One man’s quest to defy the unemployment stereotype
The Arts Graduate
“ When are you moving out? “ -Father
An Alastair Brook Production
This is me ...but my friends aren’t very good at taking photos.
Alastair Brook Photographer, car enthusiast, person brookalastair@gmail.com alastairbrook.com Based in Sydney’s Northern Beaches but I am happy to travel.
Hello.
Having now graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Graphic Design, I have unfortunately ran out of reasons to return to the comforting ‘womb’ that is university studies and, rather worryingly, face the prospect of looking for a career armed with all that I have honed over my five years of study and previous work.
Graphic design is a more recent interest of mine, coming in to play as my visual tastes have matured following my arts studies. I feel that, much like music, I am far more adept at appreciating the work of others than creating my own. Regardless, I love playing around with geometrics and strong lines. I hope this can be seen in both my photography and graphic design work.
Photography has always been an interest of mine since my childhood, where I brandished a small cowdesign camera on family holidays to England. My skills have since been polished through general practice, my photography degree and having worked as a photographer at a rural Fairfax newspaper. I predominately shoot cars, more specifically car events and the interaction with the people involved, from a candid perspective.
I have great aspirations to get involved in the automotive magazine industry. I feel if one doesn’t enjoy going to work every day, then there is no point to it. Since I look at and talk about cars on a daily basis, I feel I would do myself a huge injustice if I direct my effort at other industries.
I also have a real interest in music, Pad Thai and gadgets.
Who AM I? Alastair Brook 15-07-91 brookalastair@gmail.com alastairbrook.com
Based in Sydney
University graduate who is looking for full-time or potential freelance work around photography and automotive areas
What can I do? I can
Take a decent photo
Work proficiently
Effectively communicate with all parties involved and handle teamwork as well as solo ventures
Handle all the computer’y things (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
Visually interpret and work in accordance with a brief
Tell a ripper dad joke
Why Do I say that? 2014: Graduated Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at CSU Wagga Wagga 2012: Completed barista school workshop at the Australian Barista School 2012: Graduated Bachelor of Arts in Photography at CSU Wagga Wagga 2009: Completed HSC at St Augustine’s College, Brookvale. Subjects passed: English Advanced, Maths 2 Unit, Software Design and Development, Engineering, Design and Tech nology and Religious Education 2 unit 2007: Completed 10 week TAFE course into auto mechanics, trading and respraying with the NBBEN program
When have I done things? I have Completed a one-year cadetship at Fairfax Regional Media publication The Daily Advertiser in Wagga Wagga between March 2013 - 2014. Automotive images continue to be shot and published at dailyadvertiser.com.au Reached final shortlist for the 2012 ABC Photography-themed television show Final Focus in 2012
Had photography work publically exhibited and published in an ISBN-registered catalogue in 2012
Helped organise a charity fundraising calendar online with a group of like-minded photography enthusiasts in 2009 and 2010
Who can you ask?
48 Trail Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. Tel: 02 6938 2000
August 21, 2014
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Regarding the employment of Alastair Brook at The Daily Advertiser Alastair was employed as a cadet photographer at The Daily Advertiser from March 18, 2013, until March 7, 2014, when he decided to return to studies at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Throughout his employment at The Daily Advertiser, Alastair was a reliable and conscientious member of the photographic team, and regularly produced images which would not have been out of place in any newspaper in the country. Despite having not worked in the media before commencing his cadetship, Alastair quickly adapted to the requirements of our industry and developed technical skills that were comparable to many who have spent years in the field. I have no hesitation in recommending him for any position he should aspire to. Should you require any additional information about Melinda’s employment with The Daily Advertiser I would be more than happy to provide it. I can be contacted by email pmcloughlin@fairfaxmedia.com.au or by phone 02 6938 3335 or mobile 0412 571 730
Yours Sincerely Paul McLoughlin Group Editor
Note: these positions have changed after Fairfax’s reshuffle of regional sites at the end of 2014, but the contact details remain the same.
48 Trail Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. Tel: 02 6938 2000
February 16, 2015
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Regarding the employment of Alastair Brook Alastair was employed as a cadet photographer at The Daily Advertiser from March 18, 2013, until March 7, 2014 in Wagga Wagga. Throughout his employment at The Daily Advertiser, and after displaying a passion for motoring and the industry, Alastair produced images for the weekly motoring section within Riverina Weekender. His attitude and work was always of a high level, blurring the lines of editorial quality and satisfying the dealership’s requirements. Alastair’s attention to detail and reliable work ethic was always appreciated. He also displayed proficient Photoshop skills – whether it be enhancing his work or deleting promotional stickers from the subject – returning pictures promptly to meet given deadlines. I have no hesitation in recommending him for the advertised role. Should you require any additional information about Alastair’s motoring photography during his time with The Daily Advertiser I would be happy to provide it. I can be contacted by email trent.giunco@gmail.com or by mobile 0422 663 501
Yours Sincerely Trent Giunco Motoring Journalist
lets look ats ome ofm ywo rk
Photography
Photography
People
Places
Newspaper
Trackside
Automotive
(some)
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Superclamp] -> Clamps down on the boom pole -> Moved by a screw to avoid loosening
X3
[Alluminium boom] -> Good balance of strength and lightweight properties -> Will flex under load without breaking -> Length between 1.5m - 5m optimal
[Ball joint with baby pin] -> Adds height and adjustibility to the clamps -> Baby pin allows many attachments to be mounted
[DSLR Camera]
[Adjustable ‘magic’ arm]
X2
-> Highly adjustable to allow freedom when framing the image -> Attaches to boom pole with a superclamp
-> Wide angle lens required; 14-20mm will work best -> Set to a slow shutter speed; no faster than 1/60th sec -> Shutter triggered with a remote or timer
[Baby Pin] -> Universal standard for many attachments to be mounted
X2
[6in Suction Cup] -> Sucks onto the vehicle -> >30kg load rating optimal
X2 Speed: < 10kmph on a smooth surface
How to build: A car rig for your camera
This is a diagram explaining a method of capturing zoom blur whilst shooting a moving vehicle by attaching the camera to the subject vehicle. While it might look risky, following these instructions will help you safetly produce dynamic and interesting automotive shots - a great addition to your photographic profile. Start here!
of scientists believe in global warming
T Shurts
Motors
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p r o d u c t i o n s
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If you are reading this,
Work
Play
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