Help me- I'm a bit scared....

lelh · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 10:25

Help!!! I have aplied to do BTEC Level 2 Photography, thought it would just be a case of send my money and enroll as it's level 2 BUT now they want me to go in for a "chat" with a portfolio!!!

If anyone has time, have a quick look through my flickr and see if there is anything tht is portfolio worthy- I have a feeling it's going to be heavily bias towards my Borough Market photo's but I want to show a good mix of pic's- HELP!!

Link to my flickr:
Flickr: Lelh's Photostream

Thanks
x

**Dennyboy** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 11:11

1st Thing calm down , normal procedure to want to know you aint got 2 heads (have you?) They want to sell there selves to you as much as you need to convince them. Its you is trying to learn if you had a brilliant portfolio full of professional images you wouldnt be going to do a BTEC!

There are lots of worthy images, beach volleyball, love comp, people, why dont you pick your best save as a slideshow and take that it on a laptop or disk. Physical backup in a portfolio a good idea though.

Remeber they want you as much as you want them!!!

lelh · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 11:16

Thanks- I'm a bit calmer now- i think it caught me off guard as I was trying to buy raspberries in Sainsbury's for Jess at the time they called!!

I think you are right- it probably is just procedure, it was probably slightly naive of me to think they would just take my money and give me a course space!

I'm going to do what you said, I'm going to take the laptop and physical prints as well- I've got 3 weeks to get myself sorted ut- sounds a long time, but I'm back at work now and have Jess to look after and general day to day house stuff so it's not really that long!

**Dennyboy** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 11:19

Plenty of time, just pick the cleanest sharpest images and a variety, you have some there good enough for anywhere so be positive young Lady! LOL

God i sound old reading that back never mind!

Zoë · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 11:46

Take a deep breath!! Its totally normal that they have asked to see a portfolio of work, they would do this on any type of art based course at any level, so don't panic!!
They will either look through your photos before you go in or ask you to talk through them for them and ask you what inspired you to take them, where they were taken, if there is a story behind them ect ect!
They will also, as Denny said, sell themselves to you.
Depending on the college it will most probably be an informal chat! And from looking at your photos you should have no problems!! Best of luck! And don't forget to let us know how it goes!!

cyclone · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 12:39

Lel, I'm really jealous, wish I was going there with you!
I'm sure Denny and 2 dots have you pretty calm by now, but I'd just be expecting them to see where you're at right now and make sure the course is right for you.
I'd much prefer it this way round to paying money and finding out that the course is totally wrong for you, they may even suggest a higher level for you...

**Eos1nrs** · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 19:48

Hey Lel

cant add much more really. Zoe 2 dots knows her stuff by the sounds of it and looking through your flickr stuff you obviously dont have anything to worry about...I can remember the day i was told i got the job i'm currently in..the guy i was following had built the business from practically ground up and was multi awarding warning, some of them BIPP major awards so think how much i was bricking it!! 2 years on and i have the top 3 sales of the TPC..obscene amounts of money but i guess i passed the test...As will you with flying colours and you'll be swanning back down here with stories to tell and smiles wider than the english channel!!!

lelh · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 20:16

Thanks guys- have decided t get my prints from Loxley Colour, read some reviews that say they are quite good and The Man is gonna get me a spangly portfolio to put them in.
Cyclone- I love your optimism of "higher level"-

The "chat" is on 5th Sept so will let you know.

**genese** · #9 (**permalink**) 14-08-2008, 09:46

good luck not that you will need it... and happy learning

lelh · #10 (**permalink**) 19-08-2008, 13:56

Quick update for you- I've sent my photo's to Loxley to be rinted, I picked 26 with a view to using between 20-25 depending on how they look printed.
I've stolen The Man's portfolio he uses for work (he works in sales, not sure why he has a zippy portfolio?) and I've just ordered portfolio sleeves from Ken Bromley art supplies, not used them before so I'll let you know how quick delivery is.