In Your Shoes - Stephen Finn

Online networking

Generally each morning I will post a new photo of Dundee on LinkedIn and spend a bit of time trying to make new connections. I attended a LinkedIn success seminar in May which I found very informative so one goal was to make 500 connections. It was suggested to make 2-3 posts per week but I got a bit carried away and have posted three photos on the same day but I did make it to 500 connections. Topical photos of Dundee's redevelopment especially the railway station have proved to be the most popular. My images are sold through a stock agency so the rest of the day is spent preparing photos: Selecting the best ones, editing them if needed, then uploading. Once the images are accepted, titles and keywords need to be added. Quite often I take a photo but then wonder but what is it? Its a mast climber.

DACC AGM

This years Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce AGM is held at the Reid Hall in Forfar. It's the first time I have attended and I'm the official photographer so I head out with the advance party and help dressing the room which begins with tables cloths, lots of them. The hall is a great location as the balcony gives great views of the business showcase stands below. My shot list includes photos of all the stands and their representatives, not as easy as you might think as people tend to wander.

Later during the speeches, the new president Ian Collins promotes my photos on LinkedIn then tests my skills by walking the room as he addresses the audience. It's challenging to take photos of a moving subject in low light conditions.

Head shots at City Quay

Another thing I learnt at the LinkedIn seminar is that first impressions matter and a professional head shot gives your profile an edge when networking online. So today I have booked a room at the DACC to help people upgrade their head shots. The room is well suited with enough room to set up all my equipment and even a large monitor so people can choose their favourite photos afterwards. Everyone who booked arrives promptly and is successful photographed though I know for next time to remind people if they want a photo on a white background to wear a dark shirt.

Maggie's Penguin Parade

Maggies Penguin Parade starts tomorrow so I try to get a head start photographing some of these brightly decorated penguins before the rush. I manage to locate the storage area and learn that a lot of things can fly through the air if you have a fork lift truck as I see Penguinstein flying past me. I later chase a trailer loaded with penguins around City Quay which is also being pursued by a drone.
I have a break from penguin hunting and attend an event Introducing Dundee Waterfront Place Active Travel Hub which will be sited beside the V&A. Some interesting presentations especially the architect's images of the cafe which you can actually walk over.

Fife Coastal Path

If there is nothing planned and the weather is good I like to get on a bus and go exploring. Not being able to drive certainly has disadvantages but for point to point walks it's an advantage. Today I ended up walking from Anstruther to Elie along the Fife Coastal Path one of my favourite sections as these fishing villages in the East Neuk of Fife all have their own unique character. I particularly enjoy coastal walks as they are never the same due to the nature of the sea. The tide is out in Anstruther when I begin so boats are resting on the mud in the harbour but the tides comes in as I walk towards Elie. I don't need to return to my car I just jump on a bus and review the days images on my laptop as I head home though a mouse is essential too much vibration for a touchpad.