Professional practice hand in

All has been done and finished.

• My website (www.srichesphotography.weebly.com)
• This research blog.
• My portfolio wallet. 3 prints in plastic wallets, 3 titles in plastic wallets, and a contact card.
• A 1032 word work placement review.

Portfolio critique

I chose to go shopping for my portfolio, because I didn't want to buy it on the internet and for it to arrive and me not be happy with it. I wanted to see it in person, pick it up, see how things fitted in it etc. I knew two things that I wanted when I went shopping for my portfolio - that I didn't want a box, and I didn't want it to be black. For me, even though boxes fit a lot more in them, they are just too bulky and a pain to carry around. I wanted something I could pick up and put in my bag - something practical. I also didn't want it to be black, because everyone's portfolios are black and that's boring to me. If my portfolio was in a pile I wanted it to stand out.

Jarrolds had a lot of style and size choices. I chose this particular style because I think it looks sleek and isn't too heavy or cumbersome. There were a lot of colour choices - red, green, purple, blue and black (of course). I chose red simply because it's my favourite colour. A little personal touch I suppose? I decided to go for standard A4 once again for practicality reasons. Even though bigger prints show a higher quality and more detail, like I said before, I want to be able to pick up my portfolio and run around with it in my bag. A bigger size would just end up hitting other pedestrians in the ankles. I think that A4 is just the right size; not too big, not too small. 

The inside of my portfolio has a small contact type card in the top left, so potential employers and clients can see my web presences and contact details as soon as they open the wallet. On the right you can see how the prints are kept inside. There are a couple of downsides to this method of storage that I have found since making my prints and putting them in. Firstly, I have 6 sheets in the wallet currently, and I would say you couldn't fit much more in if I carried on using the plastic wallets I am using - as they are quite thick. Secondly,the plastic wallets only just fit in the portfolio when it closes, so sometimes the corners can go slightly dog-eared (as you can see when I took the picture). This means anyone looking at my portfolio would have to be careful when closing it. A solution to this problem is to just get better plastic wallets. Now I have seen the ones from Silverprint in person that seems like a good way to go. Other than that, I believe the inside looks neat, simple and professional.

In the above photo you can just see my prints laid out (title, print, title, print, title, print). I decided to have the titles before the images to add curiosity and make the person viewing it wonder what the next photograph is going to be about. I also didn't want to restrict the size of my photographs by having the title on the same page. After reviewing my Constructing Narratives project I decided to edit it so there are less images, and different text to accompany them. They're all that's in there at the moment - simply due to budget. I am yet to decide whether some kind of cover is necessary - as my contact details are separate, and I don't really want to distract from my work.

In the future I plan to continue using this portfolio wallet, but buy different plastic wallets. I would also like to add some more imagery, as and when I can afford to.

Website link

www.srichesphotography.weebly.com

Correspondence with: Esquire Magazine

My original email:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to enquire whether Esquire will be offering work placements in the summer of 2013. I am 20 years old, and am currently in my second year, studying photography at University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich. I have recently become interested in the modelling and fashion industries, not only because I admire many of the models, but also because some day I would like to be one myself. This is a career which I am determined to pursue after I finish university. I would be interested in shadowing anyone who writes, photographs or models for you, and get an insight into the industry which I dream to be a part of. Any amount of days work experience would be incredible – and I can assure you, I'm very good at making cups of tea and coffee.

If you wish to see some of my photographic work please see my website www.srichesphotography.weebly.com, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get back to me. 

Thank you for reading.

Yours sincerely,

Scarlett Riches

Their reply:

Dear Scarlett, 

Could you please send me your CV. 

Best wishes, 

Stephanie 

My reply:

Dear Stephanie,

Please find attached my CV. Thank you for getting back to me.

