As a part of this module we had to create a mood-board with our inspirations and plans that we can present to our future “clients” in this project. I gathered different images that I liked to see what my style would be combined with small captions that will remind what I will want to mention during presentation. Mood boards are used in real life as well as they help artist to pitch out the idea, he/ she sees. It also specifies the aesthetics the project will go in which avoids misunderstanding between client and the artist. I personally in professional practice would like to lead project in natural blue and warm tones. I am still not sure if I would like to use flash or natural light, but I guess using flash and similar lighting would tie the photographs together.  I tried to contact firstly the artists that I know, and I hope they will give me more names and networking will begin as well. I am very interested of this project becoming about young female artists which would tie the project together as well same.  I like the way of exposing the work placement and artist’s work in very “in your face” way so it is obvious what the person does and catches the viewer what is looking for at the first point.

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In today’s lecture I started to look at different portraiture in magazines of which caught my eye because of aesthetics. As I chosen to photograph environmental portraits of artists I have to find a way how to show not just the environment of the individual but also their character. These photographs are different with the brief but are very similar with my vision of photographing people simply sitting at their pieces which very visibly shows what the person does but I also liked the portrait of the comic that had a shirt with donuts which tells the viewer it is a person with funny character so in my case it could be a messy studio or aprons.

During our lecture we were looking at fashion photographers that created work which is very close to portraiture. Here I have chosen my favorite artists’ work that caught my attention for example work from Julia Hetta that created very clean and sharp images that fit our brief from professional practice. The work looks like it’s been done in the studio of a painter or an artist. I like that all work is vertical, and it carries her moody signature of quite flat image where on the other hand I liked Clare Shilland’s work which is blurrier with depth of field.

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In the past I helped Lixing Zhang so I have seen her work before and when I seen Lixing’s work again it caught my eye I love the way she frames her work and she mentioned that she worked in medium format which gave these photos that washed look. Most of her work is taken form distance whereas I like close ups more but in this case,  it works with that cool artistic environment the photos were taken in and these people work in.

Looking at different environmental portraits with different professions that can inspire me for my work by the setting up, framing lighting or any different ideas. as I said before I like portrait where the model is looking towards the camera as I feel there is different connection with the viewer and it is more memorable which it is the main focus and environment or artistic pieces become a background that underlines what the person does.

Through choosing a path for this assignment I got interested in four options of creating environmental portraits, fashion photography, product photography or 2-week placement. In most of these options I already have some experience as I have studied fashion in my course, we had to do some photo shoots of our final designs. In my work experience I worked with ceramicist for which I had to take photographs of her work for advertisement in her social media which I enjoyed. For 2 weeks placement I could go back to my old college and do photography workshops for A ‘Level Art students as they have no opportunity to learn something about photography and maybe some of them would discover their new passions. However I love portraiture and it is something that always interested me the most so I think this will be a great opportunity to get back to them, get to know more people in artist world and progress as professional practice in which I would like to stay in the future.

Portraiture is probably path I would want to focus on in the future and maybe after BA I would try master degree where I could fully develop as a photographer. I am also interested in idea of becoming self-employed about which I want to research in this module.

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Workshop in groups based on different skills that are important to know about and gain to be capable of getting the job we apply for. Wrote them all out in small groups as it is important to know about all the skills that should be mentioned in my CV or during the interview leading with the experiences that can show the skills were used in practice. This will help to understand own strengths as well.

To be a photographer I have to manage work with the camera and technical equipment to obviously be able capture the photographs that I am hired for or I want but also computer skills are needed especially in Photoshop and premiere pro aspect even when in the future I wont focus in post production or editing roles but I need to know basics and tools I need in daily bases which I can always learn in the university or by myself through online media. Then there is another side of skills that come from the personal style of the photographer which is about good eye and framing skills which is very individual and it just depends on the likes from others but can be progressed over the constant shooting.

However I think that as a photographer it is essential pay attention to details but not to just have photography skills/technical skills and talent but also focus on personal skills such as good organization and communication skills because it is hard for people or models to work with unfriendly photographer. Also as social advertisement can be very important I think being little bit extrovert and outgoing in talking about your work same as believing in yourself is important as well.

