Personal Statement-Unit 9

From an early age, to now, my inspiration has always been to work in the photography field. I could never picture myself doing anything but photography, I feel this is an ideal career for myself due to when I was very young I was lucky enough to witness my own family member to go far in the industry, and to experience events take place such as, weddings, christenings, in the studio and so much more. Snap, and a moment is captured, forever still, saved for years to see; whether it portrays a strong visual message. Whatever it is, I find it always stimulates something within my head, the urge to capture and portray the world as I see it and how in my head i think it should be. When it comes to anything, working wise, I  am hard working, always committed and want to help others for the better. I am also confident that my choice of Level 3 Art and Design Extended Diploma, tailored to photography, will provide me with the solid foundation needed to proceed to undergraduate level for university. 

The practical side of my course will enable me to gain good techniques in photography such as the main aspects, lighting and manual settings, and I am also eager to learn and develop techniques at university. The theoretical side will improve my written communication skills, which I believe to be important for any subject at university.

Throughout my life i have always had to have my work presented in a curtain fashion, if it isn't finished to my standards then it isn't finished. I have always been committed to my work. I have always had a long term goal and becoming a photographer.I feel that I have advanced this intention further by developing the necessary skills needed to become an photographer, by teaching myself skills on photoshop and messing around with lighting, annual settings and the environment i am in. 

Business Cards-Unit 9

Business Cards-Photography

1. a small card printed with one's name, occupation, business address, etc.

   
   

   
   

   The image to the right is a business card for a photographer as shown. I in particularly like this business card as it is plain but effective from the use of the camera symbol straight away implies to me as a viewer that it is for a photography business without even reading the information on the back. I like how the cards has a simple colour scheme an that the information is clearly shown for the viewer. Personally i would like to try something similar for my own business cards. 

   I also think this business card has the same qualities shown as the first business card. I love how obvious it is to know the type of business it is, and how the business card is an actual camera. I think it is a very creative way of advertising. 

   

UCB Visit

As part of Unit 9, as a class we visited the University Campus Barnsley. Here we explored further options for after our course at college such as extended eduction at university. We met and spoke to different tutors and teachers who talked and gave us a tour of the facilities, and a quick over view of what we could do if we attended the university, such as woodwork, textiles and fine art. As our course is Art and design. We also had the chance to look at a variety of students work, from first years to final degree level, to get an idea of what kind of things we would be doing if we choose a university path.

University Study-Huddersfield University Unit course

About the course:

This course is designed for aspiring photographers with a creative eye, who want to enhance their practical skills and professional approach. Not only will you have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the role of a photographer in modern cultures and commercial practices, you'll also explore historical photography, as well as theory and genres. You'll be supported in developing your practical skills through individual project work, plus you'll have the chance to contribute to collaborative work and exhibitions through documentary, realist, staged, portraiture, landscape, fine art, architectural, fashion, advertising and editorial styles of photography.

This course is one of ten courses in the UK, and the only University degree course in the north of England, that is approved by the British Institute of Professional Photography, an internationally recognised organisation that qualifies and supports professional photographers. This marks the course within the top ten most respected photographic courses in the UK and gives you the opportunity to gain a BIPP professional qualification alongside your degree.

UCAS code:
W640

Start date:
18 / 09 / 2017

Duration: 

3 years full-time
4 years inc. placement year

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this course are normally one of the following:

•  BBB at A Level or equivalent

•  DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

•  120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications

•  Pass in Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design combined with A Level or BTEC qualifications, to total an equivalent of 120 UCAS tariff points. 

•  Pass Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.

•  Pass International Baccalaureate with an overall score of 31 points.

•  Candidates for whom English is not the first language are required to have International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a score of 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 in any component (academic or general test). 

You will also be required to attend a satisfactory interview, when strong emphasis will be placed on the quality of your portfolio.

Storthes Hall Park Student Accommodation Huddersfield

From £80.00 per week (all inclusive)
The earlier you book, the cheaper the price!

Storthes Hall Park Student Village is the largest student accommodation in Huddersfield.

