ABOUT GRACE
Hello, my name is Grace Crawford. It's great you want to find out about me. Have a read below about my experience and how I entered the industry. If you have any questions or want to chat, you can contact me by clicking here.
I am based in Rushden, Northamptonshire. I live here with my partner Jon. I've always wanted to pursue a career in photography, I'm very passionate about it and cannot wait to get started. I studied Illustration & Animation at Coventry University between 2017-2020, where I graduated with a first class degree. Following the conclusion of University, I considered a career in re-touching as I loved working on Adobe Photoshop and felt confident I would be happy pursing this.
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My partner Jon loves to urbex* explore on days off, so started bringing me along too. Together, we explored nuclear monitoring posts and abandoned sites. I developed my skills on my camera and re-touched my photographs, transforming them on Photoshop.
(*Urbex: a recreational activity in which people explore derelict urban structures such as abandoned houses)
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In September 2021, I started working at an independent coffee shop where I started taking coffee photography for social media. Unlike urbexing, I felt this was a small step closer to what I wanted to do professionally: Commercial Photographer and Re-toucher. The coffee shop gave me an excellent opportunity to build up a small portfolio and take photographs for their products sold online.
Charles Ward Photography (March 2022- Present)
In March 2022, I started working for Charles Ward at his studio in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire. From independent companies to large chains, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Charles on photoshoots for a varied amount of subjects from food & drink, packaging, automobiles and footwear. This has solidified my decision to become a commercial photographer & re-toucher. No day is the same at the studio so I learnt new skills from different people in the trade such as food stylists, models, videographers, chefs as well as learning particular techniques and tricks in photographing the desired photographs.
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Alongside working within the studio, Charles began helping me to establish Grace Crawford Photography. To which I can offer my own services and eventually work as a commercial photographer & re-toucher under my own name. For now, I work on a freelance level for commercial photographers to build up my experience and portfolio.
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With Charles' teaching and patience, I have found a deep enjoyment for photography and everything that comes with that. I have been allowed to learn in my own time, make mistakes and importantly grow whilst understanding why. I have learnt many lessons throughout this time but above all else, I have learned the etiquette of the interactions with clientele. Understanding and respecting that they are just as passionate about their products as I am about photographing them.
Working at CWP (Charles Ward Photography) as a freelance photographer's assistant.
Dennis Davis Photography (September 2022- Present)
I started working for Dennis Davis Photography in September 2022. After CWP recommended my services, I was hired to assist Dennis on various jobs within the commercial and ecommerce industry. This would build my creative repertoire up. I am now working on different jobs, with different people with new photographic equipment at DDP studio.
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I found myself travelling to photoshoots on business locations where learning to set up and deconstruct portable studios was now a must. Suddenly interacting with hundreds of people throughout the day as you take business headshots and stylized action shots. Listening to peoples and negotiating expectations. I learnt the importance of health & safety within a working environment as I navigate the photographic equipment around as safely as possible.
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DDP also branches out into videography, which is something I want to get involved and learn more about this year. The usage of drones to capture aerial photography and videography is something I'm interested in and would like to explore more of.
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When not assisting with live shoots, I'd be assisting DDP with the post processing of raw images. I have learnt the industry's program Capture One along with Adobe Photoshop has allowed me to work quicker and more efficiently when it comes to re-touching hundreds of photographs. Also, sharing through the appropriate medium. Learning the importance of digital workflow whilst handling photos safely and securely.
Furthermore, I have learnt the importance of preparation to ensure everything is ready for a smooth shoot, to eliminate hours in reshooting to ultimately provide a fast delivery of images to companies to sell their stock online.
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Working for Dennis Davis Photography has been a pleasure. I am inordinately grateful that he has trusted me to assist him on many jobs. I have learnt many skills and process, something I implement when working at DDP or CWP. It has taught me how wide the commercial industry is and how I can make a successful career from it.
Working at Dennis Davis Photography as a freelance photographer's assistant.