Change of Plan

 A last minute change of plan was required due to an issue with the printing card I used to print the zine. It was too difficult to use and fold. I used  Photoshop with help from a fellow student to create a zine exactly the same as the one created on Microsoft Powerpoint in every way. The only difference was the font type the was not available on Photoshop.

Instead of A4 size, I decided to use an A3 format and add an image to the inside of the zine. This size was bigger and more user friendly to fold. The size is better to view the images as A4 was slightly small and I struggled to see them. 

See Below. 

The zine was folded and seems 

Overview

 Here I will discuss briefly the chose of publication I have chosen and the context I wish to convey to the reader. The assignment is geared for preparing the student for dissemination of work through a number of ways such as book, poster, cards, media-film or zine. The process of dissemination is important because disseminating you work to a wider audience is the only way to get noticed. There are a variety of ways you can disseminate work such as social media, galleries and using publications such as zines given out. I will discuss different options of resources that could be used for dissemination later and also where your material could be disseminate also. 

For my work, I chose to use a zine. The zine has a long history and it started its existence used by the counterculture and used by groups who were not part of the mainstream of society such as the punk music scene of the 70s and the hippy scene of the 60s. Because of this, I liked the history element of association with these groups. The cost therefore are very low and this has to be a consideration if you are new to photography and money is a factor. 

The context of the zine will deal with the stages of empire through history. All empires do not exist forever and eventually go into decline. There are stages which are linked to the decline of an empire which I will address in the zine with images I will take. The stages of rise and decline will be written on the front of the zine and each image will have text informing the reader which it is. The subject does not need much research to understand and my zine gives the reader a general overview without being to complicated.

I will address the creative process all the way through and use screenshots to identify instances when I have created a particular format during the process. I will also look at who would likely read the document and where I would put it for exposure from the public. Finally, I will look at creating a logo which is unique to me and explore Adobe Express though graphic design.

 

Slight change to the format of the zine.

 On reflecting the zine, I think I will change one of the pages to make way for another stage of empire. 

Instead of having a page that describes the stages and has my contact details, I will remove the stages and simply show them on each page. The title of the zine tells the reader what it is about. This will mean adding my contact details to the back cover. 

All my details are on the back page with a logo and copyright information included. This means I can add a further stage of empire-age of affluence. 

Final finished article completed with a vanitas photograph to convey the age of decadence. 

Final last minute change was using the image below.

Photographers who use similar context in their work.

 Photographers who use toy solders and models to convey themes such as war and history are not huge. However, I have come across a few. For the purpose of identifying with other photographers, I will illustrate their work. The photographer who I respect for his use of lighting to convey mood is  Simon Brann Thorpe. 

Toy Solders (2012) is an allegory conflict and war. The color of the fatigues is brown and is geared for desert warfare. There is no identity in the solders, they are all generic and part of a collective. The individual does not exist in this bleak environment. Any visual representation of an individual solder is to inform the viewer of the phycological effects of war. 

                           Bing images.

According to Thorpe "Toy Soldiers' is a multi facetted allegory of modern warfare, it's narrative investigates the impact and psychological consequences of the invisibility and the de-humanizing effects of war. It explores the paradigm of post colonial conflict and through our cultural notions of freedom, nationhood and entertainment, 'Toy Soldiers' attempts to create a dialogue via the viewing of modern conflict as war games seen through the conflict in Western Sahara"

Simon Brann Thorpe - Toy Soldiers | World Photography Organisation

Another photographer who creates images from miniature solder etc. is David Levinthal. His work takes on a cultural identity and is strongly influenced by his childhood, growing up in 1950s America. At this time, society was influenced by ideas of how the west was won and cowboys. Levinthal uses toys to reinforce American culture and identity. He also uses toy solders in scenes from WW2 in his work.

                                           Bing images

His work is explained at   David Levinthal: Photographs 1972–2016 (October 14, 2017–February 19, 2018) | The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (mfah.org)   " Through the iconography of mass-produced toys, dolls, and figurines, Levinthal’s photographs have probed the myth of the American West; World War II and the Holocaust; romantic and sexual desire; racial stereotyping; the heroism of sport; and the futuristic fantasy of space exploration. The images range from intimately scaled prints, to large 20-by-24-inch Polaroids, to monumental inkjet prints"       

Both photographer use toys to illustrate themes of identity (both individual and cultural) the legacy of war and historical perspectives. Thorpe's work is centered around the effects war has on the individual and how it is glorified.

