Tech Policy Design Institute
A fresh face for the Tech Policy Design Institute
This job was an out-of-the-box photography assignment from the outset. Tech Policy Design Institute is a client I had worked with previously, and the first aspect – event photography at Parliament House – was fairly straightforward, but the second part of the assignment was a little different both in nature and output.
Having gotten in touch with me to advise they were changing gears and launching as a standalone Think Tank, they sought ‘funky’ leadership photography. Far removed from more traditional headshots, these photos had to capture the Institute’s leadership team, in multiple locations across Canberra, and in a way that is very different for this style of work and the sector in general.
They desired vibrant colours, iconic Canberra locations, and photography that would represent the visual and literal change in the organisation, and more women in leadership roles in tech in Canberra. The brief was: funky, bright and Canberra!
Locations were determined to be a graffiti covered wall in Braddon, the Ovolo Nishi Hotel in Acton, and the lawns of Parliament House. With locations set, these amazing women came dressed for success and absolutely nailed the brief.
The best part about this job? I think it’s fair to say that the energy and assertiveness the client brought. This energy makes all the difference on a unique job like this. This team knew what they wanted, yet were open about collaboration too.
And it was fun! The fashion, fast and fabulousness of the boss ladies made for two great sessions – sunset and morning. I, like most extroverts, draw energy from other creatives, and the governance policy arena has had a tendency to lean to the literal. Having a client who knew what they wanted and brought their creative energy, industry awareness, direction, and purpose is a perfect storm. Plus, the colour! Check out those shoes!
They brought the shoes, I brought the equipment needed to show them off in their best light. Off-camera flashlights were utilised, which can be synchronised to each other to create multiple key light perspectives to highlight the subject. My bag of tricks for these shoots also included stands, a step ladder, a fleet of lenses and four cameras so I could react with different perspectives and angles. The point of having DSLRs is to create perspectives you can’t get on the phone (plus the quality difference, of course)
There were a few challenges to overcome with this assignment. I was challenged to not only have a few locations in mind, but some alternative locations too. I arrived early to scout additional spots on site at Parliament House – I sometimes do this a day or so earlier at the same time to check light and angles. We then had a quick ‘car park meeting’ over the snaps and perspectives I had taken on the phone and concluded that we go for a few options, whilst we still had light. Always a challenge when shooting our amazing Aussie sunlight – when it changes, it changes fast!
Following the multi-day shoot, this job included downloading, processing using anti-noise software with Photoshop, and uploading and delivering the media-ready images the day after the shoot was complete.