and develop an idea and aquire professional guidance along the way. At all times we will encourage external engagement with both industry and commercial bodies, clients and organisations. This will ensure that advise and guidance will be clear and professional at all times.

As the course development is evolving it is becoming apparent that other areas within the college could be part of this program. For example it is hoped that the Hair and Beauty Department will work alongside our students providing both models and styling to suit chosen themes.

Video production is now part of the City and Guilds unit choices and more information will be available soon, until then refer to Unit 14 of the City and Guilds handbook download for more specific information.