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

4.4.24

I shared my pdf publicity draft for A1 with the group.

All were happy with the format/layout. Jack commented that my intro didn’t explain the work as well as I did to him verbally. He suggested a simple, What, why and why now. I have taken this on board and rewritten the intro, artist statement and bio, being more explicit about the work.

I expressed again my reluctance to put my work out there, especially due to the sensitive nature of the concept and my accompanying poetry. Jack was strong in his opinion that it is an important story to tell, and common to many places. Michelle based in New Zealand and Lynda based in Canada shared that this is a global issue. Others concurred that it is sadly not unusual in communities. The suggestion is that I should share honestly the back story, ‘lift the covers’ – possibly I can do this outside of my locality! It left me feeling more confident about the work I am doing.

I had some suggestions where I could send it to – Anna Sellen , a successful Post graduate OCA photographer . Some shared that they’d not had any responses to theirs, and if so it was okay to say that this was the case.

We discussed reviews again and advice was to be clear what we want from reviewers. Probably not their thoughts about the work, but how to get the work out there.

Competitions: I asked opinion on the worth of lens culture competition and reviews. The group said both were worthwhile and gained exposure from them.

Other suggestions were:

• Exposure – but this is in February so was too early for me.
• Shutter hub which I have on my list to do – you get a free review if you join (£87).
• Suboart magazine which is online and free – I need to wait for another call.
• Source magazine- watch out for calls for work, the May 12^th deadline is one image only and I’ve already identified that that doesn’t work for my work. We have discussed as a group  entering the Source Graduate group entry (12^th May deadline).
• Impressions Gallery – subscribe to get open calls.
• Pictor website – I need to check it out.
• PH museum – list of paid reviews/reviewers?
• Photo Gallery
• London Independent Photography
• LensScratch photo magazine – Sue and Lynda follow and look at resources

I asked how others use Instagram. It was suggested that I post at one item a week, and like and follow others and others will do the same for me.

I should look at the OCASA enterprise hub for a small grant £100 towards expenses.