nightworkers progress

2010-05-25T11:05:00.001+01:00

Now my MA project is finished, I am pleased with the results. I have learned a great deal on this course and by getting involved in the photography projects over the past eighteen months.

I would like to thank all the nightworkers who participated in this project. It showed a great deal of trust on their part, allowing me into their workplaces and homes and letting me photograph them in the way I did. I always wonder if I would let a stranger come into my place of work and spend half an hour of my work-time taking snaps of them. I think I would, as I know the effort that is required in locating and persuading companies to participate.

I have found this project hugely enjoyable, although it was exhausting and frustrating at times, and have met extremely interesting people in the process. I would like to carry on this style of photography, as I am very interested in people, their opinions and what they do. I have gained invaluable experience in documentary photography and photojournalism and have a couple of projects in mind that I am thinking of pursuing which are also social documentary/photojournalistic in nature.

2010-04-23T19:35:00.000+01:00

I had to remove one of my Nightworkers from my website and this blog as they have decided not to participate for personal reasons.

So far, so good …?

2010-04-20T12:56:00.001+01:00

I am satisfied with the images for this project. Some work better than others and I may drop some for the book if the flow isn't right. I like the fact that there are clues to the work these people do in the photographs, without being too obvious (apart from policeman, fireman, etc), which makes you wonder what sort of jobs they do without being told outright. I am awaiting a couple of interview responses and one model release form from a nurse (although we have a verbal agreement that the image could be used).

More Night Images

2010-04-20T12:44:00.001+01:00

My attempt at startrails was unsuccessful and I will have to wait for another clear, dry night and the chances of that may be very small, so I have taken a few abstract images for the chapter headings of the book. I have decided to use the first two as they are suitably intriguing. They don’t much show a sense of time, but rather a sense of timelessness. I like them within the book, but are they suitable?

The Hospital Site Manager

2010-04-10T13:19:00.001+01:00

Decided on a change of scene for the Hospital Site Manager. He was able to pose a bit longer for me. I photographed him in the reception area to begin with, as his construction staff were fitting a new floor, but it wasn’t successful. I took him outside the hospital main entrance and used the construction workers’ barriers as a backdrop. It doesn’t exactly say ‘hospital’, but this is the area where he was working.

The Hospital Porter

2010-04-10T12:57:00.001+01:00

Photographed a hospital porter too, another person who plays an important role in hospital life. I like the wheelchair in the background which also provides a splash of colour.

I was also delighted to discover that he is the lead singer in Wigan’s Ovation:

The Hospital Domestic Supervisor

2010-04-10T12:44:00.001+01:00

Visited Royal Bolton Hospital on Thursday night and photographed four people. A doctor and nurse practitioner said they would participate, but work became very busy for them, but I am more than happy about getting four. I was given a room to photograph in which had low ceilings, which wasn’t ideal, but I understand the difficulties with photographing in hospitals – confidentiality and contamination, so it was fine.

I am satisfied with this picture, but as I already have a cleaner, I am not sure that I will be able to use it. However, a cleaner is a vital component of the hospital machine – making sure everything is germ-free and ready for patients and staff to use.

The Gamekeeper

2010-04-04T15:04:00.001+01:00

Visited Ashbourne in Derbyshire last night to photograph a gamekeeper. It was just going dark, so I had a different kind of atmosphere which makes good use of the flash. I think the top picture is the best out of the three I’ve chosen, in posture, expression and there’s no harsh shadowing on the nose like in the second picture. Unfortunately, the water in the background is not visible (too dark), but I knew this was going to happen. I love the way the flash has picked out the trees. I will definitely carry on using this system for future photographs. It’s so versatile and portable.

The Prison Officer

2010-04-01T22:39:00.001+01:00

Visited a prison this evening to photograph a prison officer. The shoot had to be quick because the prison officer had to get back to work and also there was a short break in the heavy rain.

This image was chosen because he looked more authoritative than in the others. I wasn’t entirely happy about the shadowing across his face initially, but I think it gives him a rather sinister air, which goes well with the Nosferatu shadow to the right of the picture (let me make it clear that I don’t think that prison officers are sinister in any way(!), but most people are afraid of going to prison and the shadowing generates the feeling of uneasiness). His shirt is slightly bleached out on one side, but not too much that I’m worried about it.

Final Photos

2010-03-29T12:25:00.001+01:00

These are the details of the last photographs I will take for this project:

I will be photographing the gamekeeper on 3 April.
I will be photographing Bolton Hospital staff on 8 April.
Forest Bank prison has emailed me today and they have a willing volunteer to be photographed, so I am awaiting a day and time to shoot, hopefully, I can do it this week.

Which leaves me to get on with writing my essay and finishing off the book design.

Update

2010-03-27T13:02:00.001Z

I have contacted the Gamekeeper in Derbyshire, who is interested in participating and had a meeting at Royal Bolton Hospital yesterday and I will photograph some of the hospital staff on Thursday 8 April. I should be able to get 3 or 4 people there.

I also received a reply from Network Rail about the possibility of me photographing the railway staff at Piccadilly in Manchester, but I have to pay them a fee of £400, which I cannot afford, so I will have to shelve the idea.

My tutor decided that I photograph the Gamekeeper and hospital staff and leave it at that. I need to concentrate on my essay and book design. I still have an outstanding query from Forest Bank prison, so if they find someone for me to photograph, I will, of course, do it, but if they don’t, I won’t pursue it any further.

The Doula

2010-03-27T12:52:00.001Z

Photographed a doula this week, a job I had never heard of before (all is revealed on the website). I bounced the flash off the ceiling instead of using the umbrellas which seemed to work well. I think, Beatrix, her daughter, adds a great deal to the picture.

The Highways Agency Traffic Officer

2010-03-23T13:47:00.001Z

I think this picture is too similar to the RAC Patroller and may not be used in the book because of this reason. I don’t think I will photograph any more workers with vehicles because the images will all look the same.

