Project Management: Cross-College Photography
Before I began this project, the photo library at Derby College was several years old. It was quite sparse in some areas, while other areas were full of outdated, old and irrelevant images. The aim of this project was to rejuvenate, refresh and fully represent all areas of Derby College Group, including over 40 curriculum areas and subjects, a variety of target markets including school leaver, adult and pre-16, and all locations.
During this project I needed to ensure that I biased with a variety of internal and external professionals. Within the marketing team the photos will be used by the social media team, the design team, the web development team and the rest of the marketing team. In addition, the corporate arm of the college will be using the photos to communicate to employers, the curriculum area staff and teachers will use them within their displays, and other departments under Corporate Affairs will use them in reports and documents.
There were a significant amount of specifications to consider for this project, such as composition requirements for print and digital, ensuring that all student types were well represented, any equity and diversity gaps t be addressed and promoted, especially in priority areas e.g. females in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) related subjects, as well as showcasing and rewarding outstanding students.
This is a long-term project and is ongoing. I will continue to add to the photo library for all subjects and target markets, working closely with curriculum and external photographers and professionals.
Curriculum Area Example: Retail___
Photographer: ACJ Media
The Retail department were developing new courses and study programmes, heading away from fashion design and moving towards a more business and marketing focus for their area. They wanted new photography to reflect this change. I liaised with the teaching staff to get a sense of what they wanted, what courses they were developing and what the best way to portray this through photography would be. Also working closely with the photographer to get his creative ideas, he composed the area's showcase image, which reflects an art directors desk. This shot encompasses all that would be involved on a daily basis throughout the course and potentially throughout a working day within the future careers of the students; working in teams, working on multiple projects, using technology, sharing ideas, developing ideas and brands, capturing photography, developing websites, blogs and social media channels etc.
Curriculum Area Example: Equine___
Photographer: ACJ Media
The Equine team at Derby College needed fresh photography to represent their area and ever-developing facilities. I wanted to ensure that we showcased the variety within the curriculum, both practical and academic. This was the most difficult area to photograph due to there being so many specifications required from a variety of professionals and departments, all required in each and every shot, e.g. the horses ears must be pricked forward, the legs must all be exact positions and the rider must be in position depending on the movement of the horse.
The photographer and I worked very closely with the manager of the equine area to understand the exact positions of riders and horses within each and very jump, stance and movement. I ensured I understood the designer's requirements for all publications and print, the social media co-ordinator's requirements for all digital adverts and social media channels, the equine Marketing link for anything specific to the subject and the web team for the DCG website.
During the management of this project, communication with such a variety of professionals across curriculum and Corporate Affairs has been key to the success, especially with such a specialist area as Equine.
Examples of the photography used in print___
Photographer: ACJ Media
The photos captured as part of this project have been and will continue to be used by the DCG design department for all printed materials and publications. Below are a few extracted pages from the 19/20 full-time prospectus.
Example of the final photography used on social media___
Photographer: ACJ Media
The photos captured as part of this project have been and will continue to be used by the DCG social media team for all digital campaigns, including paid adverts and organic content. Below are a few screenshots showing the photography used on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
