I have a Mentor

I have a mentor organised it this morning - we are meeting up Friday next week for an hour. This will help me with my professional practice. I had misunderstood the role of a mentor and after talking it through with Chris I realise I was looking at it from the wrong angle.

I realise that I already have 2 or 3 people that give me advice, guidance and support and are therefore mentors. However to ensure I get the most out of this I decided that I needed to meet up with someone new. This will bring a new aspect to the way I think about my business. I am looking forward to it.

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Studio Output

Rob Coke - Creative Director

Interesting talk by Rob from Studio Output this afternoon. This is the world I am from and so it all made perfect sense to me. It also helped me realise I am glad I am away from it now. A lot of work and little to show for it was always my impression of working in a design agency and this came through from the way Rob described some of the pitches and campaigns he has overseen.

The Lectern awaits its speaker



The team get Rob wired for action


Here are the brief notes I made:

Whoops didn't realise how bright the screen would be - but look closely in the shadows

I am enjoying the guest lectures. They are providing a much wider and varied group of people this year. Last year seemed mostly to be photographers - which was no bad thing. It is interesting to hear from people that work in other areas of the creative world - helps give you a more grounded view of the world that will be awaiting us when we have finished this course.






Year 2 students are so excited that Sarah attempts to eat her pen ...
Sideways!

  

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Final image - or not

My response to this brief is to connect with the talk about War Photography and how that made me feel. I needed to create an image that said something that showed the humility and pride people feel for the people that are fighting for us and keeping us safe.

This new recruit is overwhelmed and dwarfed by the oppressive wall of the 16,000 names of soldiers that have died in conflicts. This was an emotional event to witness as the impact of their career choice comes home to them.

Whilst I was visiting the National Memorial Arboretum a group of soldiers stood at attention under the obelisk and I photographed them hemmed in and almost squashed by the surrounding walls.

I am now torn on which to choose to present to Joe Cornish on 8th December.

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Location Location Location

Hardy Tree, London

Initially I considered going and photographing the Hardy Tree in St Pancras North Cemetery - but after investigating the trains for tomorrow I will not have enough time in the afternoon to get to London before I lose the sunlight.

Madingley, Cambridge

My next idea was to photograph a war cemetery where there will be seried ranks of headstones lined up and creating geometric patterns. I know there is one just outside Cambridge. However I do not want to have to make such an epic journey (approx 2 hours) and once again the light would be fading by the time I arrived.

Arboretum, Alrewas

After a search locally for war cemeteries I discovered the Cannock Chase German War Cemetery, Beecroft Road, Cannock and the National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas. I have decided to go the the Arboretum as, although I have never been, I know there are some good photographs to be had there. As it is close to Remembrance Sunday there should still be lots of Poppy Wreaths adorning the memorial. My plan is to go in the afternoon and I hope to stay until the sun begins to fade and see if I cannot capture some stunning shadows.

Paper

My plan is to photograph in black and white and get the resulting images produced on the Hahnemuhle Photorag matt A3, a heavy art paper with a fibrous finish (Giclee) or the Kodak Metallic A3 paper this would give it a 3-dimensional feel (C-type) - my choice of paper will be made once I have final image.

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Practice Shots

In preparation for the shoot tomorrow I have been thinking about what I want to achieve. I want a long exposure so there is movement - but I also want to freeze the action. I will therefore use a long exposure and use the flash. I will begin with the camera in Aperture Priority mode. I had a practise on my cat - but he did not move much!

My plan is to have the horse rolling in the indoor school, kicking up dust as he rolls and then capture him in his most vulenerable position as he gets up onto his feet. My intention is that this will be a dark image - a dark horse in a reasonably dark environment.



Tim Flach



I also want to capture some extreme close-up shots of him - inspired by the Equus images by Tim Flach. This will mean I need to make sure he is clean and tidy and relaxed after rolling in the dust. I have set aside the whole morning to see what I can achieve.

Tim Flach

Tim Flach



Tim Flach



I will be using Canon 5D, Speedlite 580EXII Flash, 24-105mm lens, 50mm macro lens and reflector. I will not be using a tripod or lighting kit, at this stage, as I feel flash and hand-held will achieve what I want. I also need to ensure horse and equipment will be safe. If I feel I need to use lighting I will borrow a kit and have provisionally booked a second visit for Friday afternoon - if it is required - if not we are going out for a ride.

I have a couple of ideas for the tag line at this stage but until I see the images I am not sure which to use.

Costings are coming along fine and tomorrow I will negotiate how much the session will cost.

I have a set of still life images in my head that I would like to take. These will be to support the main image (or replace it if it does not go as expected).

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