Kader Campbell s5096640 Work and Employability

Reflection on field research Worksheet

Date of interview: 10/04/2019

Name of person you interviewed/listened to: Marnie Howard

Position: Freelance Photographer

Organisation: Self Employed

Email address: milkgutscosplay@gmail.com

Workplace Reflection
Whilst working on my career focus assignment and conducting the interview, I realised that
there are many more duties and roles of a professional freelance photographer than I had
previously assumed. Talking with Marnie opened my eyes to the ‘backstage’ side of the
profession, so to speak.

I had never really considered the actual business side of freelance work in much depth, how a
freelance photographer is basically their own manager, editor, receptionist, etcetera. Learning
how to manage myself and my activities as a freelance photographer, treating it as my own
business and not just a job, would increase my chances of building a successful career. In order
to do this, I could take a short management or entrepreneurship course as a short term activity
that would increase my employability. Adding to this, enhancing my communication and people
skills would be essential in order to deal with clients in a more efficient and professional
manner, in turn increasing my reputation and reliability among potential clients. I already have
adept people skills, but I do find myself being a little anxious when directing clients. Marnie
mentioned that this is normal, and something that she dealt with and overcame with long term
practice.

Throughout the interview, Marnie kept emphasising the importance of networking with people
in as many industries as possible, not just those in the same profession or in the creative
industry. Networking with models, directors, magazine editors, journalists, and even marketing
professionals has given Marnie an access to many more business opportunities than she had
anticipated. With this in mind, it is clear that it’s vital for me to begin networking as soon as
possible as a short term activity in order to gain a foothold in the industry in the long term.

Marnie also told me several times, “No matter how much you think you know, you can always
know more.” (), and I think this will stick with me for a long time. I’ve always had a thirst to
learn and grow and develop my skills further, and this had made me realise that I can always
enhance my knowledge of photography as a career and technical skills further. Keeping up with
new technologies and techniques, as well as polishing my knowledge of current ones, will be a
good long term activity that will help me in years to come. I could also always take photography
courses or classes, but I think that an internship or mentorship would be the best course of
action in the long term. I’ve found I learn better in the field than I do on paper, so having an
experienced professional to guide and teach me would be nothing but beneficial.

I feel like talking with Marnie throughout this interview has helped and will help me a lot, it has
given me a much clearer idea of how to get to where I want to be with my future career, and
how to walk down the path I’ve chosen without tripping over so often.