Many thanks,

Scarlett Riches

Correspondence with: Cosmopolitan Magazine

My original email:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to enquire whether Cosmopolitan will be offering work placements in the summer of 2013. I am 20 years old, and am currently in my second year, studying photography at University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich. Cosmopolitan is one of my favourite magazines on the market – combining fashion, beauty, advice and a section for students like myself. I am passionate about the fashion industry but also like writing, and photography. My favourite designers include Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, however due to a students budget vintage clothing has become my 'thing'. Thrifting is one of my favourite past times. I would be interested in shadowing anyone who writes or  photographs for you, and get an insight into the industry which I dream to be a part of. Any amount of days work experience would be incredible – and I can assure you, I'm very good at making cups of tea and coffee.

If you wish to see some of my photographic work please see my website www.srichesphotography.weebly.com, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get back to me. 

Thank you for reading.

Yours sincerely,

Scarlett Riches

Their response:

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding Work Experience at Cosmopolitan Magazine. Cosmopolitan is inundated with requests for work experience.

Our placements are booked ahead for up to a year. We do take the time to read the letters and accompanying CVs so if we believe you are a suitable candidate for a placement, we will be in touch.

Our placements last for four week periods, and only one placement may take place in any 12 month period across Hearst Magazines UK group of magazines. Please note you must be 18 years or over in order to apply for work experience which is due to Employment Law. You must be eligible to work in the UK and have a valid National Insurance number.

May I suggest you check for other opportunities on the Hearst Magazines UK website at www.hearst.co.uk?

Kind regards,

Rebecca Stening
Editorial Business Manager

Correspondence with: Durrants Auction Rooms

My original email:

Dear Sir/Madam, 

I am writing to enquire whether Durrants Auction House offer work experience for the summer of 2013. I am 20 years old, and am currently in my second year, studying photography at University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich. I have always been interested in auction houses and the quirky and vintage antiques. I was wondering whether you employed a photographer to document the items you're selling – to be put on websites/in brochures, and if not, whether this is something you would consider. I would be interested in shadowing any one who uses photography or catalogues items. Any amount of days work experience would be great – and I can assure you, I'm very good at making cups of tea and coffee.

If you wish to see some of my photographic work please see my website www.srichesphotography.weebly.com, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get back to me. 

Thank you for reading.

Yours sincerely,
Scarlett Riches

Their reply:

Scarlett,

Thank-you for your e-mail regarding your request for work experience. 

Could you please advise as to what dates you will be available as we may be interested in taking you up on your offer!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Bev Baker

My reply:

Dear Bev,

Thank you for replying so quickly!
I would be available for work experience any time during the summer holidays - probably towards the end of June and through into July. There are no particular set dates, so if there are ones that are more convenient to you I'm sure I can fit around them. If you would like to speak to me in person I'm happy to pop in to the auction house too.

Many thanks,

Scarlett Riches

The work placement emails/requests have been sent off

I have applied to the following places:

• Rocksound magazine, via an email to the editor.
• Kerrang! magazine, through a website called GoThinkBig. I also tried to apply for Zoo there, but the dates didn't fit in with my university timetable. For this I had to upload my CV, a cover letter and write a personal 100 word statement as to why I'd be best for the experience.

• The website above also lists FHM, but nothing came up when I searched work experience opportunities. I have emailed someone to do with advertising just to make sure if this is the case.
• Front magazine, via an email to their general enquiries team.
• Outline magazine, via and email to their editor. I have stated that I'm available to cover both Norwich and Cambridge.
• Norwich UEA box office via email, asking if they can forward me to someone else who may know a bit more about gig photography. I have stated I am willing to photograph any band at the UEA LCR, Waterfront, Waterfront Studio and Arts Centre.
• Cosmopolitan, via an email to a specific lady who deals with work experience requests.
• Savills estate agents, via a contact section on their website. I have sent the same email to the Norwich, Ipswich and Cambridge branches.

• Durrants auction house in my local town, via email.
• Esquire magazine, via an email to someone who specifically deals with work experience requests.

I am still in two minds whether to contact actual photographers, because even though it would be great experience I'm not sure whether I want to photograph/assist for a living.