Hasselblad Digital Camera

During this session I will be going through how to use this system and its lenses. I will show you how to use it in the photography studio. I know we have some shoots happening at the moment that will benefit from using it.
I am also working on this being available on location with me, so I can keep an eye on our investment because of its value. These shoots offsite have yet to be approved and will only happen if you really show a high level of prep and convince me that your shoot deserves and merits its use.

Great start

Just wanted to say how pleased I am with everyones progress on this course, some really interesting links and projects are starting to happen. Remember that the units you are studying are on a rolling program and must have value added to them on a regular basis as you progress throughout this course.
All work needs to be labelled as you go along to ensure accurate self tracking of learning outcomes.Most of you now have a plan of action as to which direction you are heading in, more formal business plans will be opened out after we have our guest visitor from the chamber of commerce.

Business Development

I am trying to organise a visit by Burton Chamber of Commerce to come and give talk to the level 4 photography students regarding the Business units and planning that you have to do for the framework of this course.
This will include a variety of important relevant areas from 'Marketing Strategies' through to 'Funded Business Support Initiatives'.
I will come back with more information regarding this as soon as its confirmed.

Impetus....

I want to make a general comment that the level 4 students and their work production needs to gain some momentum with their projects please. The assumption is that work at this level moves quicker and takes place more often, can the people with sand still between their toes put in the required effort please.

Research of clients and their images needs to be populating blogs alongside research into intentions as regards direction and ability. Measure your work at all times alongside togs working in your selected areas.

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