Christopher Apperley - Bennett Email & Phone Number

Leicester, Gb

Leicester, England, United Kingdom

Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom

Chairman of the Progressive Development Board, The Air Ambulance Service. Voluntary Role

Leicester City, England, United Kingdom

I served as a co-curator for a documentary photography exhibition in Leicester, showcasing the works of eight talented photographers. In this multifaceted role, I undertook responsibilities spanning the entire curatorial process. This included meticulously managing risk assessments, searching for and selecting artists, providing curatorial advice to enhance the exhibition's narrative coherence, meticulously planning events, and skilfully executing social media advertising campaigns.The exhibition was a resounding success, gaining widespread attention and a positive reception. Notably, multiple photographers featured in the exhibition received inquiries and recognition as a direct result of the event, underscoring the impactful curation and collaborative effort.

Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom

As the final part my Masters programme, I completed a two-month placement working as part of the programming team with Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth.This role is a hugely varied and includes learning and improving current and new skills. I worked alongside the team with duties such as:Reviewing visitor attendance spreadsheetsAttending and aiding community art workshops for all abilities Engaging with visitors during their visit to provide a better experience Researching new venues for current exhibitions to go on tour in the nearOrganising the public online events calendar and making sure it's kept up to day

Leicester, England, United Kingdom

During my time pursuing my Masters, I had the privilege of serving as a course representative for my cohort. In this role, I acted as a liaison between my fellow classmates and the faculty, ensuring that their voices, concerns, and feedback were heard and addressed appropriately.I actively participated in meetings with faculty members to discuss issues raised by students, ranging from course content and assessments to facilities and resources. I facilitated open communication channels, encouraging classmates to share their thoughts and suggestions for improvement.Additionally, I collaborated with faculty to implement positive changes based on the feedback received, advocating for enhancements that would benefit the entire cohort. Whether it was organizing study sessions, resolving logistical challenges, or advocating for additional support services, I was dedicated to enhancing the overall learning experience for my peers.Through my role as a course representative, I gained valuable leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. It was a rewarding experience to be able to make a difference and contribute to creating a supportive and inclusive academic environment for my Masters cohort.

Venice, Veneto, Italy

I was successfully awarded a fully funded research fellowship granted by the University of Leicester and the British Council to conduct research during the Venice Biennale 2023. The dates of this fellowship was 13th May - 13th June 2023.I represented Great Britain on an international scale through a month-long fellowship at the worlds oldest Biennale. One of the most important aspects of this was to be part of the private. and public launch of the exhibition. Duties included:Daily maintenance checks of the artwork and gallery spaceFirst point of contact for visitors visiting the exhibitionCo-ordinating visitor responses with the exhibition management teamInteracting with a wide range of visitors from across the globeDaily invigilation within the gallery spaceConducting research on climate change and museum space

Leicester, England, United Kingdom

Alongside my Masters degree, I volunteered on a weekly basis providing support and assistance within the multiple gallery spaces within the Attenborough Arts Centre. Ensuring customers and visitors have a positive and enjoyable experience during their visit and aiding in their desire to return. Duties include:- Providing an in-depth knowledge and understanding of each Exhibition - Strong communication skills for all audiences - Exhibition condition checks for faults and repairs - A strong understanding of fire safety routes and first aid kits in case of emergencies

Plymouth, United Kingdom

I excelled as an Independent Nightclub Photographer, capturing the nightlife in Plymouth, Leicester, and London.Creative Documentation: Produced visually stunning images capturing the energy and unique moments of diverse nightlife scenes.Client Relationships: Cultivated strong connections with nightclub owners, organisers, and patrons, fostering repeat business.Adaptability: Navigated varied environments, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, showcasing adaptability.Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated mastery of photography equipment, lighting techniques, and post-processing software.Promotion and Marketing: Utilised social media to showcase my portfolio, actively promoting events and engaging the online community.Customer Satisfaction: Delivered promptly edited, shareable photos, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

Google Maps Business View

As a Google Street Trusted Photographer, I played a vital role in the Google Maps Street View project, capturing 360º interactive virtual tours of local businesses in the Midlands.Key Responsibilities:Commercial Photography:Executed high-quality commercial photography to showcase local businesses on Google Maps.Business Development:Identified and pursued business leads, contributing to the expansion of the Google Maps Business View project.Effective Negotiation:Demonstrated strong negotiation skills, fostering partnerships with diverse businesses.Professional Presentation:Presented virtual tours professionally, ensuring the optimal representation of each business.Communication with Business Owners:Maintained strong communication with business owners, understanding their needs and preferences.Skills Acquired:Virtual Tours: Proficient in creating immersive 360º virtual tours for businesses.Direct Sales: Developed skills in direct sales, effectively promoting the benefits of Google Maps Business View.New Business Development: Identified and pursued opportunities for expanding the project to new businesses.Social Media Marketing: Utilized social media platforms to enhance the visibility of businesses through virtual tours.Photography: Enhanced photography skills, particularly in the context of commercial and virtual tour photography.My role as a Google Street Trusted Photographer not only honed my technical skills but also developed my abilities in sales, negotiation, and effective communication, contributing to the success of the Google Maps Business View project in the Midlands.

The Ships Photographer

As a Cruise Ship Photographer, I played a pivotal role within a dynamic team, specialising in event, portrait, and wedding photography in the luxurious setting of a five-star cruise ship. My primary focus revolved around delivering exceptional customer service, driving sales, and achieving revenue targets while leading and inspiring a team of 5 to 15 photographers.**My Key Accomplishments:****Sales and Customer Service:** Successfully leveraged my strong commercial awareness to drive sales in the Photo Gallery. I engaged with guests, effectively showcasing the various photography services available on board, contributing to increased revenue.**Photography Expertise:** Utilized my technical knowledge of photography equipment and software, including Photoshop and Lightroom, to capture high-quality images. Contributed to enhancing the overall guest experience through creativity and attention to detail.**Communication Skills:** Demonstrated excellent spoken and written English language skills, fostering positive interactions with guests. Effectively conveyed information about photography services, establishing a strong rapport with customers.**Detail-Oriented Approach:** Upheld a keen eye for detail, understanding the impact my role had on guests' enjoyment of their holiday in every aspect. Ensured a meticulous approach to photography and customer interactions.**Multifaceted Responsibilities:** Actively participated in safety-related duties, underwent emergency training, and assisted in mustering guests during unforeseen circumstances. Prioritised the safety and well-being of guests as a responsible crew member.**Adaptability:** Embraced a diverse range of duties that came with being a crew member on a cruise ship. Ensured a holistic approach to guest satisfaction and safety, actively contributing to a positive on-board experience

Master Of Arts - Ma, Art/Art Studies

Ba Honours Degree, Photography, 2:1

Graduated with a 2:1 BA(Hons) degree in photography • Completed dissertation which gained a 2:1 "An investigation and research project.

Foundation Degree, Photography, 2:1

Btec National Diploma In Art And Design, Art/Art Studies, Merit, Merit, Distinction