Saturday 14 June 2014

Reflection

This final, reflective, post is an attempt to signpost the learning points that I have covered throughout the course. In completing this module I have developed and strengthened a way of expressing my photographic voice. I now realise that through the use of staged images and everyday found objects/scenes I can create complex scenarios and narratives that explore my ideas and emotions. Using this narrative technique I place my work in context of other photographers such as Christina De Middel. Assignments 1, 3, and 5, strongly reflect my personal approach to investigation of an archive or memory through narrative storytelling.

I've learnt how to approach a project more systematically by gathering material from the historical archive in order to thoroughly research a subject. The sourced information provides a thinking space to explore ideas and more importantly jumping off points for photographic projects. I used this technique after prompting from my tutor to 'dig deeper' on assignment 1. The research into the local history archive certainly proved fruitful in inspiring me to move my project further. I think that the revised work for assignment 1 is much stronger than my initial output. My notes on the revised project can be read here.

I've spent some time looking at practitioners that investigate hidden histories and archives. E.J. BellocqWilliam E Jones and Nicky Bird have either created secret archives or re-interpreted existing ones - sometimes making new work in response. I've learnt through reading Keith Jenkins that history is only an interpretation of sources by historians and as such can be open to cultural and political bias.  This has helped to strengthen my approach when reading and analysing critical texts. I've learnt how to consider both the bias of the writer and to weigh up both sides of an argument. Here I've analysed an essay on photography.

I continue to try and pre-visualise my work and often sketch out a rough shooting script for my projects. This is something that my tutor has encouraged me to keep up and the sketches for some of my assignment work can be seen here.

I learnt how to take into consideration the use of text and fonts from a design perspective. I learnt how to make magazine spreads for commercial use to a professional standard here.

I've visited a number of galleries both on official OCA study days and by myself. I have tried to review the exhibitions and reflected on how the work made me feel and if I was inspired to make any work in response. Home Truths & Omer Fast.

Looking back on this years work I can see that I have moved a long way, both creatively and academically. I feel confident about moving forward although I know that I still have a lot to learn and, in particular, I want to get a much better understanding of the language of visual culture and how this influences contemporary photography today.

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