So here we go

Official first entry from across the Pond. 

Finally have my schedule worked out, and flights and trips are in the making.

I find a new reason to fall in love with this city every day - even days like today where it's dreary and wet, I looked out my window most of the day while I should have been doing research (If I'm not going to shoot and edit on Tuesdays, I should at least figure out why and how to do what I'm doing), and I saw people so inappropriately dressed, running through the puddles in high heels and tights rather than practical boots and jeans. They looked so cool though. It made me regret not having a way to cover up my camera and brave the elements, but so early in the game (and so far in debt already) I'm not willing to take my chances with my only camera.

Today I focused on Street Fashion, not only because it's where my head is as far as projects this year, but also because I know very little about the logistics of it, and I'd like to be doing it properly so that I can make it an extended project, with some shots I actually like in the end of it all. I had all intentions to shoot outside today and actually *start* the project, but alas, the weather had other ideas. It's probably a good thing I didn't even bother because I realized I had no idea where to start. 

That's what led me to finding:

http://lookbook.nu/

This site continually updates specifically initiated street fashion, and gave me some great ideas about where to start, and that backgrounds don't just have to be a busy street to be considered "street fashion"

Also, I found a forum discussing how shooting street fashion is supposed to work. 

Hypothetically, it goes something like this:

1) Often a young (read: approachable in a non-creepy way to other young people, often female) photographer goes straight to the streets, and shoots anyone and anything that is striking or interesting.

2) The photog compiles their best shots into a Collection, which they send to a trendscout office, as "feedback." Typically, and ideally, they get paid a small amount, but paid for every picture they submit, aka the more photos, the more cash.

3) Trendscout offices then send the most interesting shots to agencies for makeup, shoes, hairstyles, accessories, and fashion designers around the world.

I also learned a few neat (yeah, I said 'neat.') tidbits about street fashion photography:

- Street-style photography has been a recognizable photographic practice for roughly 10-15 years

- Most street-style photography is used by trendspotters, simply because fashion trends are individually created, then somehow seen (usually by those trendscout photogs) and recognized by designers, who then create for an elite group, which creates a trend, and trickles down to the masses.  This is why the people considered "Fashionistas" are never seen wearing Uggs or anything from Target. 

- When asking random strangers on the street if you can take their picture, it is best to do so with 1) a compliment, 2) a smile and positive, noncreepy attitude, and [ for if you're taking more serious notes for an editorial rather than simply a shot-compliation ] 3) follow-up information, such as quick info gathering questions starting with Name [not necessarily full], then "where is your outfit from?" or "where are you heading now?," followed by personal info like Where from & Profession, and then finally a brief meme about "what book are you reading, what's your favorite movie, where do you get your inspiration, etc" type of questions. In that order.

- Most people are flattered to be asked for their picture on the street. The only downside to submitting to someone asking for a photo is knowing that your style has an 80% chance of being seen by a designer, who is just going to make your personal style mainstream within a Catwalk Season. 

- Make sure you have a way to tell people how to find their picture should you use it. Have cards prepared ahead of time, otherwise you'll look like a creeper just taking random people's pictures for kicks. If you are legit, prove it.

A lot of that stuff seemed like common sense, but little things like the follow up conversation sparked new stuff in my mind, such as potential networking with both models and even possibly designers on the streets, other photographers, or potential clients/employers. I realize I'm not here real long, but I wouldn't turn down any opportunity to come back if someone hired me to. 

In other news for my course:

I have plans to do the following projects:

1) A catalogue-esque compilation of photos from 1 or 2 of my major trips (London, Germany, Ireland, or France). I'm going to shoot like mad with certain angles in mind, then decide after I have them all compiled which ones would showcase the areas best, then include some minor research and layout the brochure. I hope to print them upon returning home.

2) An extended look at street fashion, both local Canterbury, and further abroad during my travels. This will also go throughout the stay here, and I'll regularly post shots as I go, but ultimately I'll do a magazine-style layout and post the final product here as well. 

3) At least three people on this trip have voiced the desire to get a tattoo done here. If they all pansy out, I have found two tattoo parlors in walking distance, and I want to ask if they'd be willing to let me document the tattooing process with someone. This would be considered my project on "documenting something not newsworthy, but certainly thought-provoking."

If I make friends with any of the tattooists, I'd love to do my individual study on "a day in the life" sort of thing with one of them... but we're not going to bank on that.

4) A long-term study of my flatmates and their trials, successes, and other such happenings associated with moving into a new life. I live with two other American girls from Cazenovia, as well as 4 British boys, all "freshers" so this living on their own thing is brand new to them, and they are adjusting only slightly differently than we did coming from another place entirely.

5) A fashion spread with concept that I completely control: American vs British Style. It will be American and British models, wearing the other's clothing styles and basically switching culture roles. It makes sense in my mind, and will come across much stronger in pictures than if I really try to explain it all. That, and I'm famous for overthinking and being a bit too ambitious in my photo shoots, so this one I'd like to leave a little vague, although I do have a rough outline of what I'm looking for. I'm currently searching for models around town and on campus, and have a few in mind. The awkward part is having to ask someone I've never met before [let alone from a different country] if they'd be interested in working with me. I'll probably get shot down more times than I'll actually admit on here, but it's worth a shot.

6) Because the Presidential Elections are coming up, I'm sure there is going to be rallies of sorts over here, as well as at home. I would like to document a rally/protest/whatever should happen .. should it happen. This project is obviously up in the air, however, I will be keeping an eye on the papers for any gatherings.

7) Too many projects? Probably. But I like to stay busy, and honestly, my schedule of actual classes over here doesn't really seem too daunting right now, so I'm aiming high. I would like to do a short piece on sporting photography. I'm waiting for the seasons to start so I can get a schedule, but I'd love to shoot some English sports like football, rugby, or maybe even polo. I think that would turn out some pretty interesting shots that I otherwise wouldn't get at home, and is definitely outside of my typical shooting realm.

All of that being said, I'm starting work. And I'm enjoying my little room all to myself with my bed, a sink, and my mac. I like to stare out my window and the locals walking by, and I'm looking forward to joining them with my Canon. I have nothing but high hopes, and even higher expectations. 

I have a feeling I can do this.