Offering a real community feel whilst at the same time being safe and secure this is the perfect place to live. Providing spacious and modern en-suite rooms with high speed WiFi throughout, Storthes Hall also has an on-site gym, bar, mini market, launderette and car parking so everything is within easy access. We also work in partnership with the Students' Union to bring events and activities to your doorstep. Oh, and did we mention we hold the biggest Fresher's party in town? Why would you live anywhere else?

University Study-Sheffield Hallam University Unit 9

Photography

• Course length three years 
• Location City campus 
• UCAS W60

Course description

What you study
On this course you develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that enables you to fulfil your potential in the increasingly diffuse and continuingly evolving discipline of photography. You are introduced to a range of photographic techniques and key critical themes in order to develop your understanding of the relationship and integration of theory and practice.

Throughout this course you develop professional skills in research and communication, as well as the flexibility to work in a range of contemporary photographic contexts. You also gain professional skills in time management, professional practice, managing risks and developing innovative solutions to creative challenges. 

Key areas of study include • production skills • self directed creative practice • contemporary themes and practices • research, theory and critical analysis • historical practice and debates • project development • independent production • marketing and promotion • professional practice • exhibition organisation.

FacilitiesYou use our well-equipped photographic facilities to produce both digital and analogue imaging. Facilities include 
• two industry-standard photography studios 
• portable lighting equipment 
• a dedicated digital ‘darkroom’ including scanning, processing and printing facilities 
• colour and black and white analogue darkrooms with enlargers from 35mm to 5x4 
• black and white print darkroom with both wet and machine process facilities
• an extensive lending store where you can borrow industry standard equipment such as cameras, lenses and tripods

Work experience
The course offers you exhibition opportunities through which you gain skills and experience in presenting your work to a public audience, both inside and outside of the University. You also develop a portfolio of creative work and a range of professional tools that help you to prepare for your future career. A professional practice strand runs through the second and third year of the course, embedding key professional and industry skills.

During the first year, you gain a foundation in the technical, creative and theoretical aspects of photography. The second year encourages you to build on these skills and to begin to develop your own independent specialised practice. 

In the third year, you focus on developing an in-depth, self-directed project to a professional standard, culminating in the presentation of your finished work in a graduation exhibition.

Entry requirements

Normally GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or grade 4 or above, plus one of the following

• 112 UCAS points from at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications, including at least 32 points in a relevant subject. We accept AS levels. We accept General Studies.

Or

• 96 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications, including at least 32 points in a relevant subject. We accept General Studies.

• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 18 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, in a media-related programme from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a selection event with a portfolio of work to demonstrate your ability. Find out about the selection process and how to produce a strong portfolio.

We welcome applications from people of any age. There may be some flexibility in entry requirements provided you have other relevant learning or experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

* Relevant subjects are • media studies • film studies • English • photography • history of art • theatre studies • history.

Fees Home / EU student

Course fees may be subject to annual inflationary increase.

For the course fee and further information on scholarships and bursaries please visit our fees and funding ages.

International student

Course fees may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further fee information see our international fees or scholarships and bursaries pages.

2016/17 academic year

Typically £12,250 a year

2017/18 academic year

Typically £12,750 a year

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These estimates are based on feedback from past students and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Student Living: 

Our halls include a variety of room types from standard non en suite rooms to large, fully self-contained flats.

Sheffield Hallam Students' Union has over 40 sports and recreational clubs for you to get involved in so whether you want to play competitively or just for fun, we have something for you!

The Students' Union is home to over 50 societies ranging from course related societies such as the Law society to Tea Drinking Society and everything else in between. If you don't find a society that's right for you, you can start your own up with full support from the Students' Union!

During your time here with us as a student, you can come to our Student Services Centres to access a wide range of high quality support services. We want you to get the most out of your studies and your time here, and we offer information, advice and guidance to help you through your journey.

University Study-Leeds University Unit 9

Leeds University
Art and design BA
Overview

This unique degree combines theoretical, design and studio art modules to develop your creative potential in an intellectually stimulating environment. You’ll develop practical, creative and critical techniques, as well as producing and analysing sophisticated pieces of art and design. You’ll learn to be both creative and analytical – a very attractive combination to employers – and exhibit your work in every year. Core modules will introduce and challenge key issues in art and design. You could work in media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, printmaking, video and installation, which will be introduced in studio practice modules and workshops. You’ll be supported by expert tutors, who are all practitioners or theorists with national or international profiles, in a School of Design that spans the arts and sciences. This means we can also offer a wide-ranging choice of modules, allowing you to express your ideas and develop your full potential. The School of Design cuts across the arts and sciences and that makes it a fantastic environment for creativity. You’ll learn in well-lit studios and well-equipped workshops with specialist facilities for painting, printmaking, sculpture and digital media. There are PC and Mac computer suites with up to date software.

