CPW Blogs

"You don't take a photograph, you make it." – Ansel Adams

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Task 2 of our Professional Practice

Throughout our professional practice, Task 1 has been focused around writing various blog posts on guest speakers and information about the photographic world learnt during our weekly lectures. However, for Task 2 we have been asked to pick an option to focus on, out of 4 options.

 

Option 1 – a funding, residency or exhibition proposal. For option 1, you are asked to complete a proposal to either ask for funding for a project, apply for an artist residency or apply for an exhibition.

 

Option 2 – create a job application, including a cover letter. For option 2, you are asked to prepare an application to apply for a job in an area of professional employment related to photography and, you must include a cover letter.

 

Option 3 – an annotated visual portfolio presented online and a written artist statement. For option 3, you are asked to prepare a visual portfolio of your work that represents your professional self and skills in your absence. Alongside this you are asked to, include an artist statement and any other relevant information relating to the work for example; a project statement, artist biography, work dimensions, materials, installation information, contact information and links to websites and social media.

 

Option 4 – a visual portfolio presented in an oral presentation and a written artist statement. For option 4, you are asked to prepare a visual portfolio of your work which will be presented in person and include a written artist statement alongside it.

 

For task 2 I decided to opt for option 3 because, it is a good way of learning to create a professionally standard portfolio, which will help me with future endeavours when it comes to applying for a job in the photographic industry.

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Lindsey Smith

During our lecture this week we were introduced to the guest speaker for the week, Lindsey Smith. Who is Lindsey Smith?

 

Lindsey Smith is a photographic artist and freelance facilitator. What is an arts facilitator? Generally, an arts facilitator is someone who provides resources, knowledge, inspiration and support to people in the community who wish to make and learn about art. Smith engages with various individuals, on all different types of freelance projects which she is invited to participate in to help guide others.

 

During her talk she discussed the six models of practice:

 

  1. Artist as catalyst.
  2. Artist as a provider of new skills and processes.
  3. Artist as facilitator.
  4. Artist as mentor.
  5. Artist as mediator.
  6. Artist as collaborator.

 

In the course of her discussion, Smith pointed out during each of the six models of practice the artist will engage with individuals, communities, societies in arts and culture; as the audience, participant, co-creator or producer.

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How to develop your presentation skills.

When developing your presentation skills there are three major details you need to think about… Design, Script and Public speaking.

 

Whilst considering the design and layout of your presentation, you need to think about the imagery and text. Your images need to showcase the work, creating a steady flow and pace of the best work. Make sure to use text sparingly as, you don’t want to cause the presentation to look clustered. Consider using a clean and simple font with a minimal colour palette throughout to avoid distraction.

 

Secondly, when preparing your script, make sure to over-prepare rather than under-prepare so you’re not left stranded for words in front of an audience. If you construct your presentation similar to an essay, it will make it easier for the audience to follow, allowing them to take in the information. Practice makes perfect so, ensure to practice ahead of time in order to figure out your timing and use of your tools.

 

Finally, public speaking consists of three things; confidence and nerves, body language and preparation and practice. In order to build in confidence, you need to practice in situations that make you nervous. It’s okay to be human just practice, practice, practice. On the other hand, body language can be read in many different ways, it can help how you come across to the audience. Standing tall as oppose to pacing can have a major effect on your audience. At the end of the day, always ensure to prepare your materials and test your technology.

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