This group formed and ran over the past few years and has continued as some have graduated for the others at the final stages of their careers. It is both highly critical and supportive, and has been invaluable to all involved. We also support each other by email outside of the monthly hangouts

Student led hangout 18.5.24

• Michelle (postgrad) is enrolled for MA at Falmouth
• Neil about to exhibit
• Miriam is preparing her exhibition
• Sue is preparing for her post grad exhibition

We had a long discussion about assignments 2 and 3.

Assignment 2: I asked how when for various reasons I had little desire to engage with an audience, and therefore how I could meet that criteria.

Suggestion that it just needs to be seen that I have been through the thought process for organising and costing my end product, and explored how I could maximise my photography if I want to. Ultimately I can explain why I feel my work is sensitive and I don’t want to put it out there.

I had these thoughts during the meeting:

• I could explore crowd funding and then discount the idea. See shared files for Helen’s stuff on crowd funding and interview Helen- she found it more difficult than she thought she would.
• Explore various book publishing companies to get comparison qualities and prices (dummy quotes). Book companies: ExWhyZed suggested as helpful in answering questions and giving advice. For costings try Mixam, Blurb, Lulu books, Mpix.

Ultimately I could explain why a scenario is too costly and rule it out. Apparently it is about showing the problems I encounter and how I overcome them or change the plan.

Michelle suggested if cost is an issue is to look at getting a zine published instead (A4/A5 booklet).

Assignment 3: Miriam and myself asked for advice on Assignment 3.

Recommendations given:

Very difficult to get industry professionals to answer surveys, Sue had 3 responses from 60 and Lynda 11 responses from 180. Sue researched curating and Lynda book publishing. Lynda has one F:F by zoom.

Lynda did a domestika photo book course and formed her 18 survey questions from there.

My thoughts:

• I could look back for exhibitors at the Bristol photo book fair I visited last year – find list of contributors.
• Shutterhub may consent to sending a survey out and ?….Harvey might take part. See Dec?23 open exhibition at Cambridge for list of contributors.

Again a useful meeting which propels me on