The Highways Agency Regional Control Centre Operator

2010-03-23T13:33:00.002Z

I went to Newton-le-Willows last night to visit the Highways Agency North West Regional Control Centre. Whilst I was there, I photographed two nightworkers. I didn’t have a great deal of time to take each photograph, so only took a few shots, but I am very happy with the one, below. The control centre was an amazing place and I learned a great deal about them from my visit. The office, below, looks darker than it really was, as I was lighting the model, but I think it adds to the overall atmosphere of night-time. I was glad to have shot an office environment as this is what my project was lacking and I am finding it hard to find a call centre willing to participate.

So far …

2010-03-19T19:38:00.002Z

The nightworkers, sit well together. This is the order they appear on the website at the moment, but this can change by the day. The book images will appear in the same order as the website and vice versa. The aim was to order the pictures so they get progressively lighter as the book goes along. Or maybe I should do it the other way around …

I have other nightworkers lined up for next week:

Highways agency – Monday 22 March – 9.30pm.
Birth partner – Wednesday 24 March – 7.30pm

To arrange:

I am meeting with Bolton Hospital on Friday 26 March at 11.30am and hopefully I will have some dates arranged.
I was supposed to photograph a funeral director today, but I couldn’t get hold of him – I’ll ring him again next week.
I will ring back the bus company to see if I can photograph the bus driver.
A prison has agreed for me to photograph someone, but only if I can do it outside, which is fine.

I would like to photograph airport workers, as well as those who work on the trains, and I have put the feelers out for that. A paramedic/ambulance driver would an important addition, as they are the only emergency service that isn’t represented.

There are a few people I still need to contact, but I also have to think about time. I need to take another look at the book design and sort that out, as well as writing the extended essay. There will come a point very shortly when I have to STOP, although I could keep going forever…

The Night Cleaner/Operative

2010-03-19T16:05:00.001Z

Visited the Trafford Centre on Wednesday night to photograph one of the night cleaner/operatives there.

Sometimes when you look at your pictures, one stands out and this is it. I love the background of the Trafford Centre and the red of the model’s top stands out beautifully against it. Before I looked at the pictures, I was worried that I hadn’t done a good enough job because I was very tired, but I am very pleased with this one. He is holding a cloth in his hand, which gives a little away of what he does. This was not requested by me – I don’t like directing the models too much in case something is lost – and I think it works very well.

The Hotel Night Receptionist

2010-03-19T15:56:00.001Z

I also photographed a hotel night receptionist at the Premier Inn in Bolton on Tuesday night. I have decided that the Holiday Inn Manager picture was not suitable as:

It was shot outside and as she works indoors, it doesn’t look right.
I don’t like it – I think it’s the weakest image of them all.

The reception area was very small, so I got as much background in as I could manage. I could have gone somewhere more grand, like the Midland Hotel in Manchester, but I feel that I shouldn’t just take photographs just because the background is exciting. The background is secondary, it’s the person in front of me that is the most important part of the picture. Why give the impression that only the most visually-interesting locations matter? The places exist, the people exist, they are all worthy of being photographed.

I think the image, below, is the strongest of the three here – he has a stronger stance and looks more confident. I also like Lenny Henry in the background which breaks the picture up and adds a surreal flavour. I’m not keen on the refection of one of my flashes on the Lenny Henry poster/banister, but I don’t think it’s too distracting.

The PCT Driver

2010-03-19T15:52:00.001Z

Have been busy again this week. On Tuesday, I photographed a PCT driver from St John’s Ambulance who drives the out of hours doctors around to their appointments.

The picture, above, used the strongest (primary) flash from the left, but I experimented a little.

The picture, above, used the strongest (primary) flash from the left, which lights the ambulance more, but leaves a shadow on his face, but I think this makes it more interesting.

Originally, I thought the image, below, was the strongest, but now I think it’s the top one.

The vehicle with the lights flashing doesn’t work for this image. I prefer the lights off. Here the strongest flash was coming from the right, which lights the face up more, but to the detriment of the vehicle.

Road Maintenance Workers

2010-03-14T13:16:00.002Z

I went on St Peter’s Way in Bolton last night and photographed three roadworkers. They had shut the road off all night while the maintenance was being done.

The Gully Cleaner

The Potholer

Basically, a Potholer is someone who fills in the potholes in the road. I imagine Potholers all around the country are going to be pretty busy for a while after the bad winter we had.

The Road Cleaner

The Coastguard Officer

2010-03-13T15:22:00.001Z

Visited the Coastguard in Crosby last night. I’ve chosen quite a few ‘possibles’ in the images I shot:

I shot most of them very wide as I wanted to crop off the ceiling. This one achieves this, but I don’t like the pose.

I really like these three images, but I had a problem with the light flare on the map behind the Coastguard and this is the only reason I feel they are unsuitable to use. This problem was easily resolved by asking the Coastguard Officer to stand in front of the flare.

These two images are the ones I have chosen out of all of them. I’m finding it difficult to choose between the two:

Update

2010-03-10T12:38:00.006Z

I've had a few replies from people, so this is how it stands so far:

Security Guard - DONE
Firefighter - DONE
Police Officer - DONE
Taxi Driver - DONE
Petrol Station Worker - DONE
Marie Curie Nurse - DONE
Casino Worker - DONE
Mountain Rescue - DONE
Street Angel - DONE
Salvation Army Porter - DONE
Foundryman - DONE
Printer - DONE
Student Nurse - DONE
McDonalds - DONE
Warburtons - DONE
Supermarket - DONE
Winter Watch - DONE
RAC Patroller - DONE
Gritters - tonight (hopefully)
Coastguard, Crosby - Fri 12 March - 8pm
Council road repairs and cleansing - Sat 13 March - 10.30pm
St John's Ambulance - Tue16 March - 7.30 pm
Trafford Centre Cleaners - Wed 17 March - 10pm
Funeral Directors - Fri 19 March.
Highways Agency - Mon 22 March - 9.30pm
Royal Bolton Hospital - meeting on Friday 26 Mar - 11.30am
Hotel Workers - TO REDO
Bailiff - TO RING
Gamekeeper - TO RING
Bus Driver - WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION

2010-03-09T11:19:00.007Z

Emailed Bolton Hospital today with the view to photographing hospital workers inside.
Emailed a Real Radio DJ, based in Manchester.
Telephoned Careline, who were very busy and I will ring them at the beginning of April.
Left a message with the Holiday Inn, Bolton.
The Trafford Centre said they'd love to participate - fantastic! - they'll get back to me when they've found me a person to photograph.
Emailed Wincantons in Trafford Park about the possibility of photographing a lorry driver.
Contacted Unite in the hope they may be able to help.
Telephoned a funeral director in Radcliffe, who are happy to participate.

