Comprehensive Study Notes from Jenny's Introduction as a Photographer

Speaker: Jenny, a fashion photographer and alumni from Penn State
Overview: Jenny shares her journey in photography and experiences since graduating from Penn State, including her roles as a photographer, fashion journalist, model, and stylist.

Location: New York City.
Primary Work: Fashion photographer and fashion journalist.
Freelance Roles: Assists in various photography projects including modeling, videography, wedding photography, and styling.
Specific Example: Work with a Korean fashion business magazine, focusing on trends in New York.

Role as New York Specialist: Observes and reports on fashion trends in NYC for a Korean magazine.
Focus Areas: Examines how fashion impacts business, and documents different fashion trends across Manhattan.
Photo Stories: Proposes articles that include curated photographs reflecting current trends.

Visitor Experience vs. Local Insights: Shares the contrast between tourist hotspots (e.g., Midtown) and lesser-known areas of Manhattan, advocating for the richness of diverse experiences in NYC.
Cultural Observations: Highlights how fashion varies according to individual lifestyles, jobs, and cultural backgrounds.

Activities: Conducts photo walks to explore various neighborhoods in Manhattan.
Objective: To create compelling photo stories and communicate local trends effectively to a broader audience, including international viewers in Korea.

Current Focus: Creating a photo story about department stores, noting the difference in retail culture in Korea versus America.

Content: Showcases diverse roles: modeling, photography, styling, and videography through a visual collage.
Key Events: Participated in Fashion Week and collaborates with friends in various projects, illustrating the interconnected nature of the fashion industry.

Initial Attitude: Skeptical about the necessity of grad school, influenced by parents’ expectations of academic achievements.
Shift in Perspective: During her senior year, realized the value of further education for making connections in the industry.

School Choices: Applied to School of Visual Arts (SVA) and Pratt Institute, focusing on SVA for its commercial photography emphasis.
Portfolio Preparation: Participated in National Portfolio Day to receive critiques and improve her work before school applications.
Advice Received: Emphasized the importance of experimentation and showing personality in work.

Programs and Skills Learned: Focused on Adobe software (Photoshop, InDesign) and the technical aspects necessary for commercial photography.
Networking Opportunities: Connected with classmates leading to valuable collaborations in photography projects.
Presentation Skills: Enhanced her ability to present her work regularly, improving comfort in professional situations.

Emphasis on Experience: Attended events like Fashion Week, gaining hands-on experience in high-pressure environments.
Role of a Digital Technician: Assisted photographers during shoots, managing the tethering of camera and laptop for immediate image review.

Fashion Shows and PR Events: Describes specific roles during fashion events where she captured interactions between models and designers, aiding storytelling in visual media.

Post-Graduation: Decided to embrace freelancing but still interested in working for established companies for more stability.

Importance of Reputation: Highlights the significance of professional behavior and communication for career development.
Diverse Job Opportunities: Shares personal anecdotes about finding roles through networking connections, including styling, event photography, and assisting photographers.

Personal Reflection: Urges students to explore varied photography genres, emphasizing that experience in different areas enriches their skills and opportunities.
Grad School Considerations: Cautions against pursuing grad school without clear intentions or goals, emphasizing the benefit of targeted learning.
Utilization of Resources: Encourages current students to take full advantage of school resources, such as studios and equipment, while still in school.
Professionalism in Work: Stresses the necessity of thorough planning and professionalism for successful shoots, including detailed preparation and clear communication with clients.

Engagement with Students: Invites questions at various points throughout her talk, fostering conversation about experiences and aspirations within the audience.
Discussion of Photography Genres: Open dialogue on various photography fields, gauging student interests in genres such as portraiture, product photography, and fashion photography.

Human Connection: Stresses the importance of building genuine relationships within the photography community and seeking mentorship for growth.
Flexibility and Adaptation: Reminds future photographers that success might require adapting to diverse situations and roles, enhancing their versatility.