  Above My image of British Troops during the Anglo Zulu Wars.

                

My image Chelsea Pensioner. 

David Levinthal's work uses a variety of ways to disseminate ideas of American culture from the 1940s onward. His work deals with World War Two and a period he grew up in-the 1950s. He is clearly sentimental of this time but also raises issues such as cultural identity, imperialist aspirations of the Americans during the 19th century fighting Indians and the role of the male in American society. 

I see links in my work in dealing with an inflamed period and using toy solders and models to illustrate this. 

Both photographers use the websites to disseminate their work. David Levinthals work has been published in a book that uses images and text to convey a message about war.

Levinthal also explores the concept of history through using toys in his book History. In the book, he uses the same book format as War, Myth and Desire. 

                    eBay image. 

Creating a logo

 Since starting this module, I have been using a template to create a logo of Abobe Express. The logo I have been experimenting with has an aperture ring and my name. This logo has gone through a few transformations over the weeks, I am sure now I am happy with the final product.

First choice.

Second choice. 

Final choice.  

The logo above will be used by myself in the future. 

16 must know ways to market your photography work.

 I read an article on 16 MUST-KNOW Ideas for Photography Marketing (shotkit.com) about materials needed for a photographer. 

I have considered the online footprint and got myself a LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook account. However, I need to think more intrinsic and consider business' cards, flyers and price menu. 

"Most photographers’ target markets are online – social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, etc. However, it’s still worth the effort to invest in certain physical photography marketing materials"

When it comes to business' cards, according to  16 MUST-KNOW Ideas for Photography Marketing (shotkit.com

When considering business' cards:

" investing some of your money into a graphic designer is usually a better idea – they’ll do it much better than you, and you’ll save lots of time and frustration.

If you don’t have the budget for it, another great option is to use templates – everything has been laid out by a designer, and all you have to do is replace the various elements with your own text and photos"

However, the photographer can use Adobe Illustrator for graphic design of cards and logo ideas. This can be given to the printer to create the final outcome. When creating something to disseminate your work, the options are a zine, brochures, flyers, price menu with images. I think I will go for a zine which is cheap and allows a lot to be said in a small amount of space. Another way I have just learnt to create business' cards, flyers and zine content is through using Adobe Express. This resource is free to use and user friendly.

Target audience 

When considering this, I see my work as having an historical and factual element which uses photography to create periods in history. I have thought about my audience who may be interested in this work and come to the conclusion it would be museums, historical societies, gallery's and  local authorities who promote areas of historical meaning. For this reason, I have added councils such as Lancaster, Preston and Lancashire County Council to my LinkedIn profile. Also, museums in Preston, Manchester and Lancaster, also, heritage train lines such as Our History - The East Lancashire Railway (eastlancsrailway.org.uk)

Build a network

This can be other photographers or in my case, historians, model railway enthusiasts or artists for example. According to  16 MUST-KNOW Ideas for Photography Marketing (shotkit.com "When you build a network with other professionals, you can create collaborations and partnerships. For example, let’s say you’re a wedding photographer. Every bride-to-be looking for a wedding photographer will also be looking for someone to do her hair and makeup. Look for local businesses to become co-marketing partners with, and you’ll see how your clientele will grow organically" I have created a LinkedIn account and I have started following curators, museums and local councils to get the latest opportunities and news. 

Create a blog

It is common for some people to make a living out of creating a blog. You can direct potential clients, friends and businesses to your blog. Over time, this will create an organic friendship where you will be respected and your views absorbed by the readers-it could secure you work. Especially if you add images to your blog. The following website helps you with starting a photography blog How to Start a Photography Blog in 2023 (EASY Way) (shotkit.com)

Build a social network presence.

This I have been doing for many years but the subject has always been myself and not a business. However, I have featured my images online. The difference however is keep the presence professional and make sure the images featured are up to an excellent standard. As before, the platforms to consider are Instagram, Facebook, Tic Toc, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Get Features. 

This means getting your work out there. Through social media, competitions and explore magazines which feature your niche. Wedding photography, then consider wedding magazines. In my case, magazines which feature historical events or museums which feature historical narrative imagery. I have entered numerous competitions recently also. 

