Scholarship Focus – Bas van Est
This course pushed us to deliver work each week which was extremely motivating and kept the frequency of shoots consistent.
It’s often hard to get motivated to shoot ‘something’ or ‘anything’ when there is no deadline or goal. I set a personal goal to try out at least one new modifier per shoot which is something you wouldn’t choose to do under the pressure of a paying client.The frequency of shoots and free access to this new equipment has been invaluable towards my technical skill progression of how to use light, both in studio and outside.
I was definitely lacking awareness of good inspirational photographers, both international and overseas. During the weekly get together Luke, and others in the group, would always recommend photographers, artists, movies, magazines & books which they thought applied to the project you were delivered that week, or aligned with your style. Some influences for my work are Nadav Kandar, Erik Almas, Steve Boniface, Ross Brown. I think it’s just epic to be surrounded by people that are delivering completely different work within the same brief each week and learn from their experiences and feedback. Ken Cao’s crazy style is an obvious stand out, love it! Though not sure about Ren Hang.
Homage to Markus & Indrani‘s cover image of Bowie’s Heathen
Each of the guest speakers re-iterated the fact that you should be shooting what you love as it will always be your best work. At the same time you can’t always pick and choose and you still need to make a living and fund your personal endeavours. I hope I can be in a position to keep a good balance of both one day.
The scholarship class has definitely created a more relevant network of people compared to when I finished studying. I’m pretty sure this will be epic for future reference, whether it’s for referrals, assisting or collaborations.
I have assisted 2 photographers which were guest speakers during the Scholarship. I have also done commercial shoots recently which I was really happy about and I know is a direct result of weeks of lighting practice.
The plan right now is to do at least one personal shoot a week (once I’m up to speed with editing), work on improving my portfolio and definitely get more involved with video. I had always been keen to do video but hesitated because it seemed like a too much of a big step whilst I was still building my stills work. It still is but after finishing our video assignment I find it equally as addictive as shooting stills and look to do a lot more of it.