2010-03-08T19:05:00.003Z

I spoke with the Environmental Department of Bolton Council and will be photographing someone who is working on St Peter's Way on Saturday night. I may also get the chance to photograph one of the gritters. Unfortunately, the weather is getting better, so there may not be any gritters available.

Pictures of the Night

2010-03-06T23:57:00.001Z

I got to Bolton West services a bit early, so I photographed the scenery. My tutor had suggested I photograph ‘pictures of the night’, as a supplement to the main pictures, so I gave it a go.

The picture, below, is the restaurant.

And some light trails from cars.

RAC Patroller

2010-03-06T23:16:00.001Z

Photographed an RAC Patroller at Bolton West services tonight. At first, I had a little trouble with my lighting (one of the flashes didn’t fire), which can be a bit disconcerting, but after re-arranging them, I got them to work.

Soup Kitchen Cook

2010-03-06T12:57:00.001Z

Went to a soup kitchen last night to photograph one of the people who work there. I had very little time to take the photograph which is why there is so few shots on the contact sheet. However, I’m pleased with the result. There was only one place for me to take the photograph and one of my flashes didn’t go off, but it seemed to work.

Update

2010-03-05T14:14:00.001Z

This is an update of EVERYTHING so far:

Security Guard - DONE
Firefighter - DONE
Police Officer - DONE
Taxi Driver - DONE
Petrol Station Worker - DONE
Marie Curie Nurse - DONE
Casino Worker - DONE
Mountain Rescue - DONE
Street Angel - DONE
Salvation Army Porter - DONE
Foundryman - DONE
Printer - DONE
Student Nurse - DONE
McDonalds - DONE
Warburtons - DONE
Supermarket - DONE
Winter Watch - Tonight
RAC - Sat 5 March
Coastguard, Crosby - 12 March - 8pm
St John's Ambulance - 16 March - 7.30 pm
Highways Agency - Mon 22 March - 9.30pm
Hotel Workers - TO REDO
Bailiff - TO RING
Gamekeeper - TO RING
Bus Driver - WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION
Gritters - WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION

2010-03-03T19:29:00.002Z

I'm photographing the Coastguard in Crosby on Friday 12 March.
I'm liaising with a contact about photographing a stripper.

2010-03-02T21:12:00.003Z

Bad news - I couldn't photograph the bus driver this evening, as we have to go through management, so I will ring the manager of the bus depot in the morning. Apparently, he said it would be OK, but he has to run through health and safety and make sure I'm not a terrorist, etc.
Good news - I am going to photograph an RAC man on Saturday night. I am trying to think of a good place for him - I need a road which is quiet enough for me to carry out the photoshoot. We have a arranged to meet at Bolton West Service Station, so I may do it there - have his car in the background and I was also hoping for the light trails of cars driving past. I'll have to see what it's like when I get there.
I'm going to go around the hotels on Friday night to ask about the possibility of photographing a worker inside. I will go back to the Holiday Inn if they refuse.
I must ring the Bailiff and Gamekeeper that Terry told me about.
I must Jonathan in the plastics factory this week too.

2010-03-01T11:30:00.006Z

Contacted a few people today about the possibility of photographing them:

The RAC seemed positive, so I'm hoping they will be able to help.
The Coastguard in Crosby is waiting for the agreement of his boss.
Liverpool Airport sent an email out to workers there and received no reply, but will resend it.
I emailed Blackpool Airport and will chase it up next week.
The Ambulance Service sent an email out to workers and received no reply, but will chase this up.
I have contacted someone about the possibility of photographing a stripper.
I need to ring YOI Forest Bank tomorrow.
Contacted St John's Ambulance and they will get back to me.
Contacted Paul at the Funeral Directors and he will get back to me with a date/time.
Contacted someone about the possibility of photographing a carer in a nursing home.

I still would like to photograph a lorry driver, cleaner and someone who works in a call centre.

The Offset Printer

2010-02-26T22:42:00.001Z

Visited Trafford Park Printers tonight to photograph Chris who works on the printing presses. I’ve chosen the top one. There is a concern I have about the images which is that when they appear on the internet, they are a couple of shades lighter so I have had to darken them especially for the internet. I have no idea why this happens, but it is worrying, especially when going to print. The top picture here is one I have darkened for the internet.

2010-02-23T15:16:00.008Z

I've done some more ringing around this afternoon with the following outcomes:

Royal Mail - unfortunately, they don't work at night any more.
Bolton at Home - they couldn't help, but said they may need photographers on occasions, so I have emailed them with my details.
Youngs Pest Control - they were too busy.
The Coastguard - I have emailed them at Crosby.
Trafford Park Printers - apparently I had been ringing the wrong night phone number, so will try again with the correct one!
Bolton Council - they will look into street cleaners for me and said that my photographing the gritters was fine, and I will be contacted by Sean shortly about this.
Merseytravel - I have emailed them about my project.
Blast Away - they have no orders for night work at the moment, but I have emailed them about the project on the off-chance.
Green Flag - unfortunately, they were unable to help, so I will contact the AA and RAC.
Arndale Centre - I emailed about the possibility of photographing a cleaner or anyone else who works there at night.
BBC Local Radio - I have emailed the BBC asking for permission to photograph a DJ at BBC Radio Manchester.
I had a look at Radio City in Liverpool as Key 103 haven't replied yet. I think I know why - they have the same radio presenter - Matt Wilkins - on both shows! Contacted Matt on his own website instead.

Street Angel

2010-02-21T00:54:00.002Z

I spent time with the Street Angels in Bolton tonight. Street Angels are volunteers who provide a safe place to go for people (usually young women). They also provide care and first aid for anyone who needs it. While I was there, a young woman was brought in whose friends had left her on her own and she was a bit worse for wear. She was very distressed and had a fit while I was there. They looked after her, called the paramedics and sent her home in a taxi when she had recovered enough.

