Unit 6 - Working to Photography Briefs

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Introduction
Photography involves capturing images in a studio, or on location, and producing prints using traditional or digital technology. Technology has had a massive impact on photography. Not many years ago, anyone who wanted to take photographs had to learn how to shoot to film, how to control depth and exposures - and how to develop film into finished prints. Now, with digital photography, you can take a shot and see the result immediately. You can download your photographs straight to computer and use computer software to enhance or change it.

To complete Unit 6, you will explore and experiment with specialist photography materials and techniques, and develop your skills in both traditional and digital methods. You will increase your understanding by exploring both traditional and digital techniques.
You'll develop ideas, and select appropriate materials, techniques and processes to meet a photography brief.

Learning the basics
Most professional photographers would argue that even though they now use digital cameras, it's essential to understand the more traditional aspects of taking effective photographs. Although Monty Rakusen studied photography at university, he admits that his lack of technical ability was a problem in the early stages of his career.

I got a first class honours degree and decided to set up in business with a friend. We didn't know anything about running a business and learned as we went along.  Eventually the partnership split up. I felt that I didn't know enough about professional photography, even though I'd been running a commercial design and photography business. My knowledge of photographic technology wasn't good enough, so I closed down the business and went to work as a studio assistant. It was difficult - I hardly earned any money and the two photographers I worked for treated me quite badly, but working as an assistant is the best way to learn. You learn photographic techniques and you also learn how to deal with clients, how to progress a job from beginning to end.

Try this:

• How much do you know about taking photographs using traditional methods? How are pictures captured on film developed into finished prints? Find out and practise your skills.
• How does exposure affect a photograph? What special effects can you create by manipulating exposure and depth? How would you take a shot in dim light or very bright light? How would you photograph a moving object using an SLR camera?
• Why do some photographers prefer to work in black and white rather than colour? Which do you think is more effective in creating a reaction in the observer?

New trends
Monty Rakusen knows that digital technology has revolutionised the photography business. One of the great benefits is that clients can see an instant result.

I'm not saying that digital is best; 35 millimetre is fine for press photography. But there's a difference in the way that you approach photography if you're using digital and 35 millimetre. Like I said, I spend a lot of time looking around before I take any shots whereas the moment you have a 35 millimetre round your neck, you put it to your eye and start taking pictures.

Try this:

• Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of using digital technology. How has it influenced your approach to taking photographs? Talk to some of your classmates about their experiences.
• Take a series of photographs of one subject - a person, building, still life - and experiment with programs such as Photoshop to find out what special effects you can create.

Meeting a brief
Monty Rakusen focuses his business on energy, social housing and other environmental issues.

Increasingly I find that I'm acting as a consultant, interpreting the client's message...
I go to a lot of meetings and ask clients about their companies. Are you a friendly company? What do you want to communicate? How can we weave your message into the photography?... Before a shoot, I have detailed discussions with the client to determine what the job is about. We talk about the style of the pictures and the client will have prepared visuals.

Try this:

• Work with another student to create a photography brief. You could either use photography as part of a wider campaign to promote a product or service or use it to respond to a subject that interests or concerns to you - the environment, social problems in your neighbourhood, etc. Write out the brief, describing exactly what you want to do through photography, then design a shoot. Who will be involved, where will it take place, what equipment and resources will you need? Write up an action plan to describe how you will meet the brief. You can use the actual brief used by Monty Rakusen as a starting point.

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