Entry Requirements

A-level: ABB including an art or design-related subject and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. If you don’t have an art or design-related subject, we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE in Art/Design and a portfolio of recent and relevant work.

Alternative Entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background. Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted. 

Film, Photography and Media BA
Overview

This unique programme blends film, photography and media to help you develop the practical and theoretical knowledge to succeed in the fast-growing digital media industries. You’ll study a range of production practices such as digital filmmaking, screenwriting and digital photography, and explore the ways in which theory and practice can support each other. At the same time, you’ll examine different approaches to understanding dominant forms of communication throughout history. A wide range of options will also allow you to focus on TV production, film editing or production, scriptwriting, film history and theory, digital imaging, motion graphics, documentary production and mobile media. You’ll gain practical production and post-production skills alongside a broader understanding of the historical, cultural, business and managerial contexts of these key media.

Course Content

Year 1 lays the foundations of the course by helping you to develop your academic and practice-based skills. Core modules will introduce you to screenwriting as well as camera, editing and photographic practices. You’ll then put these into context and build your critical skills with modules on the history and theory of film and communications, and learn more about research in communication and media that can help to inform practice. In the following year you’ll expand and enhance your skills as you work on a short film project and take further core modules in photography and cinema. You’ll also begin to specialise in topics that suit your interests, career plans and abilities, with optional modules that range from motion graphics to PR, issues of genre in cinema and the role of technology in communication and the media. By your final year, you’ll be in a position to work on a major project born out of your own interests. You could work on a script, compile a photography portfolio, make a short film (group based), develop a moving image project or complete a written dissertation on a topic in communication and media. To complete your studies, you’ll choose from optional modules on topics like audience research, mobile media, documentary journalism and international communication – and you could undertake a four-week work placement to gain hands-on industry experience. 

Living expenses and accommodation

We're dedicated to helping you find the accommodation that best suits you and we provide a wide range of support services to help you feel at home from day one. We offer a wide variety of quality accommodation, from modern, purpose-built developments to more traditional residences in a variety of locations from the heart of campus and Leeds city centre, to leafy suburbs and the popular student area of Headingley. You can also choose from catered or self-catered accommodation, an en suite room or a more affordable shared bathroom. 

We offer you: 

• a range of all inclusive rents to suit your budget, there are no hidden extras to pay
• membership to the University's flagship sports centre and swimming pool, The Edge
• 24-hour internet access at no extra cost
• contents insurance for your personal possessions included in your rent
• additional facilities at many sites - common rooms, TVs, pool tables, bars, sport courts and gyms
• a Residence Watch scheme covering University managed accommodation
• University Security on call 24.7
• an efficient, responsive maintenance service
• social and sporting activities organised by students, for students
• advice and support from experienced wardens and resident subwardens
• excellent customer care - we are a founder member of the ANUK National Code of Standards, which is a quality guide for student accommodation and fully approved by the National Union of Students (NUS). 

We guarantee you an offer of accommodation if you are: 

  

• a first year undergraduate (who is not coming to Leeds through Clearing)
• an international undergraduate (you pay fees at the international rate). We guarantee a place in our accommodation until you finish your course
• an undergraduate exchange student
• an international postgraduate student (you pay fees at the international rate) and you are new to Leeds.

Unit 9-Career oppotunities

 Photographer

If you are artistic and love taking photographs, this could be a perfect career for you. As a photographer you would use cameras to take still photographs. You would use your technical skills and artistic ideas to take images of people and products. You will also take pictures of places or events. 

A photographer is usually a creative person. You’ll also need to be able to make people feel relaxed.

Most professional photographers take a college or university course to develop their technical skills.

