Guest Lecture: professional panel

Having previously met the photographers in Thursdays crit session, it was good to see what they do and how they do it. James started by asking them what influenced their type of photographic work. Here was there responses individually...

• Jasper White: Influenced by Martin Parr, Sandals for its humour and colour. He didn't understand the image at first but soon realised the idea behind it. It is very clear in Jaspers images that he is influenced by Martin. Especially in his Sheds series. 
• Carol Sharp: Influenced by Imogen Cunningham, Magnolia Blossom. Carol loves flowers but knew she had to push the boundaries and find something different about flowers that no one else has already done. 
• Andy Earl: Influenced by Ralph Gibson. His images are abstract and surreal and even though it isn't very obvious within Andy's work there are elements of shadows very similar to Gibson. 
• Emma Chapman: Influenced by the Scandinavian style and design. Likes the minimalistic work of Hay Furniture. Also influenced by food photography by Carl Klein for its colour palette, clean and minimalistic. Elements of graphics too. 
• Simon Stock: Influenced by Duncan Sim. Inspired by peoples stories, John Clarridge going, meeting and experiencing new things.  

A question was asked about how to get work with publishers. They told us that we need to be convincing and that it will make them money. They are not interested in any stories they want you to be concise about your ideas. 

When assisting you need to have the knowledge and awareness of what you're doing. Always be one step ahead. They will also be looking for someone who is enthusiastic. If they are working alongside them they want some interesting and wanting to work. 

Contact photographers for assisting jobs through email, but if this doesn't get you anywhere push further and go in. Even make a small book of your work and write a letter and take it into their workplace so it's something they can look at by hand as emails can sometimes be missed. When looking for someone to assist, find someone you are genuinely interested in for their work. Learn how to handle clients and have the right attitude.