I only had time to take a few pictures, as the Street Angels were one down and were going on patrol, but I have a couple that I really like. It was difficult to find a good spot to shoot, using my lights, so I set up outside the chapel where Street Angels operate as there was more room there. I wanted ‘The Late Club’ sign in the background too.

I think the top picture stands out best. With the bottom picture, my right-hand flash didn’t fire, but it adds a certain mystery…

Update

2010-02-20T19:21:00.001Z

I’ve been really busy this week due to work, so I haven’t had time to ring anyone, but I did find someone else to photograph. I have been on four photoshoots, however, and will be photographing again tonight. The situation is as follows:

McDonalds - DONE
Student Nurse – DONE
Salvation Army – DONE
Warburtons – DONE
Shakespeare Foundry – DONE
Mountain Rescue - DONE
Sainsbury's – DONE
Street Angels – Tonight
Bus Driver – Tue 02 Mar
Highways Agency - Mon 22 Mar

Supermarket Shelf Stacker

2010-02-20T16:50:00.001Z

I went to Sainsbury’s last night and photographed a shelf stacker there. This was shot slightly differently than the others because I couldn’t position the lighting at either side of the model. Instead, I put them as close to him as possible and as wide as I could manage. I also found out that the person I photographed used to work in the Shakespeare Foundry, which was a bit of a coincidence.

Mountain Rescue

2010-02-20T16:44:00.002Z

I really enjoyed this photoshoot. My mountain rescuer drove me near Rivington Pike and posed for me in the middle of a blizzard. Originally, I wanted the lights of the town in the background, but there was a sheer drop on the other side of the fence which didn’t give us much room to manoeuvre. Anyway, if I would have fallen down the hill, I was in the right company!

The photograph is very much like the firefighter picture, but I am happy with it this way.

Foundryman

2010-02-20T16:31:00.001Z

Went to the Shakespeare Foundry in Bolton on Tuesday. It is a great place for photographs and I’m very happy with the result. I picked two photographs out:

The first picture works much better. This was just a test shot, but I like the way he is standing and also his gaze. The metal smelter in the background is also visible in the first picture which gives you more of a clue where he is. It was moving backwards as I was shooting.

Baker

2010-02-20T16:26:00.002Z

Went to Warburtons on Monday night to photograph a Bakery Op. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed inside the shop floor (food preparation health and safety), so I photographed him in the reception area.

I would have preferred to go inside the factory, but it would have been too complicated for Warburtons and I and my equipment would be in danger of contaminating the food.

I haven’t looked at this picture since Monday and think it could work. However, I would like to photograph on a factory floor, but I will have to find a non-food producing factory.

2010-02-13T22:57:00.001Z

I've just come back from the Safe Space Cafe in Crown Street, Bolton, where the Street Angels are. I'm going to photograph one of the Street Angels next Saturday, probably in Bank Street, as there are a lot of neon signs down there (for atmosphere) and it is a street where they work.

Salvation Army Night Security Porter

2010-02-13T15:04:00.001Z

I also visited the Salvation Army hostel in Bolton on Wednesday night. I photographed two of the night security porters separately. I think the top image is the more successful of the two – it’s more ‘punchier’ and seems to communicate better.

The Student Nurse

2010-02-13T14:55:00.002Z

Photographed a student nurse on Wednesday night. I wasn’t allowed inside the hospital, so I chose a suitable location. The reason for not shooting inside was that I wasn’t allowed to photograph any of the other patients which may have been in the background. I thought it would be good to photograph a student nurse, as she is just starting out with working nights.

I would like to photograph a nurse inside, but we’ll see how it goes.

Update

2010-02-10T14:50:00.004Z

McDonalds - DONE
Student Nurse - Wed 10 Feb
Salvation Army - Wed 10 Feb
Warburtons - Mon 15 Feb
Shakespeare Foundry - Tue 16 Feb
Mountain Rescue - Wed 17 Feb
Sainsbury's - Fri 19 Feb
Highways Agency - Mon 22 Mar

2010-02-10T13:17:00.001Z

Got a call from Sainsbury's and they are happy to help me with my project. I need to contact the Night Shift Manager on Friday, Sunday or Monday.

2010-02-09T14:45:00.014Z

I called in at the Royal Mail sorting office in Farnworth today and spoke to a fantastic woman who was extremely helpful. She gave me a number and email of a woman who I should speak to. Unfortunately, my timing was abysmal as the programme Dispatches did a rather scathing portrait of the Royal Mail last night on TV, so I will wait a week or two until everything has died down and then speak to her.
Whilst at the sorting office, I met a woman who knows someone who works nights for the council, so I gave her my card and hopefully something will come of this.
I emailed Mike Toolan, the Breakfast Show DJ at Key 103 who I was told might be able to help me with this project. I didn't get a reply from Matt Wilkins who does the nightshift there, but I was told they would be good to contact.
Spoke to Clare from Street Angels, a charity who help clubbers at night by providing help for people who have been out clubbing at night, which I thought was a great idea. I will pop round there on Saturday night to have a chat. Clare is happy to be photographed which is great news!
Emailed Dave at Urban Outreach and Winter Watch - these are charities which carry out important work protecting homeless people and street walkers. Received a reply today and he seems very positive about it. We need to have a chat first.
Phoned the Alliance & Leicester press office. My mum used to work in Girobank in Bootle (which was sold to the Alliance & Leicester in 1990) and she mentioned that people work nights there to sort cheques. I know the office moved to Wigan, so that's where I'm hoping to go. I know this might be impossible as there is a lot of sensitive material about, but you never know.
Left messages with Silcoms, Green Flag, Bolton Hospice, Sainsbury's and ASDA. Hope they get back to me.
I will be photographing a nurse at Bolton Hospital tomorrow night.
I am photographing Martin at the Salvation Army tomorrow night too.

