Current Project's Information [ #TattooStory / #60MinutePort / #acenturyof ]

I am looking for subjects for a personal project I am about to start, the title of which will give some idea of what its about but before we get in to the details a little about me and what I am looking to achieve with this project.

My name is Rick and I am a portrait photographer based in Stockport, UK. This project is not just simply personal work it’s about challenging my-self as a photographer, meeting new people, listening to new stories and also building a body of work that shows a different side of my photography.

Below are the details behind the project and hopefully enough information to answer any questions you might initially have. If you have others then please just ask.

The Details

I am looking for 10 different subjects/people for this project & each person will receive prints in return for their time/story given. The prints will be one set of large and one set of small prints (18x12, 9x6) so you will have options on which you display should you wish to. Should you want additional prints for family that can be arranged and digital files will be provided on USB memory stick also.

Why Prints? Simply they hold more value than a cd or memory stick with just digital files on, you can hold them, they make people talk… and more importantly they get seen and not locked in an a device and forgotten. But don’t worry I will give you web sized images as well.

For each shoot/subject I will be making 3 images, 2 of which are portraits and the other is a detail shot.

A ¾ Length Portrait – Tattoo to Be Visible.
A Close Up of the Tattoo – Detail Shot.
Environmental Portrait with personal item/place that ties in to the #TattooStory

A 4th element that will start each set off, the TattooStory. What I am asking is not only to come in to your home/place to make the portraits mentioned but to also get a story from you.

This story will be the first plate shown in the gallery and will be written by you. It has to be your story from you to work; I can’t write that part or just make notes then ad-lib. So I am looking for people that have a Tattoo that comes with a genuine story. That story could be...

To remember a loved one.
Signify an event or moment in life.
Something personal.

I get how this can be a big ask, really I do and I understand it could be a very personal story. Now I don’t just want people who got a Tattoo whilst out drinking.. Or one that says Made In (insert town name).. Yeah trust me I have seen those… they suck.

This project is about the story of the Tattoo and what it represents and not about the process of getting a Tattoo, lots of those sites around.

For the environmental portrait I am looking to photograph you in an environment (room or place) that also has something/an item that visually ties in with the Story behind the Tattoo and what it represents. It could be a picture, an object, the room or place itself.

FAQ's

What Areas are you looking to work in?

Since I am based in the North west I am looking at that area first but will travel (within UK) if required.

How much time will this process take?

The first 2 shots are pretty easy to shoot but the environmental may take more time; it’s hard to say as it will depend on the environment and the elements to be included.

Once I have a few stories shot I will have a better idea of how long it should take and I will be able to show what the process is like in more detail.

Can we split the shoots in to multiple ones?

Yup no problem, I understand it’s your time, your place. The first 2 shots can be done easily on the same day as the background and lighting are real close to being the same; the environmental can be done on another day. If you are really pushed for time we can reschedule or split the 3 images across 3 shoots if needs be. I am coming to you and will work around you.

Will my house become a studio?

Yeah kind of, I would need to set up 3-4 lights and a background for the first 2 shots and a few lights for the Environmental. The first 2 images can be shot at the same time as they are in pretty much in the same lighting setup.

I have diagrammed the lighting and planned it all out as much as I can so it goes as smoothly as possible in terms or lighting and logistics.

Can we not come to your studio?

Absolutely. The studio is located in Stockport

How many people will be coming?

For the most part just me, unless I feel the need or have the availability of an assistant. If I do need to bring an assistant I will let you know and to be honest it will speed up the whole process if I do. I don’t have a full time assistant yet.

Any Paper Work?

In addition to you writing your story I will have a release form for you to fill in, it will lay out how the images will be used and what you will receive in compensation for your time. Please know I will NOT sell these images or put them in a stock image library ever. But the work will be displayed on my site/blog and on social media.

How can I take part?

The best way to contact me is via email or phone the details for which can be found on the( Contact / Location ) page. Please include #TattooStory in the email subject line and also some information about yourself/where you are based and about your #TattooStory, I'm not expecting you to write the story before applying this is just to register interest.

If you have any other questions about this project or me and my work then please feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with you and photographing your #TattooStory

Update: - You can see the first stories in the project gallery here which should give you an idea of the process, also I have a blog post about the first shoot here.

Rick

Subjects wanted for #60MinutePort project.

