Another week at the Catch 22 magazine, and I have been asked to choose my dream publication for the work placement. But the catch is, I may not even end up there! So, what will happen to this favour-ism? Well, choose according to my strengths and then be professional.

As mentioned earlier, I have a long history in photography and what else could be more suited for me than a 156 year old photography publication. British Journal of Photography, if you already do not know, is targeted to any individual involved with the photography industry. It contains the industry news, dependable advice on technology, informative features and coverage on contemporary trends and photographers. It is also organises major event such as Vision, which brings leading professionals in the industry under on roof.

So why would they choose me? Having worked at as a photographer, I still maintain all the links in the industry; both in UK and abroad and I have the opportunity to find more un-spotted talents than most. I love photography and have the required critical & technical knowledge to write on that topic.

So, It would be a great opportunity to work in BJP at the Incisive Media, which is the publisher with a Business to Business market focus. They face competition from Professional Photographer and Photography Monthly, among others. But, BJP still have that slight edge because of their reputation and now, they are back to the original monthly format, printed in premium quality paper improving its image quality and its reproduction value. When, other publication cut costs and chasing customer; BJP is focusing on quality content to maintain their reader and attract more.

But, at the same time, will I be pushed to my full potential and challenged working only in photography sector? I have a varied interest and seek challenge, so, 'Don't Panic' or even daily newspapers such as the partner Trinity Mirror might be a good option. In fact , I recommend Don't Panic, it's a recent magazine I came across and is as varied as me in terms of subject.

Argh! confused as usual, leave some suggestions and check back to see where I end up!

30 seconds in the mind of

A ruthless - I mean, Ruth Stivey, a fellow trainee journalist in the Catch22 Magazine. Yap that's her


Without wasting any further time I go on to random questions and ask


Asif: Tells us about a celebrity you hate?

Ruth: celebrity I hate!? That you would be the whole of the celebrity world. I don't think anybody should be idolised. I do admire intelligence; I like people who achieved thing in their own merit. Typically, the British D list celebrities like Jordan, Kerry Katona.


A: A Catch 22 situation you have been through?

R: My whole life is a Catch 22. I am a self taught individual and I haven’t got any like degrees but, I know quite a lot. I can do any thing to prove my self basically but I have not got any thing on paper.

A: A weird habit you have

R: Sometimes when I am trying to think, I make a really weird humming noise and I don’t realise that I am doing it. People have noticed, but I only do it around people very close to. It’s more like the ‘OM’ noise but its very embarrassing.


A: A place you would love to be/live?

R: I would love to be any beach in the world, right now, in the sun. Particularly, in an island, probably in the south pacific.

A: Can you say something nice about George Bush?

R: He has got nice hair; I like his hair. I like how he messes up videos online. Just messing everything up in his speeches. So, I like his comedy value.


Oh yeah, I see what you mean now, Ruth.


Well, if that is not enough randomness for you, here is her favourite song



and her favourite You-tube video




Catch more of Ruth Stivey at her own blog scripturientstivey.tumblr.com or follow her on twitter @stiveystivey

Writing your way out of the sticky situation

So, you are feeling like a guinea-pig in the wheel? Running in circles and going nowhere. You see I was there as well, still panting - but, I am recently getting out of that Catch 22 situation with the help of Catch22 Magazine. So, help yourself, Keep reading with your imagination wide open.

That might be a true representation of me about 2 months ago. Ooh by the way, I am Asif Iqbal. I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2008 and I am still looking for a decent job! Working in a warehouse while, knocking on doors and getting rejected was just heart breaking and completely destroying my confidence. I won't bore you with me tales of woe, but after a long year and a half since graduation, when I was about to lose all my hope, finally, I came across Catch 22.

Their journalism training program was without any catch, suitable for me. I was quite frustrated by then any way, being an Asian with an Indian accent and ‘Paki’ face Muslim; I thought I am going to miss this opportunity also, so what is the point of applying? And at that point, Nina Grunfeld answered back to me via ‘The Life book’ “If you don’t shoot, you always miss”. So, I applied, got the the surprise call, used some great interview techniques from the following video and I was in.

It instantly gave a boost of confidence; Now, I have proved to myself that I was great for mute method of communication – sorry, forgot to tell you that I have long history as a photographer before this. Now, combining the journalism training and a pinch of pseudo-intellect with my photography, I was already picturing myself as the ‘Master of Mute Communication’!!

So far, it has been great. I have set my objectives for this program, so I can easily track my progress. Catch22 is giving me an insight in to the journalism industry; I wanted to build a network and improve my communication skills, so they gave me experienced tutors and an excellent training in partnership with ‘London College of Communication’.

And I am not alone; it is a great team with other budding trainee journalist, each with their unique character. We can easily relate to each other, in fact, in a long time, I feel accepted and my work is appreciated; especially now, after several terrible experiences in the retail world and with their ill mannered managers. Now I am realising that little bit of encouragement and belief has the power to take me far.

The bottom line is Catch22 may not provide anything close to what ‘Saturn’ would for their customers

But, it did provide with the reassurance and the tools to stand out in the crowd.

So, don’t lose hope, try new things and meet new people, real people. If you want to test your skills with word-play, contact Catch22, you don’t need experience and have nothing to lose. There are so many opportunities out there if your interest lies elsewhere. But, the key is to keep yourself busy with something productive.

That’s it, hope you found it useful. Send topics you are interested in - except for love life problems - and check back.