If you require further information, or would like a copy of my CV, please do not hesitate to contact me by emailing me direct.
As part of the module, I collect all course handouts, college documentation and other relevant information in a central file.
Contracts and professional documentation
As a photographer it is important to protect yourself and your work in terms of copyright, usage, sales and marketing. The AOP provide some templates which can be used as do many legal services, here I cover a couple of the contracts one might use and why they are important.
View generic contract here
Model Release Form
A Model Release Form is an informal agreement between a model and the photographer. It sets out how the photographer will use the pictures taken and who the images and copyright of those images belong to. Whilst professional models may sign numerous forms and be used to the whole process, amateurs may find the language used quite daunting, so it's important to go through the form with the model, assuring them of the information contained within, not only to ensure that they are happy with it, but also to ensure you don't damage the rapport you've built up, you don't want an awkward shot!
View document here
Transfer of Copyright
You may take a set of family portraits, and after agreeing with the client, which ones are to be printed, you may have no further use for the images. In this case many photographers agree to sell the copyright of the images, so that the client can reproduce them any number of times without your express permission, or use them on their own website listings - such as Facebook. When copyright is sold or transferred as part of a session package, it is often the case that there are conditions, such as images cannot be altered in any way (and are often locked or protected) and that the photographer can maintain a copy and use in promotional/portfolio literature.
View document here
Indemnity clauses
Contracts commissioning a photographers work often contain one sided indemnity clauses, as well as rights-grabbing intellectual property clauses. It is important therefore that a photographer reads any contract thoroughly, and that the terms and conditions of other paperwork does not contradict signed documents.
No transfer until paid
Often included in a contract, this clause stipulates that no rights are sold until invoices are paid in full. There are various reasons for this but it prevents 3rd parties buying the assets (in this case your pictures) of a bankrupt client, but not their obligations, such as paying your bill.
Web sites
Web sites also require their owners to publish terms and conditions if they are using it to sell services.
View document here
Sales invoices
Invoices are a good way of confirming work carried out and reminding the client of the terms and conditions of sale and give billing instructions.
View document here
Professional Contacts
Some telephone nubers and addresses are blank for privacy reasons.
Click here to view spreadsheet
C.V.
A copy of my CV has been uploaded onto Moodle, and a printed copy placed in the course file.
Publishing work
Over the duration of this course we are required to keep a work diary, (which is the blog contained on these pages), as well as upload images to Flickr, which is an online photo sharing site. As these sites follow my progression during the course, it isn't necessarily presented as a professional photographer would showcase their work. However, for the purposes of evidencing my own activities, the layout is fit for purpose and is flexible enough to suit varying personalities.
There are other blogs and sharing sites available to use and these include Picasso, Facebook, Word Press, Twitter and My Space. Whichever site you choose to profile your work, well written sites with easy to navigate layouts which contain regular updates tend to be more successful. Popular sites can become 'viral' in their following, amassing huge numbers of followers in short spaces of time according to trend, who else is following, testimonials and suggestions from other followers.
In particular consideration to photo sharing sites, terms of the site must be read carefully as some allow browsers to copy/download images whilst others specify that by publishing you are agreeing to their T&C's which may contain transfer of copyright.
If using the sites for promotion and/or advertising you can include links in all email correspondence, marketing material and on your business card.
All the above sites, and supporting documentation, as well as letters and business cards can contain images and logo's which help to create a brand identity for the photographer.
A logo I created, which could be added to websites, letter heads etc.
Current Reading
As well as the recommended reading list, there are a number of books which I am reading, using for reaseach or flicking through for ideas. These are;
Essential Arts - The history of Western Art (Herbert)
David Bailey - Look (Jackie Higgins)
The Theatre of Face (Phaidon)
Ways of Seeing (John Berger)
The Photo Book (Phaidon)
The Polaroid Book (Tachen)
Criticizing Photographs (Barratt)
The 50 most influential photographs in the world (Chris Dickie)
The Photograph (Graham Clarke)
Self Review of 1st Semester
After completing the work for the first 4 briefs, I think now is a good time to reflect on the work done so far.
Celebrate
Completing the work within deadlines, in an organised and methodical way
Becoming familiar and comfortable within studio environment and equipment
Maintain
High standards and goal orientated
Willingness to put in extra hours to achieve desired outcome
Develop
Using editing software on a more regular basis
Artistic and conceptual ideas
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