Veteran Meeting and Shoot 1: 24/11/23

For the start of my project, I arranged a meeting with the Stockport Veterans at the Produce Hall, whom of which I worked with for my collaborative photography module in the previous academic year. 

Upon arranging this initial meeting, I intended to discuss the direction of which I want to go with this project. In addition to this, I wanted to do a general shoot as a start of my work. When I arrived, I began by shooting close up shots of the veterans socialising. To gather a sense of the camaraderie that they create. 

I primarily shot using a 70-300m lens and took a couple of landscape shots using a 50m lens. 

During my shoot I was asked by Noel, who runs The Veterans Food Company, to shoot an awards ceremony that they were going to present (the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Commendation for veterans and other service charities). I documented various people being presented with their award, this was a good example of the camaraderie that is generated within the group. Afterwards, I was asked if I could send the images of the ceremony that I took as well as some of the photos of the group for them to use on their social media. Upon reviewing and editing multiple images, I sent various images. 

After I had finished my shoot, I sat down with Julie Holland (the events manager) and Noel to discuss the development of my project and the outcome that I plan to fulfil. I explained that this time it is entirely my project and I will handle all aspects. I presented my idea of creating photos that shows a more intimate narrative of individual veterans. They both seemed enthusiastic and encouraging with my idea. I also intend to interview multiple veterans to help tell their stories within the work. I explained how I plan to collaborate with various veteran groups across different cities and they said that they will gather other groups that they know who would be open to working with me. 

Julie and Noel spoke to me about their visit to the Chelsea Pensioners in London and how interesting and informative it was. They are planing to meet with one of the people they met during their visit and that I can attend their meeting to discuss other avenues I could explore within this project. I set up another meeting for the Friday 8th December, in which I will being taking portraits on various veterans as well as interviewing them. During the next week, Noel is going to present my proposition to the group and gather ten veterans that I can work with during my next visit. 

Images from the awards ceremony: 

Abstract and Landscape Shots of The Produce Hall: 

The image directly above is one that I really like within this shoot. As it is a shot of Noel, who runs the group, within the framing of the door that you can clearly read the name of the place, The Produce Hall. The framing and composition create a good balance in this photo. 

The image above I thought was interesting as there was a 'just married balloon' randomly stuck in the ceiling. Despite this image not being relevant to my project, I thought it was an interesting observation that I documented as a result. 

The image above is one of the landscapes that I took to show the location of the shoot. I feel that the image does not quite work as it does not have any significant signs to emphasise what the place is. I am considering shooting landscapes of the places that I am and will be shooting my portraits.