Client Brief

So the first project I got given from the College was to take images to a clients need. The client turned out to be the college itself and so I was given the challenge of shooting the night life in Plymouth. I had shots taken from around the centre of Plymouth and the Barbican. To make the City Centre look more exciting I slowed the shutter down as slow as possible to get the longest trail from car lights.

These images are copyrighted to Alex Dance Photography.

Paid for Printing!

I did a shoot for a College project which involved me to photograph a model and make it look as pose them as if they were the author of a real book. We had to shoot on film so I used a Hasselblad (square format camera) and a large format (5x4). As for using him as a model (for free) I agreed that I will give him digital copies. He then went through and a few weeks before Christmas requested these to be printed at A4 size. 

These images are copyrighted to Alex Dance Photography.

Tamar Valley Westerners

I have been a photographing the Tamar Valley Westerners for nearly a year and a half now. They are a local group based in Plymouth to honour the American Civil War. They have also looked into Native American Culture and had the opportunity of photographing them in there full gear. 

Starting Photography

The Past
The Herald- Work Experience
I have started to work on my photography last year by gaining experience with The South West Media Photography-The Herald Photography/ Newsroom department. This was a fantastic experience and learnt so much in the space of a week. The biggest highlight was when I met a few of the stars from Strictly Come Dancing in The Pavillions. They had a variety of photographers who specialised in different fields and all had there own aspirations for there future. One of the assignments was in the mall where we had to photograph various members of the public who dressed summery. This helped me to deal with people in a professional manner as well as boosting confidence to talk to random strangers.

Tamar Valley Westerners- Work
This is my first photography work in which they modelled for me in all there Indian gear for a project. They were impressed with the images and now get asked to accompany them for photographs when they go to various events.

Business Cards
Business cards are a great way to promote who you are and have already printed a set. My cards had various different images on them and from them being open to the public for them to take gave an insight into what image they preferred. The next time I order a set of cards I wont have so many images and limit it to a few the ones that got took.

The Present
Studying and finding my strengths
I am currently at PCA on the Foundation Degree Photography Course where I am starting to get a sense of where my strengths are. I thought my main strength was landscape but I seem to be showing great work in portraiture. This is more specifically using controlled lighting in a studio environment.

The Future?
If my strength does seem to be in portraiture then the next step would be getting equipment necessary to set up freelance. This will also include looking into different insurances to protect my self and my equipment.

My inspiration

When I was on my first course at the college (and where I first learnt about photography) I came across a photographer called Michael Bosanko. He is known as a light graffiti artist because he uses long shutter speeds on the camera to create various light trails. Here is some of his work. All copyright belongs to the original owner.

Matt Whorlow Interview

I met Matt Whorlow at Saltram while he was selling prints of his work. I had a good look through his work and thought they were quite remarkable. He is a freelance photographer who specialises in landscape photography. I went up to him and explained who I was and asked if I could ask a few questions. He was very busy but he did give me a few minutes.

How long have you been a photographer?
Not long I have only been photographing for 10 years but now I do it I can't really imagine myself doing anything else.

Do you use film or digital?
I use digital now but I did start on film.

What made you change from film to digital?
Digital is just easier and cheaper to use then film. I know you don't get the same quality but it's so much easier and I see the results right away whether that be on the back of the camera or on a computer.

How did you first start your business?
I started by going to various places like these and try to sell as many prints as possible to gain confidence and  to see what sold. From the confidence gained I went full-time into photography and now promote myself as much as possible.

Where do you like to photograph?
Cornwall is the main place but anywhere beautiful really.

I notice you use black mounting on your work and not white why?
I use black mounting because I personally think it looks more professional then white. I also think the black enhances colours and white makes them looked washed out.

I found this to be a really good experience as im not used to going up and talking to people. I have seen him and his work at Saltram before but never had the courage to go and talk with him but am now glad I did.

Devon Air Ambulance Competition

The Devon Air Ambulance are holding a photography competition in which the prize is £500 vouchers on photographic equipment as well as the image being published in there calender. There are three categories in which you can enter in. There's at work, at rest and at play and the image must be a form of landscape.

This is the image I decided to enter and entered it into the category at work. I thought this was the best category to enter as it shows the little shoot working to be as big as its predecessor.

I'm looking forward to any feedback from the competition as I have never entered one before and think this will be great experience for me.