2010-02-08T17:46:00.003Z

Finally got in touch with Tracy Merger who is the manager of the gritting operation in Bolton. He took my number and said that someone will phone me tomorrow about the possibility of me taking a picture at the gritting station. He is also in charge of the upcoming maintenance work on St Peter's Way so I will ask him about that too.
I also emailed the manager at the Holiday Inn to see if she would agree to a reshoot inside the hotel this time. I photographed her outside last time for continuity as all the other workers had been photographed outside.
Left a message on David, a Bailiff's phone, so I'm hoping he rings me back. If not I'll try and ring him again. It is difficult to know what time of day to ring people who work at night. I don't want to ring them too early, as they probably sleep during the day.

2010-02-05T12:41:00.002Z

Rang Heather at St John's Ambulance today and she seems positive about being able to organise someone for my photos.
Rang Gail at Trafford Park Printers and she told me to ring the Night Managers in the Press Hall tonight, after 7pm. It is all depending on if anyone is willing to be photographed. Let's hope they do!

2010-02-04T13:04:00.000Z

I visited the Shakespeare Foundry in Bolton this morning and it was fantastic. Very atmospheric and I think I'll get a good shot in here. There is a health and safety issue as there is a lot of hot metal flying about. I've found an area I'd like to shoot the photograph from and the MD is very helpful and will accompany me whilst photographing to ensure mine and the other workers' safety. I will be photographing a worker there on Tuesday 16 February.
The Highways Agency got back to me today and I will be going there on Monday 22 March to photograph the workers in the control room and also those out on the road.

2010-02-02T14:35:00.020Z

I spoke to Michael Stanlea at the Shakespeare Foundry today and he has some workers there who do nightshifts. He is going to speak to a few people and I need to ring him back tomorrow. He wants some product shots done in return, which will be fine.
Phoned J2 nightclub in Bolton who flatly refused, not giving me time to ask them about the project, but there are plenty of nightclubs out there, so this shouldn't be a problem.
Spoke to Gail Williams at Trafford Park Printers, who sounded positive. I have sent her an email with the details and will contact her at the end of the week if I haven't heard anything back.
I have emailed Matt Wilkins at Key 103 who works between 1am and 6am on the radio.
Telephoned the Salvation Army Hostel in Bolton and left my number with them - I will chase them up at the end of the week if I don't hear anything.
Spoke to Thomas Wicks at Green Flag Press Office, who was very positive. I've sent him an email with the details.
Emailed Blackpool Airport Press Office (I just sent the last one to general enquiries) and will ring in a week for follow up.
Contacted Paul who works at Shaws Funeral Directors. He's going to run it past his manager, but he doesn't think there'll be a problem.
Phoned Pure Gym in Manchester which is open 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, they won't let photographers in due to an incident that happened previously. There is The Gym Liverpool near the Pier Head, so I think I'll give them a try - 0844 412 8135.
I spoke to Jonathan who works in a plastics factory nearby and he said he won't know when he'll be working nights next - I said I'd ring him in a months' time to arrange the shoot. I'm not too hopeful about this one.
I have written to the HR Manager at Sainsbury's.
I have written to the Governor of HMP Hindley.
I spoke to Paul who works at Warburtons and he will let me know next Wednesday if this is OK. I'm not expecting them to say 'yes' as I've asked couple of people who work at Warburtons and they weren't given permission. If this fails, I will go to Rathbones!

2010-02-01T16:56:00.000Z

I spoke to the Highways Agency today and they are happy to participate and I'll probably shoot the pictures in March. They are currently trying to raise the profile of the work they do and suggested that we work together on this. They will get back to me shortly about this.

McDonalds

2010-01-30T22:48:00.001Z

I photographed manager Sean at McDonalds this evening. It went well. I also took some photographs off the staff as a ‘thank you’ and got a lovely hot chocolate in return. I was surprised I captured the atmosphere here, being an inside photograph, it’s worked out beautifully. I think this image is the strongest out of all I took.

This was the first shoot I have done inside with my new lighting system and it still retains the atmosphere of night-time. The restaurant was subtly-lit.

Knowing that my lighting didn’t let me down, I will return to the Holiday Inn and ask them if I can reshoot inside.

2010-01-30T22:34:00.001Z

I started up a Facebook group today called Nightworkers:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=282215034105&ref=mf

asking for people who work nights or those who know people who work nights would like to participate in the project. Let’s see what happens…

2010-01-30T14:30:00.001Z

I called into McDonalds on Derby Street last night and the manager agreed to have his photograph taken tonight.

I called into Sainsbury's on the way back and I need to write to their HR Manager with details of my project and hopefully they will be able to do something.

I received a reply from the Highways Agency, who said that they will be able to arrange something. They have a Traffic Officer in the control room and patrol cars working around the clock, so I will email them this weekend.

Terry Speake will arrange for me to photograph a Bailiff and Gamekeeper.

2010-01-27T13:40:00.004Z

I have received a reply from Sarah Morley at NW Ambulance Service and she has asked the Operational Manager if he has anyone willing to get involved and she will let me know.

The Environment Agency emailed back saying they can't help with the project. They say they only have people from their Operations Team dealing with incidents and they have to respond immediately. I think they think that I want to be with them when they're working. I will contact them again explaining that I don't need to be there when all the action is going on.

I emailed Keith Harrison at Silcoms Engineering Works today in the hope that he will allow me to photograph one of his employees.

2010-01-26T12:30:00.006Z

Today, I rang ASDA Head Office (Press Office) in Leeds asking permission to take photographs in their Bolton store. I emailed them with the details and, hopefully, they will reply soon.
A emailed the Samaritans again. I think a Samaritan would be a great subject to photograph for this project as they are not only voluntary, but they provide an essential service.
Visited Bolton Hospice and left my details with them and they said they would get in touch.
Visited Blast Away in Kearsley, but it was a house, so I will ring them instead.
Visited Silcoms Engineering Works in Farnworth and was told to email Keith Harrison, which I will do today.

2010-01-25T21:11:00.008Z

I have joined the Facebook Group 'Night Shift Workers in a 9 to 5 World' and have asked if anyone in the group would be willing to be photographed. Hope I get some replies.

I've also emailed:

The Environment Agency
The Highways Agency
Blackpool and Liverpool Airports
The Ambulance Service
Youngs Pest Control

I will visit some workplaces tomorrow and ring around others.

