Making an Unrealistic Day, a Reality

Jamie, Sam, Ryan, and myself had a day out to visit the D2 Creative Centre in Falkirk to meet photographer and director Gregg McNeill. I was excited to meet a professional and specialist in this business. I thought going I would learn a few things, but my exceptions were far exceeded! By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly why.

We arrived and were welcomed into Gregg'‘s studio. Instantly walking through the door my eyes and imagination were opened. The way his studio was set up was truly an insight into his artistic mind. Therefore I instantly I had questions, which Gregg was incredibly kind to answer, and he gave very good informative answers too. We brought our own camera to record and capture various moments of the visit. He was really in depth at showing us lots of ways to use the camera, which, as beginners, we were unaware of. He was teaching us at a very good pace, so I managed to keep up and learn a lot of new stuff about using our camera.

Then it was time for myself and Jamie to do some interviews with Gregg. Jamie was up first to do an interview. He did it in his own style (standing behind the camera, with Gregg answering the questions in a way Jamie could be edited out), which I found interesting! Although we were doing the same thing and interviewing Gregg, we each practice a different style of interviewing. Using our camera I got to be the camera man and director for Jamie's interview with Gregg, which for me was a good and an incredibly enjoyable experience working with the camera: doing close ups and working with the audio was extremely helpful to learn. Now I know, I would feel comfortable to do that again with all the new stuff Gregg taught us. Jamie handled and conducted the interview extremely well. 

Then, it was time for me to do mine. As I mentioned, I did mine in a different style to Jamie, which on the flip side meant Jamie also got to practice a different style of shooting with the camera (where he had to set up different angles). So, although we got a similar experience out of our day, we picked up many different ways of conducting and filming interviews.

I decided to conduct an on camera/documentary style interview. I prepared a few questions to ask Gregg, but as he was an incredibly easy person to interview he gave very informative answers. Therefore, I always had a new question come to mind because of his interesting answers. This was so helpful, and being able to learn how to handle an interview was a great opportunity for me. To actually listening and learn about  what he was saying meant I could relax and just listen to his answer, rather than being nervous about what to ask him next (which I thought would have happened, but it truly didn't). He was an incredible person to interview and I enjoyed every minute of it, and I can't thank him enough for his time and teaching me all that he did. 

Afterwards, Gregg prepared his handmade Afghan box camera (which is both a camera and a darkroom). It was truly an incredible invention and seeing him set it up was a joy to see! We progressed to outdoors for myself and Jamie to get our photos taken. It was a sunny day out, a little windy, but nonetheless a unique and thrilling experience. It takes just under ten minutes for each picture to develop once the photo is taken. Before letting them sit in water, I made the mistake of standing still in front of the box for the whole time 8 minute process, when it turns out that was not necessary... Thankfully, Jamie went after me didn't make that mistake. He was only in front of the box for about 30 seconds and they both turned out the exact same! So, I’ll definitely not be making that mistake again.

Have a look at the photos here!

TJ (left), Jamie (right)

For me when I know I’m going somewhere new, in the back of my mind I always find my imagination goes wild thinking “this could happen”, “that could happen”, when I know deep down it's probably not going to happen that way or turn out the way I think it. It's always fun to speculate. However, this experience genuinely exceeded my unrealistic expectations. Due to the experience I had in conducting an interview, working with the camera, seeing Gregg create his work firsthand, and to top it all off, learning from the sheer amount of experience Gregg has. The advice gave us, as well seeing how he works was a true insight. It was such an amazing day, full of learning.

Thanks to Sam and Ryan for setting it up, and to Gregg, of course, for truly being the perfect individual  to learn from and making an unrealistic, a reality. 

-TJ Lindie