Use Google My Business.

This is a free service where you can create a free account online. If anybody requires a wedding photographer in Blackpool, one will come up. You can create a website and keep up to date of how many "hits" you have had online. Google Business Profile – Get Listed on Google

Build an email list. 

According to 16 MUST-KNOW Ideas for Photography Marketing (shotkit.com "That’s why an email list can include news and updates about your business, discounts or a free gift, a referral program, or even season’s greetings during the holidays. Segmenting your emails is more effective – this one of the keys to effective online marketing. To encourage people to subscribe, you can have a landing page, a pop-up on your website, posts and advertisements on social media, or you can offer a freebie. Make sure you’re clear about your privacy policies and try to offer quality content instead of spamming people – otherwise, they’ll unsubscribe right away"

Encourage word of mouth with referral discounts. 

Word of mouth is priceless advertising because it comes with a guarantee from the person suggesting you. With this word of mouth, offer discounts on the next time the customer uses your service.

Keep you website updated. 

According to  16 MUST-KNOW Ideas for Photography Marketing (shotkit.com

"Whether you have an elaborate photography website or a simple online portfolio, you should regularly update the content to keep popping up in search engines.

Also, because both photography and website designs are subject to trends, if your style of photography or the overall look of your website becomes outdated, you’ll be less appealing than other photographers.

Even a small change can make a huge difference. If you add a blog section, you can post regularly to refresh your website and encourage visitors to come back often.

If it’s completely image-based, then you can add a new gallery or change the main image on the landing page to change looks"

Take part in charity events. 

This is giving back and making opportunities for yourself. Your work will be featured in magazines or website and create free advertising. In my case, museums are always having fund raisers. This would be ideal.

Develop a long term and short term strategy.

Simple, where do you want to be in a year. Where do you want to be in 5 years. Call it a five year plan-Like Stalin maybe...

Participate in targeted events. 

According to  16 MUST-KNOW Ideas for Photography Marketing (shotkit.com "A great way to network with other professionals and get new clients is to attend fairs, conventions and other targeted events"

For example, fine art photographers can participate in art fairs; wedding photographers can visit bridal fairs, and so on. This is a great way to connect with potential clients that are actively looking for what you offer.

Also, regardless of your field, you should attend photography conventions. This will keep you updated on new trends and the latest technologies

                                     marketing your photography business - Bing images

How I created a zine to disseminate my work.

I have been using social media as a way of showing my work to others for some years now. However, I have to decide on using a more material way which can be held by the viewer. The zine was my first choice. I created my concept of  empire-rise and decline and shot the images. The stages of empire is a good concept to use as I knew what I wanted to convey in my zine though images. 

The best way I found to make a digital zine was using a PowerPoint template which gave me many options such as changing fonts, borders and size of images or text in the zine. There are numbered pages and instructions were to cut so the zine folds. 

The process of adding the cover was easy and involved editing on Adobe Express. I then downloaded the cover onto my PC and added it to the template. This was the process for all the images I created. I found this to be trial and error and the more I played with the template, the more I understood how to use it and became more competent using it. The snag I encountered was some images were shot in landscape and some in portrait. I decided to put all the portrait images together and the landscape images together also. This gave the document some uniformity. I eventually removed the portrait images and replaced them with landscape instead. 

The zine was printed and folded. I found the process cheap to create-I used my work places printer and my works PC to conceive the zine to creating the hard copy. The hard copy can be carried and given to people to promote your work. The costs are very low as you only need a printer and computer to create the zine. As well as camera and access to at least Adobe Express to edit the desired images such as the front cover. The images I used for the zine were all shot in landscape so this created continuity. 

I am happy with the second attempt at creating a zine. However, I am going to adapt this design and improve on it more in the coming weeks. 

I chose 2 text types to go into the zine. The cover was bold to emphasize the tittle. As the process evolved and I understood how to use the program better. I created a corporate logo on Adobe Express and put a boarder around it. The logo section on Adobe Express was easy enough to use and I just kept the whole thing simple in terms of context. The font I used was Stencil STD Bold-it reminded me of a military font.

Adobe offer several templates that can be modified. I changed the type color and the backgrounds color to black. I added a white border around the page to break it up a bit.