Approaching Contacts

2010-01-19T12:13:00.002Z

Looking at the Travel Assignment, I approached most people face-to-face, which is obviously the best method. I would rather do this as it is more personal, people can see who they are talking to and I think you can build up a rapport. Marie Curie nurse, Sue Irwin, was the only person I didn't approach in person.

Obviously it may be difficult to do this all the time, but I think I will 'mix it up' - emailing, phoning and visiting workplaces.

I have decided that if a place is open to the public, I will call in, if it is an office, I will phone or email.

Other Contacts

2010-01-18T12:39:00.027Z

Road Gritters

Bolton Council Cleansing Dept, Wellington Road
Speak to Tracy Merga (nights) or Paul Nuttall (day)
Senior Engineer - Highways is John Martin

Funeral Director

Paul, Shaws Funeral Directors, Chorley Old Road, Bolton
Hamer's Funeral Service, 48 Walmersley Road, Bury

Supermarket Worker

Billy, a manager at ASDA, Pilsworth. His father has been very ill lately and he was scheduled to be photographed for the Travel assignment. If I cannot contact him, I will contact ASDA HQ Press Office:
ASDA House, Great Wilson Street, Southbank, Leeds LS11 5AD – 00132 243 5435
Morrisons - Blackhorse Street, Bolton and Atlas Mills, Mornington Road, Bolton
Tesco - Mansell Way, Horwich
Sainsbury's - Trinity Street, Bolton

Nurse/Hospital Staff

Lesley Parkinson is someone I know who works as a nurse and is willing to be photographed and may also be able to help me find a doctor and hospital porter

Ambulance Service/Paramedics

Sarah Morley, Communications Assistant – 0161 272 1279 -sarah.morley@nwas.nhs.uk
Paramedic - Caz Horlick - Highfield Ambulance Station, Farnworth

Careworker

Again, Lesley knows a lot of people who are careworkers

Pest Control

Premier Pest Services -10 Exford Drive, Bolton BL2 6TB - 01204 385465 - http://www.premierpestservices.co.uk/
Youngs Pest Control - 2, Grasmere Rd, Partington, Manchester M31 4PF - 508 3119/07515284426 - http://www.youngspestcontrol.co.uk/ - rick@youngspestcontrol.co.uk

Airports

Blackpool International – Squares Gate Lane, Blackpool FY4 2QY – 0844 4827171 - info@blackpoolairport.com
Liverpool John Lennon Airport – contact jacki Arends - jarends@liverpoolairport.com

Factories

Plastics Factory - Jonathan – River Street – see Martin Garrity
Silcoms Engineering Works, Piggot Street, Farnworth - 01204 466070 - pep@silcoms.co.uk - have emailed
Warburtons - Paul or Warburtons Ltd, Bath o’th’ Bank House, Hereford Street, Bolton, BL1 8HJ – 01204 531004
Rathbone Bakery Ltd – Central Bakery, Wigan WN5 9AP – 01942 82025

Car Breakdown Services

Green Flag – Matt Owen – 0208 285 8795 – matthew.j.owen@rbs.co.uk
AA – Public Affairs – media only – 01256 493493 – publicaffairs@theaa.com OR Press Office (commercial products and services) – 01256 495969 – press.office@theaa.com
RAC – Vicki Burn – Media Relations Manager – 01603 684224

24 Hour Alcohol Delivery

Drink Doctor - 07 999 222 345 - http://www.thedrinkdoctor.com

Royal Mail Sorting Office

Bolton West Delivery Office, Northgate Close, Horwich - 0834 774 0740
Bury Delivery Office, Wellington Street, Bury BL8 2XX - 0161-447 8440

Gamekeeper

See Terry Speake

Bailffs

See Terry Speake

Forensic Photographer

See Sangita Mistry

Armed Forces

RAF – I know someone who is in the RAF, so will ask them
Army
Navy

24-Hour Gym

Pure Gym, Manchester City Centre

Emergency 999 Calls

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Regional HQ, Ladybridge Hall, Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 5DD – 498400 or Sarah Morley, Communications Assistant – 0161 272 1279 -sarah.morley@nwas.nhs.uk

Hospital – nurses/midwives/doctors – Bolton

Heather Edwards, Head of Communications -heather.edwards@rbh.nhs.uk
- 01204 390363

Hospital receptionists/porters – Bolton

Heather Edwards, Head of Communications -heather.edwards@rbh.nhs.uk
- 390363

Hotels
I may redo the hotel picture.

Premier Inn, 991 Chorley New Road, Bolton - 0845 080 5104, 0870 197 7282
Last Drop Village, Hospital Road, Bromley Cross - 0845 080 5104, 01204 591131
DeVere Whites Hotel, Reebok Stadium, DeHavilland Way, Lostock - 0845 080 5104
Beaumont Road, Bolton BL3 4TA - 01204 855500
Matt also works in a hotel and I may ask him again

Club bouncers/Doormen/Managers/Staff

J2, 24 Mawdsley Street, Bolton – 392391 - carol@j2barnightclub.com

Motorway Maintenance/Highways Agency

Email - ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 08457 50 40 30 or 0121 335 8300

Environment Agency

Tel: 08708 506 506* (Mon-Fri, 8am - 6pm)
Email- enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Samaritans

r.clark@samaritans.org - have emailed

Careline

Careline, 1st Floor, Adelaide House, Adelaide Street, Bolton BL3 3NY - 335733
careline@bolton.gov.uk - Have Emailed - careline@boltonathome.org.uk

Motorway Service Stations

Bolton West – M61, between Junctions 6 and 7 - 01204 468641

People who Clean Chewing Gum off Streets

Blast Away, 7 Moss Lane, Kearsley, Bolton BL4 8SE - 0800 0588859, 0161-408 0900, 07929 269568 - lee.barrow@blast-away.co.uk

Council Incinerator

Raikes Lane, Bolton

Lorry Driver

Eddie Stobart, Stretton Green Distribution Park, Langford Way, Appleton, Warrington WA4 4TZ - Rachel Ivinson, PA to William Stobart - ivinsor@eddiestobart.co.uk - 01228 822500, 01925 605400

NHS Direct

Sefton House, Northgate Close, Bolton - 01204 478700 - marie.bryan@nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Railway/Underground worker