Most of those skills can be simply gained by many experiences in photography or any other industry. Any experience is benefiting the individual even if it is case of part time job not associated with the profession as everything can bring new options for example problem solving, working in a team and under pressure which is probably essential in any type of work placement.

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-strongly expressed, leading with practical sense and social vigor-work best in environments with clear, predictable hierarchies and tasks-are comfortable with authority but are supportive and friendly enough to keep that authority from feeling overbearing

-need human interaction and emotional feedback to be truly satisfied in their line of work

-Good listeners and enthusiastic team members-excellent providers of medical care and social work

-often prefer to be personal accountants, helping people and interacting with them directly

-Monotony and routine work are not a challenge

Workplace Habits:

-dependent on clear hierarchies and roles, and whether subordinates, colleagues or managers

-efficient, hard-working people who respect the authority-their dedication and loyalty earn them the respect

-no trouble putting into practice, often seeking friends at work, people with this personality type are almost always willing to lend a hand when and where it’s needed

-particularly sensitive when they come under criticism

Overall, I was personally very surprised how on spot the results were and I didn’t discover anything that would shock me but just agreed with what I feel like I would normally be like in my personal life but also at work outside of university.

“An entrepreneur is someone with the ability to take calculated risks to increase his wealth. Ability to adapt new ideas to a relevant marketplace is the key aspect.” 

-Apparently becoming an entrepreneur in the UK is very popular option that is more beneficial towards the beginner where basically you will become self-employed and you have an idea or vision of elaborating the business more and more later.

How to Become an Entrepreneur?

Advantages Of Becoming An Entrepreneur

• Answerable only to self
• Exciting opportunity
• Endless challenges
• Increased profits and gain in wealth
• Involvement in the entire business operation
• Gain in status by being the person in charge
• Opportunity to build equity

Main disadvantages of becoming an entrepreneur

• High financial risks
• Long working hours
• Sincere and continuous commitment to the project

To understanding what are your potentials and limitations you have to ask yourself:

• Initiative to plan and follow up on it
• Networking with people from different backgrounds
• Ability to make the right decisions quickly
• Physical and emotional stamina required
• Strong financial background to manage the difficulties that arise
• Planning, organizing and motivating skills
• Passion to excel

Skills Required To Become An Entrepreneur

• Gain market knowledge
• Be resilient in the pursuit of the business objective
• Financially astute and focussed on the bottom line
• Delegate responsibility and adapt accordingly
• Socially responsible and undertake activities to aid the environment whenever possible

How to Become an Entrepreneur?

• For the beginning it is important to have the plan and vision to understand what I will need to deal with and arrange to be able to start. Break down of what my abilities are and if it is possible to success.

 My business plan should include:

• Key aspects of the product in detail regarding its manufacturing, purchase and display
• Conservative and realistic demand of the product
• Target market
• Strengths of the competitors
• Marketing strategy of the product
• Distribution of the product
• Cost analysis
• Projected financial statement for 3-5 years
• Capital required

Don’t forget to:

• Create a small team and clearly define roles and responsibilities,
• Keep it legal
• Choose the right accountant to handle your finances efficiently
• Network with other entrepreneurs, vendors, bank managers and suppliers
• Understand and keep yourself updated on the market condition
• Treat it as a serious venture and commit sincerely

    Think of the funding requirements:

• Selling personal assets or using them as collateral
• Friends and family members and angel investors
• Government grants and loans
• Banks
• Venture capitalists like Venture Giant who is willing to invest and aid entrepreneurs.

The Options as an Entrepreneur

• Start your own venture from scratch
• Acquire an existing business
• Franchising provides the entire package for an investor

Option of being an Entrepreneur in UK with limited Funding and less than 5 employees:

• An accountant can assist with the financial and legal structure required for your business
• Manage the accounts payables and receivables in an orderly manner. Try Intuits Quickbooks or Sage 50 Accounts 2008
• Ensure the computers have sound antivirus software
• Buy your own domain name from Net Benefit or Easily. Manage email directed to your website using software like Email Centre Pro.
• Decide among the main legal structures in the UK: Limited Company, Sole Traders and Partnerships.
• Marketing Plan Pro is best suited for designing a market plan.

