#editorial reflection

This editorial project was really interesting. Going into it I think we all had an idea of what editorial photography was and was then promptly told “nope that’s not it” which then threw me and everyone else off for like 2 weeks whilst we tried to figure out exactly what it was. Once I figured out what I was supposed to be doing it was easy to get started. I was concerned when we were told it shouldn’t be a long project and should only take a week, which just lead to more questions about exactly what was expected and I feel like myself and everyone else doing this project then didn’t know how to go about it. I went with my initial idea and narrowed it down to something more niche and I feel that this was the right decision.

It was during this project that I realised just how much female business owners struggle to get their own premises and to get the respect they deserve. Through shooting this project I have made two amazing friends whose businesses I will continually support and try to promote. The images I took reflected the wonderful ladies I photographed and cheered them up while the questions gave them a chance to rant and get some stuff of their chest. That was perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this project, the fact that Lawra and Becky trusted me enough to tell me of their hardships and let me into their shops to photograph, something that must have felt a bit intrusive.

If I was to get the opportunity to do this project again then I would network more and try to meet more people. Ipswich is a small town with only a few female run businesses but during my time working on this project I unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to photograph them all. The fact I only made it to 2 people leaves the project feeling a little empty and like it cut off too abruptly. Given the opportunity I would also have liked to take this project to other towns as well. Meeting these two lovely ladies was so inspiring and I would have loved to travel and meet more inspiring women that could motivate both me and the people who view this project.

While this might mean the end of the project for university it doesn’t mean that this is over. I fully intend to make this project grow. For as long as there are people asking I will photograph female run businesses to showcase the hardships women face but also their strength. If you would like to see more of this project then keep your eye out on my newly opened website kaimariephoto.com