Project Description:

The Food Trucks Association of Canada aims to revolutionize how food trucks are represented through photography. We have some real challenges - in the volumes of stock photography, many "staged" photos lack a critical lens on capturing important elements like food safety practices, or infection control measures, which aren't at all realistic.

We're proposing a project where students develop comprehensive brand guidelines for food truck photography that also respects industry best practices. Additionally, students will create a captivating campaign encouraging food truck operators to submit photos of their trucks and food offerings. This campaign will not only enhance the association's stock photography collective but also educate operators on leveraging photography to showcase their businesses effectively, and understanding when their phone photography is suitable, and when to engage a photography professional.

Project Activities:

Reviewing Existing Stock Photography Options: Students will thoroughly evaluate existing stock photography related to the food truck industry. This includes applying a critical lens and identifying issues, and gaps in existing photography (i.e. photos where safe serving guidelines are not followed) and determining the overall quality of available images.

Identifying Challenges and Proposing Solutions: Students will engage in a critical analysis of the challenges food truck operators face in photography (i.e. physical space. limited equipment (smartphone camera), lighting, and composition). They will then propose innovative solutions, such as developing a handy guide for food trucks and other small food businesses that help them to better promote their businesses (typically on social media), while also building a case for professional photography when needed.

Establishing Written Image Guidelines for the Association: Working closely with FTAC, students will establish comprehensive written image guidelines tailored to the unique requirements of the association. These guidelines will encompass standards for food photography, truck presentations, and adherence to safety protocols within imagery.

Working with a Small Campaign of Member-Submitted Photos: Students will collaborate on a small-scale campaign that invites food truck operators to submit their photos. Students will be responsible for curating, editing, and enhancing these images to achieve the desired visual effects and campaign outcomes for the association and their member food truck businesses.

Per your specific requirements:

1. Be available for a quick phone/virtual call with the instructor:

• Yes, FTAC is committed to facilitating a call with the instructor to ensure alignment with the project's scope. Message me when you'd like to set something up!

2. Provide a dedicated contact person for weekly/bi-weekly drop-ins:

• We will assign a dedicated contact person from FTAC who will be available for weekly/bi-weekly drop-ins to address any questions or concerns from the learners.

3. Provide an opportunity for learners to present their work and receive feedback:

• FTAC is eager to provide a platform for learners to showcase their work and receive constructive feedback throughout the project duration.

4. Provide relevant information and/or data as needed for the project:

• FTAC is committed to supplying any necessary information and data to support the project's success, ensuring that learners have access to the required resources.

5. How is your project relevant to the experience?

• This project is highly relevant as it involves creating stock images for marketing within the food industry, which requires visual content expertise. It aligns with the experience's focus on producing marketing content images.

Collaboration and Support:

• FTAC is committed to facilitating regular phone/virtual calls with the instructor to ensure alignment with the project's scope.
• We will assign a dedicated contact person from FTAC who will be available for weekly/bi-weekly drop-ins to address any questions or concerns from the learners.
• FTAC will provide a platform for learners to present their work and receive constructive feedback throughout the project duration.
• The association will supply all necessary information and data to support the project's success, ensuring that learners have access to the required resources. This includes access to the stock photography collections that the association has access to, and also providing member-submitted photos intended for this project.