On Wednesday 13th September, we held our first double skills sessions, one in Liverpool and one in Manchester, on how to photograph architectural models.
The aim of this workshop was to demonstrate to the young people that photographing their architectural models doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, they can use their camera phones, everyday materials and lighting to create professional images that will show off their models for any portfolio.
We kicked off the workshop by asking the young people to make quick and fun ‘cut and slot models’ by cutting out various shapes from cardboard. They then had to slot their combination of shapes together until they were happy with the model they’d produced.
In groups, they then set up DIY photography studios. They had to use either, a chair or a table against a wall to attach a large piece of white paper to the top and bottom of their set-up, allowing it to curve in the centre.
Once their models and studios were set up we took them through some photography tips, introducing them to the importance of composition and the impact exposure can have on an image. We discussed the rule of thirds as well as leading lines and how these guides can help in this session and how they’ll also help on our upcoming site visits.
We had a lot of fun experimenting with lighting too, we challenged the young people to experiment with different light sources, how they could use first and secondary light sources, how they could reflect light, how to create soft and harsh shadows and what impact that had on their pictures. They produced a wide variety of images and seemed keen to learn more about the editing process too.
It was great to see the young people working in teams with the role of director shifting depending on whose model was being photographed. They all helped each other to achieve the images each of them wanted to produce.
In Manchester, the session was hosted by Sue Emms, Principle and North Region Chair at BDP, and was supported by Sue, Louise Taylor, Lucy Kendall and Luke Starkey. Our students were lucky enough to have a tour of the BDP office by Sue, who also showed the students some physical and digital models of some exciting current projects.
In Liverpool, the session was supported by Darren Smith and Eddy Taylor who did a great job of supporting the young people with the activities as well as fielding their questions about their studies, careers and workplaces.
Massive thanks to everyone involved and we look forward to our next skills session!