Anthony McFarlane

Job Role: Industry Expert Photographer (Anthony McFarlane) at the British Creative Institute (BCi)

1. Introduction
Anthony McFarlane serves as the Industry Expert Photographer at the British Creative Institute (BCi). In this capacity, he not only brings real-world expertise in photography, but he also collaborates closely with staff and learners to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant education. Central to his role is supporting post-16 learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), by providing enriched, hands-on learning experiences. Through his passion for creativity and dedication to inclusive teaching, Anthony helps students develop technical skills, confidence, and professional acumen in the field of photography.

2. Key Responsibilities

1. Practical Photography Instruction
   • Technical Skills Development:
     Anthony structures engaging sessions that introduce learners to various camera settings, lighting techniques, and editing software. He demonstrates professional best practice while offering clear guidance and constructive feedback.
   • Studio and On-Site Work:
     As an industry practitioner, Anthony arranges both studio sessions and location-based shoots to reflect real-world scenarios. He teaches learners about planning shoots, selecting appropriate equipment, and setting up effective lighting.
   • Demonstrations and Workshops:
     He conducts live demonstrations on camera handling, composition, and image post-production, enabling learners to see techniques applied in real time. These workshops often incorporate creative challenges, encouraging students to experiment and problem-solve.
2. Curriculum Co-Development
   • Collaboration with Teaching Staff:
     Working alongside the broader academic team, Anthony helps shape module outlines, learning outcomes, and assessment criteria. He ensures the curriculum aligns with industry trends and meets the needs of BCi’s diverse student body.
   • Resource Creation:
     Anthony develops and refines teaching resources, including presentation slides, workbooks, and visual aids. By incorporating real project briefs and images, he presents learners with authentic examples that make learning both relatable and inspiring.
   • Project-Based Assessment:
     Recognising the value of practical application, Anthony advocates for project-based assessments over purely theoretical tasks. This approach helps learners build strong portfolios and reflect on their own creative processes.
3. Mentorship and Career Guidance
   • Portfolio Reviews and Feedback:
     Anthony offers one-to-one or small group sessions, reviewing student work and advising on how to refine technique, develop consistency, and create a personal style.
   • Industry Insights:
     Drawing on his experience, Anthony informs learners about freelance work, employment opportunities, networking, and marketing strategies. He also discusses the importance of professional conduct, time management, and communication skills in client-facing situations.
   • Guest Speakers and Field Trips:
     To expand student horizons, Anthony organises guest lectures or site visits, inviting working photographers, editors, and art directors to share insights. He also arranges industry-based field trips, providing deeper context for their studies.
4. Resource Management and Equipment Care
   • Equipment Inventory:
     As a professional photographer, Anthony takes responsibility for maintaining and organising photography equipment. He oversees cameras, lenses, lighting kits, backdrops, and any specialist gear required for advanced techniques.
   • Safe Usage and Training:
     He instructs learners in the proper handling and care of equipment. In doing so, he minimises the risk of damage or accidents, while cultivating a sense of responsibility and professionalism.
   • Budget Recommendations:
     Anthony collaborates with the administrative team to propose investments in new equipment or upgrades, ensuring the photography department keeps pace with industry developments.
5. Quality Assurance and Continuous Development
   • Tracking Progress:
     Anthony tracks learner engagement and progression, adapting lesson content or approaches based on real-time feedback.
   • Professional Development:
     He remains active in his own professional learning. Whether attending industry events or undertaking new commissions, Anthony brings fresh knowledge back to BCi, thereby keeping his teaching relevant and innovative.
   • Cross-Disciplinary Work:
     Working closely with other departments, Anthony supports projects where photography can complement other creative or technical subjects, such as media, graphic design, or performing arts.