This project is one of my smaller ones in terms of logistics and organising shoots but it still challenges me. So what is #60MinutePort?

It's a project designed to push me as a photographer with a tight deadline to boot. The whole idea is to run with minimal gear and limited to time whilst working with you to make a 15-20 image portfolio that will be displayed in the project gallery here and also on my social media channels.

FAQ's

What Areas are you looking to work in?

Since I am based in the North west I am looking at that area first but will travel (within UK) if required. I am looking to work on location (Your Home or Other) rather than at my studio for this project.

Who are you looking to work with?

I am looking for new faces and people to go in to this project, this is to build a new body of work going forwards. If I have photographed you before please don't apply, thank you for understanding.

How much time will this process take?

It will take a little over 1 hour from start to finish, the first 10-15 minuets will be spent talking and getting to know each other (it's how I start all my shoots). The images will be processed once I get them back home.

What will I be provided with?

You will receive web sized digital images that you can share and a print of your choice from the shoot in either 9x6 or a large 18x12 size, the print can then be framed as you please and hung on a wall at home. As a bonus you will also become world famous on my website........ok ok maybe not world famous.

Any Paper Work?

How can I take part?

The best way to contact me is via email or phone the details for which can be found on the( Contact / Location ) page. Please include #60MinutePort in the email subject line and tell me where you are based and a little about yourself.

I look forward to shooting a #60Minute Port with you.

Rick

My Grandmar on her 100th birthday. Penny for her thoughts.

#acenturyof is a new project for 2016 to kick start some new personal work. I am really looking forward to this one and completing the other 2 projects you can see above.

My inspiration for this project has come from looking back at images that I made of my Grandma during her 100th birthday. I wish I could of made her part of this project but sadly she is no longer with us. Thank you Gran. Miss you.

Subjects Required: 10 People aged 100 or over.
Locations: UK locations only please. I will travel to and work around you. Please make sure you have permission for me to photograph and also bring equipment in to a location such as a care home. I can of course help with this by contacting the home if required.

What is #acenturyof?

It's a personal photographic project design to work with,photograph and capture the story of 10 one hundred year+ old people in the UK. I will be looking to make 2 images during the shoot.

A close up head-shot on a white back ground, I will shoot a few frames of this but am looking for that one shot that shows the subject for who they are and captures some of their personality.
An environmental portrait that will be taken in your room or home. I am looking to use a location that has memories in and shows items collected over the years that will tie in to the subjects story.

The Story - I want to find out the story behind each person I photograph for this project, who are they? where have they been, what have you done and their life. The story will be written to be displayed next to the images on my site and will also be shown on-line.

I have come up with 2 ways to capture the story.

A written story by the subject/family that can be emailed over to me when completed for display along side the images.
Record a video before/during the shoot to capture the story. This is only for my reference to be able to write the story up later and is not a full video interview set-up.

The Questions - I would also like to ask 3 questions that I will write the answer down for. These questions and answers will be also displayed along side the story and images.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation, what would that be?
What would you like to of changed in your life?
If you had to teach someone one thing, what would you teach?

FAQ's

How much time will this process take?

The photography should only take about 45 minuets to complete but I have no problem if more time is required on the day to work around a subjects commitments or needs. The story and questions might take 10 minutes or 50 to capture as it will depend on how long the story is. Basically I am saying I won't be rushing anybody but I also don't want to intrude too long either.

Any Paper Work?

What will the subject and family be provided with?

I will provide an 18x12 print of both the head-shot and the environmental image as well as a few set's of 9x6 prints that can be shared around the family. Digital images will also be provided sized for web for family members to share on social media if they wish. The digital files will be provided on a USB memory stick but can also be emailed or provided via drop-box.

Will you be using lights/flash?

Yes I will use off camera flash to light the head-shot and environmental portrait. The light put out a quick flash of light that may be uncomfortable to someone who has eye problems such as macular degeneration so please consider this when applying to be part of the project. As a result of using flash I will also need to set-up light-stands to hold the lights and background in place, these stand require floor space and could be a hazard if set-up in a care home where other residents reside and move around.

How can I take part?

The best way to contact me is via email or phone the details for which can be found on the( Contact / Location ) page. Please include #acenturyofin the email subject line and tell me where you are based and a a little about the subject and family. I will contact the family or subject by phone before going a head with the shoot.

If you have any further questions please contact me at any time.

Thank You

Rick