Work activities

You would normally specialise in photography for one area or use, such as:

• general or social – weddings and portraits 
• advertising and editorial – advertisements, magazines and photo libraries
• press and photojournalism – newspapers and other news publications
• fashion – photographing models and clothing for magazines and catalogues
• corporate (industrial/commercial) – company promotional material 
• scientific or medical – recording scientific research, or medical conditions and treatments

With most types of photography, your day-to-day work would include:

• discussing the project with the client, or receiving instructions from them (known as a brief) 
• choosing and getting locations ready for the photography session (the shoot)
• selecting the right cameras, film and accessories
• setting up lighting and equipment
• composing and taking shots
• checking image quality
• retouching images - by hand or with digital software such as Photoshop
• processing and printing photos
• marketing and running your business if you are self-employed

Income

Starting salaries for assistant photographers can be between £12,000 and £17,000 a year.

Full-time photographers can earn between £18,000 and £50,000 a year.

Freelance photographers are normally paid a fee for each job, or an hourly or daily rate. Rates can vary widely depending on experience and reputation, the type of assignment and the budget available.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

Most professional photographers have taken a college or university course to develop their technical skills. Experience and personal contacts in the industry are also important for building a successful career. 

There is a wide variety of full- and part-time photography courses at all levels, from beginner to advanced, which could help you to get into this career either as an assistant photographer or by meeting the entry requirements for a higher education course. These include:

• Certificate/Diploma in Photography and Photo Imaging at Levels 2 and 3
• Certificate/Diploma in Photography at Levels 2 and 3
• Certificate/Diploma in Art and Design (photography option) at Levels 2 and 3

A working knowledge of digital software, such as Photoshop and Photoshop Lightroom, would also be useful. Training in these packages is offered by many colleges either as a standalone course or as part of a broader course like those listed above.

Higher education photography courses at foundation degree, HND and degree level are widely available, and you can choose to study aspects of the subject from fine art and documentary through to design and commercial.

To do a higher education course, you will usually need A levels in art, design or media, or a photography or art and design qualification at level 3. You will also need a portfolio of work to demonstrate what you can do and to show your potential.

Courses that offer industry contacts and work placements are especially useful. Some HNDs and degrees include the opportunity to apply for the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Licentiateship qualification, and the Association of Photographers (AOP) has links with a number of affiliated colleges  Check with providers about course content and entry requirements.

You can search for higher education photography courses on the UCAS website and find details for the BIPP and AOP in the More information section.

Skills, interests and qualities

To become a photographer, you will need to have: 

• creativity and a good eye for shape, form and colour
• practical and technical photography skills
• excellent communication and ‘people' skills
• the ability to make people feel relaxed
• patience and concentration
• reliability, and good organisation and time-management skills
• computer skills, for using digital imaging programmes like Photoshop
• good business sense and the ability to market yourself (if self-employed)
• motivation and determination

Hours

variable

Starting salary

£12,000 + per year

Photographic Stylist

As a photographic stylist, you’ll work closely with photographers to create the right ‘look’ and mood for a photo shoot. It will be your job to find props, dress the set and organise everything behind the scenes. If you have a good eye for shape and colour, and you would like to work in photography, this job could suit you.

In this job you would need to have an understanding of photography and lighting. You'll also need good 'people skills'. 

Most new photographic stylists get into this job from a fashion, photography or design background. You can learn some of the skills you need by doing a college or university course. It's also important to get as much experience as possible, whether it is through paid employment, a work placement or as a volunteer. ​

Work activities 

You'll usually specialise in one area, such as fashion, interiors, food, advertising or editorial photography. On some jobs you might have plenty of creative freedom, on others you may follow very strict instructions - ‘a brief’.

On a day-to-day basis you may:

• receive a ‘brief’ or instructions from the photographer or art director
• discuss the brief and come up with ideas
• decide on the best clothes, accessories and backgrounds to achieve the desired look
• buy, borrow or hire props, clothing and accessories
• arrange the set 
• dress models and make any adjustments so that clothes fit and look good
• keep a stock of fashion or home accessories – you may often contribute your own items to a shoot
• build good relationships with shops, prop suppliers, PR agencies, photographers and models
• keep up to date with trends

In food styling, you’ll buy ingredients, cook the food, before or during the shoot, and display it in an appetising way.

As a fashion stylist, you might work on fashion shows, music videos and TV shows as well as doing photographic work.