3. Fulfilling the Role for Post-16 SEND Learners

A pivotal aspect of Anthony McFarlane’s role at BCi is ensuring that post-16 SEND learners thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment. While photography can be a powerful means of creative expression, it also has the potential to build self-confidence, teamwork skills, and independence—benefits that resonate strongly with learners who have diverse needs. Anthony tailors his teaching methods and course design to suit these students, incorporating the following strategies:

1. Accessible Learning Materials
   • Differentiated Resources:
     Recognising that learners vary in their ability to read complex documents or follow dense text, Anthony produces visually rich materials that are straightforward and easy to follow. By integrating step-by-step diagrams, bullet points, and images, he accommodates a range of learning styles.
   • Assistive Technology:
     Where applicable, Anthony works alongside BCi’s support team to introduce assistive technologies. This could include using screen-reading software, voice-to-text tools, or adapted keyboards, ensuring SEND learners can operate editing software and cameras with confidence.
2. Individualised Support
   • Structured Workshops:
     Anthony offers smaller group or one-to-one workshops to focus on specific challenges a learner may face. For instance, he might schedule an extra session on basic camera handling techniques or spend additional time teaching editing software shortcuts.
   • Flexible Communication:
     He welcomes questions during practical sessions and ensures that instructions are delivered in multiple formats (verbal, written, and visual). By doing so, learners can absorb information at their own pace.
   • Personal Goal Setting:
     In consultation with each learner, Anthony helps establish personal photography goals. These goals might include mastering a new technique or building a small portfolio. He tracks progress and celebrates milestones, providing positive reinforcement.
3. Inclusive Classroom Practices
   • Collaborative Projects:
     Anthony fosters a sense of community by organising team-based assignments. SEND learners can pair with classmates to share responsibilities, leveraging one another’s strengths. This approach encourages social skills, communication, and peer support.
   • Multi-Sensory Activities:
     Photography naturally lends itself to visual engagement. However, Anthony goes further by including tactile elements (e.g., adjusting tripod settings) and auditory cues (e.g., focusing on ambient sound for video clips), ensuring a well-rounded experience for learners with varied sensory needs.
   • Safe Learning Environment:
     By maintaining a calm and respectful classroom atmosphere, Anthony ensures that post-16 SEND learners feel comfortable to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of judgement.
4. Life Skills and Employability
   • Practical Business Skills:
     For learners who may wish to pursue photography as a career, Anthony includes modules on invoicing, client management, and copyright regulations. By breaking these topics into manageable sections, he helps SEND learners gain confidence in understanding the commercial realities of the creative industry.
   • Confidence Building:
     Photography projects, such as portrait shoots or documentary assignments, can significantly boost self-esteem. Anthony emphasises collaborative reflection and constructive feedback, turning each assignment into an opportunity for personal growth.
   • Portfolio Development:
     He guides learners in assembling a coherent portfolio that highlights their progress and unique style. This tangible evidence of achievement can be showcased to potential employers or for further educational opportunities.
5. Collaboration with SEND Support Teams
   • Coordinated Efforts:
     Anthony liaises regularly with learning support assistants, SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), and other relevant staff to share updates on student progress and any challenges encountered.
   • Targeted Intervention:
     If a learner requires specialised support—whether emotional, behavioural, or cognitive—Anthony contributes to intervention plans and adapts his teaching to accommodate those needs.
   • Celebrating Diversity and Success:
     Finally, Anthony collaborates with the wider BCi community to organise exhibitions or showcases where learners can present their work. These events highlight the achievements of SEND learners, fostering pride and recognition for their efforts.

4. Conclusion

In his role as an Industry Expert Photographer at the British Creative Institute, Anthony McFarlane is instrumental in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. He enriches the curriculum with real-world experiences, mentors learners on career pathways, and ensures students’ creative abilities are nurtured and appreciated. His inclusive teaching approach and commitment to high standards enable post-16 SEND learners to develop various essential skills—technical, creative, and interpersonal.

By collaborating with the institute’s leadership, teaching staff, and support teams, Anthony helps cultivate a learning environment where everyone can thrive. Through tailored resources, accessible teaching methods, and an emphasis on practical learning, he opens doors to creative and professional growth. His dedication not only advances BCi’s reputation for excellence but also leaves a lasting impact on SEND learners’ confidence, aspirations, and achievements, preparing them for fulfilling futures in photography and beyond.