Task 1 – Project Proposal:
Professional application of the photography to be undertaken
Broaden my portfolio with adjacency and relevance to my existing work. Provide images for my portfolio, models portfolios and MUA/stylist portfolio. Provide images for my websites, models webpages and MUA/stylist web pages.
Demonstrate an ability to project manage all the elements of a location fashion shoot; a given scope and expected outcome delivered to a schedule, to a budget, to a high standard whilst managing the associated risks.
Reasons for selection of theme (including inspiration from the work of others)
I have chosen to do Fashion Photography / Beauty / Studio / Location / Clothing theme. During a review of inspiring photographers I recognised some images I had previously collected with the intention of doing my own version. Those images are Helmut Newton’s and in contrast to my own work were shot on location, high fashion, black and white and shoot 35mm film. My work tends to be studio portraits, beauty, digital and in colour. In order to develop the concept I spent some time over Christmas collecting the following Newton’s images.
Whist I don’t like all of his work, particularly the more gritty, sexually charged, blatant nudity the broader body of his word proves a stylistic challenge.
As part of the research I also ordered a compendium book of his work. Being large format circa A3 it was rather bigger than I anticipated…
It actually weighs over 5kg! Wow! So, is that why it came with a reading stand!?
Waded through it – some outstanding pictures, some in the ‘WHAT?’ category and a lot of stuff I don’t get other than it’s someone famous in a vaguely relevant setting. The stuff that is good, to my eyes at least, is truly inspirational. B&W here we come!
I also did internet search and I looked at over two-hundred on-line pictures of Newton’s work and saved them to a reference folder in Lightroom. I also looked at other photographers of a similar style including Bailey and Bradziak although Newton had a distinct style that I wanted to emulate.
Project managing such a shoot will be a coordination challenge and broaden my portfolio creatively with adjacency and relevance to my existing work.
The photo imaging equipment and medium that will be used and why
I will use both full frame digital SLR camera and B&W 35mm SLR film camera. The former allows speed, flexibility and assurance in shooting and post production. The latter will recreate the challenge of shooting but not having immediate qualitative feedback. Much the same as Newton experienced.
The actual equipment I will use include – Nikon D800 (digital camera), Nikon F5 (35mm film camera), tripod, reflectors, portable flash. The Ilford film’s I’ve decided to use are:
- PANF (50ASA) “Slow speed with very fine grain. Ideal for portraiture”
- FP4 (125ASA) “medium speed, fine grain and outstanding sharpness”
- HP5 (400ASA) “High speed for fast action and available light photography”
Processing and scanning will be done by a 3rd party. I have selected two. Snaps Photo Services who process and scan 26Mb TIFF files for about £10 / roll…
And Club 35 who will process and scan to 6Mb JPEG for about £12.
http://www.club35.co.uk/cd.html
I have used Club 35 in the past for colour film and found the quality and turnaround time acceptable but thought I would try the higher resolution, RAW like, scan.
I will also use wider lenses, 24-70mm, than I normally do and shoot lower angles to convey a sense of space, elegance, elongation and dominance by the models.
The use of a tripod will force a more considered composition than shooting freestyle
Model selection
Tall, elegant and ability to pose the style of Newton
model release form
Model: _________________________________________
Model’s Age (at time of production): __________________
Description of production/s: ________________________
Date/s of production/s: ____________________________
THIS MODEL AGREEMENT AND RELEASE (“Agreement”) is dated ____________ and is between the undersigned photographer (“Photographer”) and the undersigned model/performer (“I”).
Agreement as follows: For good and valuable consideration of __________________
I hereby grant the undersigned Photographer permission to photograph me. I further give my irrevocable consent to Photographer and his/her direct or indirect licensees and assignees to publish, republish or otherwise transmit the images of myself in any medium for all purposes throughout the world. I understand that the images may be altered or modified in any manner. I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect and approve a finished product or the copy that may be used in connection with an image that the Photographer has taken of me, or the use to which it may be applied. I further release the Photographer and his/her direct or indirect licensees and assignees, from any claims for remuneration associated with any form of damage, foreseen or unforeseen, associated with the use of the images.
