Creative Industries

By Amy Selvey

There are a number of sectors involved in the creative industries. Examples of these are:• theatre• Game design• Animation• PhotographyI chose to focus on the photography sector as I love the natural process that it brings ad I find it a very interesting topic to look at.

Photography

• This sector involves the usage of a camera to take shots of your surroundings, famous people animals or objects to name but a few.

There are many jobs available in this sector:• Camera shooting• Graphic editing• Smoothing editing• Writing editing• director

Legal issues

• There are many legal issues that affect photograph. 2 major issues include:

• Copyright: Copyright either belongs to a photographer, the employer, or the person who has signed a release from either of the two above. If you are a freelancer for example, you own the copyright of your own photos.

• Contracts: The contract between employer and employee doesn’t have to be in writing and can be implied from the surrounding circumstances. A written contract can consist of a short handwritten page or a lengthy document following detailed negotiations. Most contacts fall somewhere inbetween

Organisations that help this sector

• For example, Press Photo Agencies have played a key role in the visual documentation of the modern era. The website explores the place of the agency in today’s difficult marketplace, surveying the current state of affairs in the UK and abroad. Site also identifies opportunities available to press photographers for exhibition and funding, as well as education and apprenticeship.

employability in the photography sector

• In this sector, you must be able to take excellent photos to try and catch the eye of those looking to hire a photographer. You want to try and use original ideas so that your portfolio stands out amongst the mound of other aspiring photographers. You must have good experience to take good shots, you must know how to work a fully functioning modern camera, and you must know how to edit the photographs to the extent needed. A degree from university or college is most often needed.

• You must be able to work to your client’s needs to the fullest you possibly can.

Photography jobs in Edinburgh

• I looked at a few jobs around Edinburgh that involve my interest of the photography sector:

Practical skills

• To thrive and excel in the photography sector, you must be able to have practical skills that are relevant to your job role:

• You must be able to use :1. Communication with clients2. Creativity with composition3. Working with cameras

• These are but a few of skills which you must be able to have to succeed in the photography industry

How can you develop these skills?

Who can help?• Teachers/ professors can help to point you in the right

direction to look for the info necessary. What materials/resources do you need?• Information about the skill and how to work on it to

further develop your understanding of it. How will you do this?• Look at sources such as the internet or books to find

out how to develop the skill. Practice the skill to further develop it.

Freelance Photography jobs

• A freelance worker is a term usually given for a person who is self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term.

• There are many advantages of being a freelance worker:1. You have flexible hours2. financial benefits because an average freelancer rate can easily be double or triple that

of a full time employee3. you are your own boss4. you aren’t tied down to one management.

• However, there are many disadvantages when being a freelance worker:

1. If you are ill, you won’t be entitled to sick pay2. there are no steady workloads3. no employer benefits such as health benefits which are very expensive.

What is a trade union?• A trade union is an organisation made up of members and its membership must be

made up mainly of workers. One of a trade union's main aims is to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace.

• Freelances join a trade union to protect their jobs and to make sure they are treated fairly by their employers and for many other reasons such as health and safety.

• You would join a trade union to (1) negotiate wages and working condition terms, (2) regulate relations between workers (its members) and the employer, (3) take collective action to enforce the terms of collective bargaining, (4) raise new demands on behalf of its members, and (5) help settle their grievances.

Among the responsibilities of the Trade unions are:• To negotiate agreements with employers on pay and conditions• To accompany their members in disciplinary and grievance meetings• To provide their members with legal and financial advice

• A few examples of trade unions are:• Equity• BECTU• Scottish Artists Union

Health and Safety in the Photography role

• In all work places health & safety is an important aspect and needs to be addressed just as much when working in the creative industry.

• Assessing risks when working as a photographer, whether on location or in the studio is vital to safe working conditions.

• The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) is in place to ensure employers, employees and anyone self employed take responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of everyone at work.

When using a computer…• Have regular breaks - around every 15 minutes to prevent headaches and eye

strains•

Use ergonomically designed furniture which can minimise poor posture, reduce fatigue and possible back, neck and shoulder and wrist injuries

• Adjust text size on screen to suit requirement • Adjust screens brightness and contrast and use different background colours to

reduce flicker • Reduce glare or reflection by moving the pc or by sitting in a different position.• Correct usage of the key board and mouse to avoid pains, strains and RSI. Also

use footrests if necessary• Work in a room with good ventilation and most of the walls are painted grey to

avoid colour casts on the screens.

Use of equipment…• All equipment used such as lights, cameras, flash guns, tripods, light modifiers,

power packs, screens etc should be suitable for the intended purpose. • All equipment should have regular service and maintenance to ensure they're

still safe to use. • Everyone using/handling the equipment should receive adequate training and

made aware of all the health and safety risks. • Should have suitable health and safety measures in place for emergencies,

including markings and warning signs. • Ensure all equipment are PAT tested every year, including PC's, monitors,

printers etc. • Ensure safety when working with studio lights, due to electrical hazards,

tripping over wires, touching hot light etc.• Assess the work environment and check for the correct temperature for using

certain equipment and ensure the condition is suitable for working in

Studio risks…

• Lose wire/cable - they may be trailing across the room and pose a risk of trips and fall - always tape them down

• Make sure lights are not over-balanced as they may fall over and injure/burn the model/s - also serious risks of fire

• Always use the correct stand for the lights you use • When adjusting barn doors protective clothing should be

worn as they can get very hot • Ensure lighting is cool before moving them• If you have young children in the studio then make sure

there's no danger of them running into anything

Location risks…• All photographers should ensure they have public liability insurance in

case of accidents/injuries etc, this document needs to be archived for 40 years

• Make sure the car being used is insured for business use • As mentioned earlier, contracts should be in place signed by the

customer• Get the necessary permission for access and using particular area • Risk assess the are where photography will be taking place • Check for signage in place or fire precautions • Ensure all involved in the shoot is aware of any concerns regarding h&s• Check all equipment is safe and fit for purpose prior to bring out on

location • Make sure anyone using the equipments are trained to use them safely