Network Rail, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG - 08457 114141, 0203 3569595
Association of Train Operating Companies (inc Merseyrail), 3rd Floor, 40 Bernard Street, London WC1N 1BY - press office - 0207 841 8020

North West Air Ambulance

North Mersey Business Centre, Woodward Road, Knowsley L33 7UY - 0800 587 4570 - enquiries@northwestairambulance.com

Salvation Army Hostel

Social Service Centre, Gilead House, 17 Duke Street, Bolton BL1 2LU - 01204 394499

Newspaper Printers

Broughton Printers, Olivers Place, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9WT - 01772 203770

TV and Radio Presenters and Staff

BBC Radio Manchester - 0161 200 2000/2020
Key 103, Manchester - Castle Quay, Castlefield M15 4PR - 0161 288 0103
Granada TV
BBC Manchester

St John's Ambulance

See Roy at work

Ellesmere Port/Chester Refinery

See Roy at work

Met Office

enquiries@metoffice.gov.uk

Bus Drivers (night bus)

First Manchester

Air Stewards - Liverpool Airport

Ryanair
Easyjet
KLM
Wizz Air
Flybe

Bolton Council Media Office

Karen Spibey, Media Relations Team, Bolton Council – 332064 - karen.spibey@Bolton.gov.uk

Bury Council Press Office

Peter Doherty - 0161-253 6096 - p.doherty@bury.gov.uk

Takeaway Delivery
Cleaners/Street Cleaners
Telecoms Workers
Warehouse Worker
Shipyards
Dockyard Worker
Farmers
Police Helicopter
Sleeper Train
Fisherman
Call Centre Worker
Pharmacy

Contacts - Prisons in the North West

2010-01-18T11:38:00.002Z

Now I need to be specific on who I will contact:
Prisons in the North West

I have picked the following prisons to contact. There are many more in the North West, but I’ll try these first and cast my net wider if I don’t get anywhere. The reason I have picked Liverpool prisons is that I am from Liverpool and know the area. I am from Maghull, where HMP Kennet is, which is also known as Ashworth Hospital.

HMP Hindley Gibson Street Bickershaw Wigan WN2 5TH 01942 663100 Gov: Ray Hill	HMP Altcourse Higher Lane Fazakerley Liverpool L9 7LH 0151-522 2000 Director: John McLaughlin Controller: Julie Hartless-Jones
HMP Buckley Hall Buckley Hall Road Rochdale OL12 9DP 01706 514300 Gov: Mick Regan	MP & YOI Forest Bank Agecroft Road Pendlebury Manchester M27 8FB 0161-925 7000 Director: Trevor Shortt Controller: Brian Laggan
HMP Kennet Parkbourne Maghull Merseyside L31 1HX Tel: 0151-213 3000 Governor: Derek Harrison	HMP Liverpool 68 Hornby Road Liverpool L9 3DF Tel: 0151-530 4000 Governor: Alan Brown
HMP Manchester 1 Southall Street Manchester M60 9AH Tel: 0161-817 5600 Governor: Richard Vince

Interviews

2010-01-17T20:32:00.010Z

As for the travel project, I will interview the people I photograph. This is both beneficial as an ice breaker, but also so I can find out more about the person and more about the job they do. I perform the interviews in onen of three ways: I record them, I ask them to write on a questionnaire or I email the questions and they email me back. It all depends on how much time they've got (remember, they're at work) and what method is easier for them. When I have interviewed them I write out a transcript and maybe edit it a little and then post it onto my website. The interviews will also be invaluable when making the book as I may put the workers' quotes with the images.

Gary Thomas' 'How to do your Research Project' has a chapter about interviews. He says that by doing an interview face-to-face, interviewees respond more favourably 'they will usually be energised to help by your physical presence'. He says that you can relate to interviewees while you are talking to them and be able to hear and understand what they are saying and use gesture or words to encourage them to say more (or less). He adds that nuances of their behaviour will give important clues about how they feel about something.

Thomas suggests that taking care with appearance, demeanour and tone are important. Do I want to be seen as a person in authority or a neutral observer? He says the decision should influence the way you look, sound and behave. I always like to dress fairly smartly when meeting the people I am photographing because, to my mind, it gives off the message that I am professional and serious about what I am doing, but I try to act as open as possible in order for people to warm to me more and feel at ease, and, thus, I can get more from them photographically. Thomas suggests talking about the weather, my journey or anything in consequential to put the interviewee at ease and try to 'establish rapport' with them.

Structured Interviews

So far, I have been giving more 'Structured Interviews' which means I have been asking the workers pre-written questions, mainly to ensure continuity. I do, however, tell them they don't have to answer a question if they don't want to and also that they can add anything else at the end, if they so wish. My questions are open-ended which allow the interviewees to reply in whatever way they wish. Also, this way of interviewing is very quick which is important if I'm interviewing someone during their work time. Thomas', however, states that these structured interviews don't give you the opportunity to gain a proper understanding of the interviewee as you would with an unstructured interview.

Unstructured Interviews

These are more like a conversation and there is no predetermined format, except a general interest in the topic. Here, the interviewees set the agenda - telling you what issue needs to be covered. I would need to go into the interview with an open mind. However, if the interviewee strays too far from the topic, I would have to bring them back to it in some way, but this needs to be done sensitively. They may want to 'let off steam' about something and the interviewer must be understanding and realise that the interviewee is giving you their time and offering you something that may be important. It is, however, best to avoid putting words into the interviewee's mouth, such as "Does that make you feel angry?".

Semi-Structured Interviews

These provide the best of both worlds, combining the structure of a list of issues to be covered with the freedom to follow up points if necessary. This is the most common arrangement. Drawing up an interview schedule is useful. This is a list of issues which you want to cover. They don't have to be in the form of questions, but provide an aide memoire of important points to discuss. It is a framework of issues, leading to possible questions, leading to possible follow-up questions, leading to 'probes' which are encouragements to interviewees which may be verbal ("Go on ...") or non-verbal (a nod, raising eyebrows).

This type of interview sounds the best so far and I will attempt to make an interview schedule.