Entry requirements

Most photographic stylists come from a fashion, photography or design background. As a food stylist your background would usually be in catering or home economics.

Design-related courses at different levels are offered at colleges and universities. You may have an advantage with a foundation degree, HNC/HND or degree in one of the following subjects:

• fashion promotion
• fashion styling 
• fashion journalism
• interior or exhibition design
• visual merchandising or display
• photography

Opportunities

Many stylists are self-employed and work freelance, but you could also find opportunities with magazines, style consultancies, photography studios, advertising and PR agencies, stores and design houses. Competition for work is strong.

As a freelance you would usually find work through agents or your own contacts. You could contact photographers, editors and agents (and advertise yourself) through a number of directories for creative professionals.

You may find the following links useful for further reading and making contacts:

• Styling World  (directory) 
• Creative Handbook  (directory) 
• Contact-Creative  (directory) 
• British Journal of Photography 
• Fashion Monitor  (subscription fashion news service and directory) 
• Professional Publishers Association  (for list of members and advice about work experience on magazines)

Hours

variable

Starting salary

variable

Newspaper journalist

Newspaper journalists investigate and write up stories for local, regional and national newspapers. If you're interested in current affairs and you'd like a career using your excellent writing skills, this might be a career you’ll enjoy.

You’ll need to have an enquiring mind and enjoy researching and investigating your story. You’ll also need to be determined and persistent, to make sure you get all the facts and to see your story published on time.

You can get into newspaper journalism by training at college or university, or by joining a local or regional newspaper and training on the job.​

Work activities

Newspaper journalists or reporters, cover any event of interest to people or specialist readers. This could be anything from reporting on council meetings and school fêtes for a local paper, to general elections and world events for the national press.

As a newspaper journalist, your work would typically include:

• investigating a story as soon as it breaks
• following up potential leads
• developing new contacts
• interviewing people, face-to-face and over the phone
• attending press conferences
• recording meetings and interviews using recording equipment or shorthand
• coming up with ideas for new stories and features
• writing up articles in a style that will appeal to the reader

You could choose to specialise in a specific subject such as sport, politics or entertainment, or work as a critic, for example producing restaurant or theatre reviews. Most newspapers also have an online edition so you may also be writing articles for a website.

Newspaper journalists sometimes work as sub-editors. They edit and prepare articles written by reporters to make sure they are ready for printing.

Working hours and conditions

You will need to be flexible about your working hours. You may be working long, irregular hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays so you can follow up stories, respond to breaking news and meet deadlines.

You will usually be based in an open-plan office, which is likely to be noisy most of the time. You may also spend time out of the office, chasing up stories. You can expect to travel to any area covered by the newspaper. If you work for the national or international press this can mean travelling anywhere in the world, possibly at short notice.

Income

Trainees can earn around £15,000 a year on local newspapers.

With experience salaries can range from £20,000 to £30,000 a year.

More experienced, senior journalists can earn up to £50,000 or more.

Salaries for journalists on national newspapers may be higher.

Freelance journalists negotiate a set fee for each piece of work they do. Fees can be negotiated individually or in line with guidance provided by the NUJ.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

There are currently two routes into newspaper journalism. The first route is called pre-entry. You can complete a course in journalism or a related subject at college, university or a private course provider then apply for work at a newspaper as a trainee.

The second route is called the direct route. You will apply for a traineeship with a newspaper and then work towards recognised qualifications on the job.

Pre-entry route

This is the most common way to enter journalism. You will complete a journalism course, then find work as a trainee.

Some journalism courses accept five GCSEs, including English and two A levels or equivalent qualifications. Others will expect you to have a degree. If you have a degree, you may be able to do an 18- to 22- week Fast Track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism course. See the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) website for details of accredited courses and training providers.

Skills, interests and qualities

To become a newspaper journalist you will need:

• excellent writing skills
• good listening and questioning skills
• an enquiring mind and an interest in people, places and events
• an interest in current affairs at all levels
• good research skills
• self-confidence and the ability to put people at ease
• the ability to absorb information quickly
• a writing style which is easy to understand
• determination and persistence
• the ability to achieve shorthand speeds of 100 words a minute
• keyboard and IT skills