Organised Chaos Productions - Production Shoot

Organised Chaos where starting a North West Tour of 2 of their plays "Broken" & "A Lot of It About" I was to photograph the opening night at The Lowry in Manchester.

Preperation :- 

I met with the Director of OC to see what was required, the sort of photos she wanted, and what the photos would be used for. I read through a synopsis of each play and went along to 2 rehearsals to do test shoots and to meet the cast and directors so that on opening night they were comfortable with having me around and therefore more relaxed in front of the camera. It was imperative that I knew what scenes were crucial to the plot so that I didn't miss them. I will be shooting Digital as the photos would mainly be used on the web and press releases so this would be easier than working with film as I dont have the facilities to process them. After each rehearsal the photos were sent off for approval so that I knew I was getting what the client wanted.


Test Shots - As the lighting etc is different in a theatre, the test shots were more about were I would position myself and were each cast member was situated, hence why I havent edited 99% of them

 

my photos appeared here:-

http://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Organised-Chaos--A-Lot-Of-It-About-and-Broken

To Die For Entertainments - Publicity Shoot Planning

I was asked to do some publicity shots for a Murder Mystery company for a show that was coming up entitled "Death By Chocolate" this was a Murder Mystery Parody of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. The photos would be used to make a poster and to send to the press.

In preperation for the shoot I met with the director and got the general jist of what the production was about, the plot etc, as due to time restraints of the cast no test shoot could be done. This would mean that on the day I had to shoot from various angles to get the desired shots. The shoot would be done at one of the venues which was a pub, so the interior of the pub would be used and the outdoor carpark.

We decided to base some of the shots on famous film publicity shots with a comedy take on it.


Pre-Production sketches of the photos the client wanted.

As most of the images will be used for web purposes I shall be shooting on digital.

A poster they made using one of the final images



Abstract Imagery

Here are some abstract images I took, using a long shutter speed. All images are straight from camera with the colour saturated in Photoshop

An abstract photograph strips real world imagery of its message and meaning and leaves only raw emotion and arbitrary associations, which might be different for each person viewing it. So it's not so much an artistic expression, more like a game of introspection offered to the potential viewer.

Risk Assessment - "Broken" Production - The Lowry Theatre

Risk Assessment - "Broken" - The Lowry Theatre

Poor Lighting - This may result in me falling over a prop on stage or another person, This is overcome by not moving around during black out and photographing from one place.

Electricity Cables - If left trailing i could trip over these, ensure there are none left lying around, if they are left on stage they need to be stuck down with gaffer tape.

Trips and falls - Tripping over stage equipment, this can be avoided by staying out of the way during set changes.

Fire Risk - Make myself aware of where the fire exits are and fire extinguishers in case of emergency.

Temperature - It gets hot, so drink lots of water to prevent dehydrating

Risk Assessment - "A Lot Of It About" Production - The Lowry Theatre

Risk Assessment - "A Lot Of It About" - The Lowry Theatre

Poor Lighting - This may result in me falling over a prop on stage or another person, This is overcome by not moving around during black out and photographing from one place.

Electricity Cables - If left trailing i could trip over these, ensure there are none left lying around, if they are left on stage they need to be stuck down with gaffer tape.

Trips and falls - Tripping over stage equipment, this can be avoided by staying out of the way during set changes.

Fire Risk - Make myself aware of where the fire exits are and fire extinguishers in case of emergency.

Temperature - It gets hot, so drink lots of water to prevent dehydrating

Health & Safety - Photography

Health & Safety

Darkroom

Safe working practices when working in a darkroom:

1. The use of personal Protective equipment - Gloves, masks, goggles, tongues etc

2. Free from obstructions to avoid, slip, trips and falls

3. Correct ventilation

4. First Aid Kit to include Eye wash

5. Chemicals clearly labelled and stored correctly to conform with COSHH regulations

COSHH - The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 

In Layman's terms what this means is that every substance we use that could cause any kind of danger to us needs to be labelled properly, used as intended and stored correctly.

Substances used at work that can cause ill health if handled correctly will not or almost never do so.

Substances can cause ill health through, breathing in, skin contact, swallowing, getting into eyes.

All substances that are harmful have some form of symbol on them, it is imperative when dealing with chemicals that you are aware of what symbols mean what. The 10 main symbols are toxic, very toxic, harmful, irritant, highly flammable, extremely flammable, explosive, dangerous to the environment, oxidising, and corrosive.

Any risks should be identified and controled

The Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

To ensure that work equipment is suitable for the purpose that is intended and that it is used correctly so as not to pose any health and safety threat to oneself or others.

All portable appliances must be PAT tested annually to ensure they are safe for work, the test will include ensuring correct fuses are used, cables are not frayed or damaged, and that it is earthed and the plug wired correctly.

If ladders are to be used, correct training must be given.

Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992

Working with VDU's can cause a range of health problems but good working practice and design can prevent most.

Headaches caused by screen glare can be reduced by adding a screen filter to the screen. Regular breaks must be taken away from the VDU. Correct posture and chair height to prevent back pain.

Chairs must be adjustable and suitable lighting available

When using a laptop ensure you are sitting comfortably and angle the screen to see clearly and take regular breaks and when possible place on a hard surface at the right height to use the keyboard correctly.

Employers have to:

Analyse workstations and do a risk assessment

Ensure workstations meet minimum requirements

Changes in activity and regular breaks

arrange eye tests

provide health and safety training

Northern Quarter Manchester - Music Trail

A visit to the Northern Quarter in Manchester to photograph the areas links to music. Everywhere you turn in

The Northern Quarter its links to music are apparent but for me the first port of call had to be the Roadhouse.

Roadhouse

The Roadhouse has played host to many famous bands over the years. Manchester band Elbow played early gigs there and most of them worked there behind the bar and on the door before hitting the big time and are still best mates with the owner Kate. Local bands I Am Kloot who's music is produced by Elbow's Craig and Guy have also strong links to the Roadhouse along with The Rainband who are currently taking the music industry by storm. From Coldplay to Texas, they,ve all played here.

The Castle Hotel

The Castle now hosts a small intimate music venue of its own. The Castle is more notebly known for its link to Joy Division's Ian Curtis who was interviewed here by John Peel back in 1979

Night & Day

Night & Day has played host to thousands of bands over the years and is one of Manchesters most respected music venues. Elbow's Guy Garvey is reported to have spent so much time here in the early years  that he gave out the venues number as his home number to record companies

Matt & Phreds

Matt & Phreds is now a jazz bar but was once P J Bells, P J Bells once again saw the likes of Elbow gracing its stage in their early years

Posters, advertising, iconic buildings, record shops dotted around the Northern Quarter

I did have a few more images but blogger wont let me upload any more. I'd like to go and reshoot some of the venues, I shall be doing a further post on music venues around Manchester so will reshoot then. I will also go more indepth in to Manchester Music and its icons