Nightworkers Ideas

2010-01-17T16:56:00.006Z

I promised myself I would make up a list of 60 night jobs and work my way through them. It is my aim to get 40 people to photograph, but we'll see how it goes:

1	Road Gritters
2	Hospital – Nurse/Doctor/Porter
3	Funeral Director
4	Supermarket Worker
5	Prison Officer
6	Airport Worker
7	Railway/Underground worker
8	AA/RAC/Green Flag
9	Motorway Maintenance
10	Careworker
11	Emergency 999 Call Operators
12	Bouncers/Doormen
13	Plastics Factory Worker	Jonathan – River Street – see Martin Garrity
14	Silcoms Engineering Works, Farnworth	Have emailed
15	Takeaway Delivery
16	Ambulance/ Paramedic
17	Cleaners/Street Cleaners	Bolton Council
18	Warburtons	Paul – 01204 393280
19	Telecoms Workers
20	Royal Mail Sorting Office	Bury
21	Bus Driver	Night Bus
22	Samaritans	Have emailed
23	NHS Direct
24	Lorry Driver	Eddie Stobart?
25	Council Incinerator
26	St John’s Ambulance	See Roy at work
27	Ellesmere Port/Chester Refinery	See Roy at work
28	Rat Catchers/Pest Control
29	Warehouse Worker
30	Gamekeeper	See Terry Speake
31	Bailffs	See Terry Speake
32	Air Stewards
33	Armed Forces – RAF, Army, Navy, Merchant Navy	See Peter Griffin
34	Forensic Photographer	See Sangita Mistry
35	Shipyards
36	People who Clean Chewing Gum off Streets
37	Newspaper Printers
38	Dockyard Worker
39	24-Hour Gym Staff	Pure Gym, Manchester City Centre
40	Radio/TV Presenters and Staff
41	Farmers
42	Careline Staff	Have Emailed
43	Salvation Army
44	Environment Agency
45	Highways Agency
46	Factory Workers
47	Police Helicopter
48	Paramedic Helicopter
49	Baker
50	Sleeper Train
51	Fisherman
52	Motorway Service Station
53	Hotel I may redo this one as I wasn’t happy with the result	See Matt Premier Inn Last Drop Britannia Hotel
54	Locksmith
55	Plumber
56	Electrician
57	Glazier
58	Call Centre Worker
59	Met Office
60	Pharmacy
61	24 Hour Alcohol Delivery	Drink Doctor - 07 999 222 345 http://www.thedrinkdoctor.com

This’ll keep me going for a while…

I will get some contacts for the above this week and also look on websites/forums I can join which may help me contact people who work nights.

What Now?

2010-01-17T16:45:00.010Z

The following was the last post on my Travel Assignment Blog:

What Next?

This is the end of the Travel project. I have enjoyed it immensely and have met many interesting people. I think I will carry this project over onto the next term for the MA. I think there are a lot of possibilities out there – workers who perform unusual jobs. Whether I will keep it to night work, I don’t know yet.

I am pleased with the images and think the short interviews complimented the photographs, telling more about the person in the photograph. Some images work better than others, but on the whole, I think I’ve done a decent job.

As mentioned previously in the last blog, after doing newspaper photography, it is difficult photographing people ‘just standing there’.

________

So, I need to start to find more people to photograph.

Research

2009-12-29T15:14:00.002Z

I will continue my research on this subject, both compositional, technical and anything relating to the issue of working, workers and working at night, look more in-depth into the health and psychological issues that relate to this.

I can look at Government guidelines, unions, WHO, NHS, HSE, etc.

I need to look at other photographers who have done this kind of work – photographing at night, workers, etc.
Research into theory also needs to be done.

Simon Roberts' Blog

2009-12-29T14:50:00.002Z

Simon Roberts has a great blog:

http://we-english.co.uk/blog/

and I will try to make this one as interesting as his. He mentions websites and films (with links, newspaper cuttings, etc that are interesting and relevant to what he is doing.

Funding

2009-12-29T14:00:00.001Z

Ian mentioned I could get funding for this project, so I will look into this over the next couple of weeks.

Audience

2009-12-29T13:56:00.001Z

This is a difficult one. I would like as many people as possible to see this work and am not intentionally focusing on one particular audience.

This project is not specific to one geographical community (although I will try to keep it to the North West of England, just for speed and ease of access).

The people I am trying to reach with this work will be affected by (for example) the way a book is marketed and where the exhibition is held.

I need to know how the audience will interact with this work.

Outcomes

2009-12-29T13:50:00.001Z

BOOK

As yet, everything is still in it's embryonic stage, but obviously the book will be the main outcome of this project. It would be great to have it published and I will try my best with my pictures to give myself a chance.

The size of the book is important and as mentioned earlier, will probably be landscape. The layout will also have to be thought through. I have looked into getting Adobe In-Design and have an very old version of Quark Xpress at home (which I have no idea how to use), but I'm sure this will be covered in class.

MAGAZINE

I can see this project being featured in the Guardian's Weekend magazine also and will try to get it published here at the end of the course.

EXHIBITION

An exhibition would be a great thing to be able to do and will look into this. The venue will be important, so as to attract as wide an audience as possible.

Questions/Thoughts

2009-12-29T13:27:00.001Z

I have a lot of questions and thoughts about this project.

How many people do I have to find/photograph?

Should I photograph people in the same way?

If I photograph them in the same way, they will all fit together in the book - if done on 35mm, the layout will be landscape. I think this approach is best.

It may be difficult to find everyone who does an 'unusual' job, but I will try and find as many as I can.

I will interview everyone I photograph as I have done with my last two projects. I feel that since I am there photographing them, it would be a waste not to interview them and find out more about who they are and what they do.

I like the fact that people who work at night are kind of 'forgotten' - people who are taken for granted most of the time.

My approach, as always, will be neutral - not 'celebrating' workers and not inferring they have a 'bad time'. Any positivity or negativity will come from the people I photograph - I will try as much as possible to give the people I photograph the choice of how they wish to be portrayed. This may produce something interesting.

MA Project

2009-12-29T12:06:00.001Z

I have decided to carry over my travel project for the MA. So this blog will be a continuation of the travel blog - http://karenhopematravel.blogspot.com/