I am of legal age and have the full legal capacity to execute this authorization without the consent or knowledge of any other person.
Agreed by the Model / Photographer
| Model | Photographer | |
| Name | ||
| Address | ||
| Phone number | ||
| Email address | ||
| Agreement signature | ||
| Date of signature |
What budget (rate details redacted – available on request)
| Qty | Rate | Cost | |
| Equipment / Overheads (£150pd) | 4 | £20.00 | £80 |
| Creatives – MUA/Stylist | 4 | ||
| Styling budget | 0 | ||
| Studio | 0 | ||
| Creatives – Model | 4 | ||
| Creatives – Photographer (Planning) | 2 | ||
| Creatives – Photographer (Shoot) | 4 | ||
| Creatives – Photographer (Post) | 4 | ||
| Mileage per mile – @ IR rates 40p/mile | tbd | £0.40 | |
| Consumables (B&W film and processing) | 1 | £15.00 | £15.00 |
| Cost per shoot; 2* shoots in all | £400 |
* 2 shoots by agreement with tutors.
Overall calculated budget for the two shoots is £800
Techniques that will be used and how they will help convey the visual message
I have recced locations and found central Blackpool and Cleveleys have suitable simple graphic setting that will complement the imagery…..
Blackpool…
Cleveleys…
Such settings provides the sense of space and elegance I’m looking for and in B&W shape and form are emphasised. I have engaged two tall, elegant models who I believe can carry off the ‘look’ and a MUA/Stylist. I am currently in dialogue to confirm and source the styling.
How light quality can be used to help convey the visual message
The location test shots were taken in bright but low mid-winter sun and had it been the day of the shoot – perfect! The strong, long shadows added to the shape and form; as they do in Newton’s work. I will endeavour to take the shoot pics in similar conditions. However, the lighting was extremely contrasty so I may need to use reflectors or portable flash to reduce the contrast.
Formal Risk Assessment
| reference | what is the hazard? | who might be harmed & how? | what is the mitigation? | who actions the mitigation? | mitigate by when? |
| 01 | Trip over tripod | Public | Be aware of it is a criminal offence to obstruct free passage and ensure free passage is maintained. Be vigilant for pedestrians likely to trip over tripod. Apply reflective material to tripod. Consider using monopod | Ian Walker | |
| 02 | Trip over equipment bag | Public | Be aware of it is a criminal offence to obstruct free passage and ensure free passage is maintained. Be vigilant for pedestrians likely to trip over equipment bag. Apply reflective material to bag. Consider using photographers vest to hold equipment. | Ian Walker | |
| 03 | Obstruction of walkway | Public | Be aware of it is a criminal offence to obstruct free passage and ensure free passage is maintained at all times. | Ian Walker | |
| 04 | Causing offence | Self | Through careful styling and posing ensure the public are not offended and decency is maintained. | Ian Walker | |
| 05 | Attempted robbery | Self | Minimise equipment. Be vigilant. Do not leave equipment/bag on floor or take eye of equipment/bag. Consider using photography vest to hold equipment. Carry personal alarm to raise alarm. | Ian Walker | |
| 06 | Abuse or attack | Self | Be sure of photographer rights in respect of taking pictures in a public space, harassment and privacy. Be prepared to delete images to diffuse situation. carry personal alarm to raise alarm. | Ian Walker | |
| 07 | Moving vehicles on the roads | Self | Take extra care in or avoid close proximity to moving vehicles. Use reflective clothing | Ian Walker | |
| 08 | Moving trams on the tracks | Self | Take extra care in or avoid close proximity to moving vehicles. Use reflective clothing | Ian Walker | |
| 09 | Ian Walker | ||||
| 10 | Inclement weather | Self | wear suitable clothing and protect equipment | Ian Walker | |
| 11 | Ian Walker | ||||
| 12 | Inability to summon help | Self | Ensure mobile phone is charged | Ian Walker |