Before didn’t really have an idea what entrepreneurship really is about but overall, I feel that becoming and entrepreneur sounds as a better option to me as I feel it is more free for beginner where less pressure would be pushed towards me. However, when I compare it is sounds very similar to being just self-employed where here it is more about starting from the scratch with an idea of expanding more in the future depending on how the business will pick up.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) = Self-Employed

If I would want to focus only on portraiture and mostly working in my own studio becoming a self-employed would be a good idea as I enjoy working on my own and dealing with customers in my way. Becoming a self-employer means that I have responsibility of the business that I own and its success or failures. However the fact of being responsible for my whole business and the beginning sounds very scary to me but here I have found more information about getting started, what it caries etc.

What counts as self-employed?

https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself

-Self-employment means that you are your own boss where you have your responsibilities to lead the business on your own. Being self-employed means that you have to do your tax, hire people, decide when you are working, what space you will be in and simply provide everything that is needed for the business on your own.

How to register as self-employed?

https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader

• You need to set up as a sole trader if any of the following apply:

    -you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment between 6 April 2018 and 5 April 2019

    -you need to prove you’re self-employed, for example to claim Tax-Free Childcare

    -you want to make voluntary Class 2 National Insurance payments to help you qualify for benefit

Self-employed registration form:

https://public-online.hmrc.gov.uk/lc/content/xfaforms/profiles/forms.html?contentRoot=repository:///Applications/NICs_iForms/1.0/CWF1_20167&template=CWF1.xdp

• You’ll need to:

    –keep records of your business’s sales and expenses

    -send a Self-Assessment tax return every year

    -pay Income Tax on your profits and Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance – use HMRC’s calculator to help you budget for this

-You’ll need to apply for a National Insurance number if you’re moving to the UK to set up a business.

• VAT

-You must register for VAT if your turnover is over £85,000. You can register voluntarily if it suits your business, for example if you sell to other VAT-registered businesses and want to reclaim the VAT Name your business

For the beginning in  portraiture photography it could be a good idea to start working as an assistant to get to a hang with the way things work in the real world. It would give me opportunity  to learn a way of dealing with clients, reacting to different situations by following the instructions from the professionals. In this job I could show my good work ethic, hard working, organization and communication skills.

Then a job of studio manager could link up from assistant job where I could meet different photographers which would be an opportunity to show my work and gain more contacts for the future. Also I could be able to show my creativity and experience from previous job.

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To have better understanding what is available and what opportunities I would have as a photography firstly, I am looking what photography jobs available locally in Northern Ireland. The closest job I founded is in the Antrim hospital where they are looking for part time portrait photographer that would photograph new-born and mothers which could give me a lot of experience how to approach people, work on portraiture and working in hospital environment. The job is temporary through Bounty UK with interesting working hours as 1 week is working and 2nd week is off which would give me opportunity to work on personal projects in free time. The limitation would be that they require driving license.

Second job that I found is full time permanent job with a contract in the Down District. Scope of employment would be Studio portraiture and group photography of children, sales activity, communication and co-operation with clients, Updating of information to company database and transfer of digital files, improving relevant skills and working in a team. The opportunity of working through contract is bringing a lot of bonuses but I would have to travel and gain a lot of experience that they are asking for.

Each job that I looked at had different potentials and limitations but most of them were over in the England well, at least most of them on indeed.com. I chosen these two opportunities because they both can be a good experience and taste how it is to work in studio with families and children which might change my idea of directing on this type of photography but also might be easier start to get to photography industry.

To start my project from somewhere today I have decided to take a quiz at http://www.prospects.ac.uk in their career planner which I hoped that will help me to choose a path for future but also understand what might fit my personality.

So at the end these were my top matches for what I could be interested in. Some of them were not to far from my ideas as in most of the outcomes were about management and work with people. What I founded interesting that this was a first quiz that didn’t come up with anything artistic which usually does but it is true that I like to work in a team but mostly manage everything on my own so probably looking into self-employment would be a great idea.