This was, and still is, an interesting topic as it comes in two parts.
I had to design and put into practice a work flow model around a portrait session.
The benefit of a work flow model is that in a time critical situation, if you stick to the plan , you get the best from your studio/model and you do
not over run. Of course things will crop up, broken kit for example, but I think that if you know what you are doing before you start work then
things should run a lot better.
The assignment had to contain
1. Time limited shoot
2. On the spot checking of images to get improvement
3. 20+ images
4. Further editing to reduce the number of images for the customer
5. A selection of final images for the customer.
Why would your time be limited?
1. Cost of hiring studio/model or equipment
2. Weather if outside
3. Pressure from the customer to get the result they want.
It is at time critical moments that planning will help. It also help you to act and appear more professional.
As Benjamin Franklin said
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Once you have a work flow plan you can see where the problems are or may crop up. Later you can change how you work.
If you find that one particular part of a project is always over-running then you could take steps to improve that section. It will be a lot easier to identify where the errors are taking place if the day is broken down into sections. The only other option is to get right to the end of the day, over-run, then try and go back through the whole day to see what went wrong.
My Work flow Plan
Work Flow For Portrait Session
Selected Contact Sheets- Number 1
Contact Sheet
Contact Sheet 2- Following 1st Selection
Contact Sheet 2
Contact Sheet 3- Final Selection
Contact Sheet- Final selection
Well the above 5 images are my final selection. Chosen from the 20+ images that I took. I think you can see a more relaxed model.
Assessment of My Work Flow Chart.
Well looking at my work flow chart and the results that I obtained did the chart help. Well this is what I think:-
1. The process as set out helps you to remember what you need to do.
2. It gives you a set of guidelines to follow
3. Following the plan gives you a lot more confidence and this will shine through to the model and your customers.
4. You could create a number of flow charts for different situations, these could be used not only by yourself but when training new members of staff. Different companies may have different processes. Laminating them would allow you to take them into the field.
It will be an interesting exercise to see if the same flow chart can be used for a different type of session.
For the second part of the exercise I intend taking some images of a golfer playing golf. The images will help the player with his swing.
There will be no limit on the time that I need to take the pictures , but they have to be clear.
Exercise – Your own workflow 2 will follow.
