Beyond the Frame 2/

On assignment for UN ESCAP in China

In Friday’s newsletters I review a single image from an assignment. I describe the job, look at what influenced my camera gear choices, editing, processing, and reflect on lessons learned.

Client: United Nations ESCAP

Location: Xishan, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China

Feng Yaoxu 冯尧胥 (centre) with his parents

The Brief:

“The Social Development Division requires high quality images of activities that can be used to promote good practices in ESCAP’s outreach materials. The documentation will consist of powerful and bold images that are both empowering but which also convey the problematic issues of development, with particular focus on our work to promote the rights of vulnerable social groups such as the poor, persons with disabilities, older persons, youth, people affected by HIV and AIDS, women, and migrant groups.”

The Contract

That’s an extract from the official ‘Brief’, which appears in the contract between photographer and client. It provides a vital frame of reference and sets clear expectations. The full list of deliverables is longer, contains a lot more detail and will have been fine-tuned in emails, meetings and phone calls over many weeks, sometimes months.

I actually quite like the process of agreeing the terms of an assignment — although I may be in a very small minority — because it provides an opportunity for the photographer and client to set the tone for a collaborative endeavour. It can be time-consuming but if it disarms potential traps lying in the road ahead, it’s time well spent.

This assignment for the UN in China lasted one week. I’ll skip over the interminable bureaucracy and lengthy visa process and take you to the day I met with members of the Xishan District Disabled Persons’ Federation.

I know, I know, you probably want to read about shutter speeds and hyperfocal distances 🙄 but as my stated aim is to share stories from the life of a professional photographer, you should know that relatively little time is actually spent with a camera in hand. There’s a lot of “business management”. On this occasion, for example, we needed a specific and additional contract, just for the day.

The Extra Contract

I’ve highlighted some interesting points:

1. Negotiations were “friendly” — I didn’t write it but now ask for that adjective to be included in all my contracts 😁.

2. It would be my responsibility to obtain signed Release forms — in English and Chinese. Something to prepare in advance. No Release = no photographs!

3. I would be leaving copies of all my images at the end of the day — N.B. Add spare USB memory sticks to packing list!

4. Copyright remains with the photographer. This is essential. No ifs, no buts. Copyright exists to identify the creator of the work. If you’re the photographer, that’s you. If you’re tempted to give away your copyright to land a big client, don’t. Ever. A Rights-Managed licence is more than sufficient to give a client all the usage rights they might ever need. Relinquishing your copyright undermines the rights of all photographers. I’ll be returning to this thorny issue in future editions.

Logistics

I met with the client representative in a cafe the evening before this job. She explained that arrangements had been made to visit seven disabled clients in their homes.

The homes were not close to one other. We estimated 45–60 minutes transfer time between each location. I was hoping for an hour with each client so it looked like a 14-hour day. I checked sunrise and sunset times and suggested an early start. I really wanted to avoid having to work with artificial light if possible.

I asked who would be joining us. The super-friendly client representative took me through a list of people, which was longer than I’d expected.

“OK, this is who’s coming tomorrow: You.”

“Good start. I think I should be there.”

We both laughed. I am a riot.

She continued.

“Me.”

“Great.”

“Two staff from CMB.”

“Two?”

“They work together.”

“OK, fine.”

“A representative from the Disabled Person’s Federation.”

“I see.”

“The Social Worker.”

“Hang on, I’ve lost count. Is that six people?”

“Yep. Our driver of course.”

“Sure.”

“The driver’s friend.”

“The driver’s friend?”

“Well, we might need two cars.”

“Might?”

“The Mayor.”

“The what now?”

“And the Mayor’s wife.”

It’s not unusual for assignments like this to turn into an “Event”. This is particularly true in China where extending generous hospitality to a visitor is highly important and I’ve had more assignment days with a local dignitary present than without.

Once, on a different job, where I’d expected to quietly and unobtrusively photograph classes at a University, I was greeted on the steps by the local Mayor, a 16-piece band and local news reporters. Inside, rows of trestle tables had been set up to show student work, which I was invited to appreciate. There was a demonstration of traditional calligraphy, an exercise class and a lady who juggled three hats followed by a concert of music and dance. Events concluded with a formal presentation and an invitation to join the Mayoral party for dinner… squeezing in some photography was a challenge — but I’d had a jolly time and made a lot of new friends.

Impressive performances for an unexpectedly honoured guest

The Assignment

At first light the following day, one sleepy photographer and nine enthusiastic new friends squashed into two small cars and set off for what felt like a fun staff outing.