ITAP Lecture 9

IMAGE AND TEXT

In photography image is equally important as text. The relationship between two can significantly change the perspective and the way we look at the composition or a person and  object within a photograph. By adding text to the image we are able to totally overwrite the meaning of it. For example when we look at a photograph we try to interpret the message and purpose of it. Our thinking and view change when we start to read a text added below the photograph by the artist. We can then see the whole concept of that image from a different angle.

In documentary photography it is essential how we frame the scene and overall composition. An image doesn’t always tell the truth but it captures what we want to.

In a similar way the words can have another meaning depending on the image they have been placed by.

As a first example I would like to look at the work of English conceptual artist Gillian Wearing. She was born in Birmingham in 1963. She has put together photography exhibitions that were based on idea of photographing strangers in the street. They were asked to write on the piece of paper what was on their mind. With the permission from that person she photographed them standing on the street and holding their personal statement. Below is one of the most known images which represents a smartly dressed young man who looks quite calm and happy on his face. However the signs he is holding says ‘’I’m desperate” which completely changes our interpretation and a meaning of that photograph.   

Another image again shows a young man who is dressed a little bit scruffy. His face looks like he could have been on drugs or drunk. Also the background of that image looks very dingy. On the attached sign we can read his thought ,,I signed on and they would not give me nothing”. It gives a twist to the overall image and forces us to think about the story of that man. Why he feels and looks like that? Maybe someone or something made him to feel like that? Maybe he is not drunk but very upset...?

The next artist whose work I found inspirational is Sophie Calle. A French writer and photographer who uses in one of her series of images a projector to overlap a text with a photographed person.

Below I have included some of my photographs which incorporate with the text.

Image source
http://artwednesday.com/2012/05/13/whitechapel-x-gillian-wearing/
http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/wearing-i-signed-on-and-they-would-not-give-me-nothing-p78350
http://eighteen39.com/2011/06/10/friday-feature-sophie-calle/

ITAP Lecture 8

PRODUCTION OF DESIGNERS

Principle 4

From novice to expert

Below we can see the Novice-to-Expert scale which provides certain criteria for each stage of becoming an Expert. It is used within various areas to rate peoples capabilities within that area and puts measures in place for overall performance.

In my opinion I consider myself to be between beginner and competent depending on the area and subject I am working on.

Throughout my practise and projects I have always been able to deliver a good quality of work. Each time I try to find the best solution for problem solving for the given brief. So far I have managed to be on time with final outcomes. Nevertheless I could improve on that in the future and be even more organised. Completing my previous course in the college contributed to my knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques on a satisfactory level. However after my first term at the University I know I have to place more consideration on the target audience of my work and inspirations as well as recording all my ideas in the RVJ. My weakness is drawing. That is why I prefer to put images or photographs of other practitioners which might influence my work in the future.

Below are examples of my work which, to some degree, confirm my knowledge of camera, post-production techniques and quality of work.

The experts

I feel like I have to master many aspect of a photographers ‘life’ and obtain more experience in order to go beyond those standards to become an expert. However there is many experts around that I can be inspired by and their work will have an impact on my creativity. I don’t have a favourite photographer and generally I don’t like the word favourite. In my opinion many historical and contemporary photographers deserve attention for the work they have produced which also impacts on how the photography has been formed.

One historical artist whose creations I admire is Henri Cartier-Bresson. He was a French photographer considered to be the father of modern photojournalism and a master of candid photography. He helped develop the street photography and life reportage style that has influenced the photographers of future generations. He created the concept of ‘The Decisive Moment”.

‘’The decisive moment, is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of events as well as the precise organization of forms which gives that event its proper expression’’.

Another expert of this kind is contemporary British photographer Martin Parr. He is known for his photographic projects that take a critical look at certain aspects of modern life and society in England. For me personally the most outstanding project is ,,The last resort’’ where Martin Parr, in a very innovative way, documents the seaside of Brighton. The very colourful images show the truth about British culture  in the mid 19^th century.

Image source

http://www.swiatobrazu.pl/100-najwazniejszych-zdjec-swiata-henri-cartier-bresson-decydujacy-moment-21062.html

http://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/hyeres-cartier-bresson/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/photography/genius/gallery/parr.shtml

ITAP Lecture 7

PRODUCTION AND INFLUENCE

The 5 key principles we talked about in the ITAP lecture this week were Interpretation, Delivery, Medium, Testing and Methodology. I have decided to talk about Interpretation and Testing.

Interpretation

Interpretation is an explanation of meaning and a particular view of an artistic work. Another word which is worth to mention and which is connected with interpretation is Zeitgeist (it refers to ideas and spirit of the age or spirit of the time, it indicates a certain period or place).

The work of any artist is influenced by the surrounding world, it should reflect media, politics, cultural and artistic aspect at the time. Therefore interpretation of one story can be created in various ways. However the content should always match within the era of production. Also the way the story is introduced to the audience is changing. Nowadays it can be expressed by communicating online, magazines, posters, t-shirt prints, film etc. It means it can be displayed on a diverse range of platforms such as photography, media, fashion, advertising, animation. Not only the story interpretation and messages sent are different but also the feedback/response from the viewer is changed.

Interpretation of a historical content involves understanding the character in more defined lines. As my example i have chosen to use the Disney tale of Snow White. It Is a story known worldwide created in Germany and was first originally illustrated by Alexander Zick in the 19^th century. The image is powerful but on the other hand simple and primitive, we can see the lack of techniques which were available at that time. Not long after this we can see an alternative interpretation illustrated by Franz Jűttner.

Below we can see another version of an altered character portrayal of Snow White. This one depicts her as a bad character and is called the Dark Princess. It has been created by Artist Laura Ambros in the gothic approach.

Australian artist Courtney Brims' imagined the Snow White influenced by Victorian style and exaggerated the red apple, emphasising in symbology in the tale.

The Snow White story has been created in many different mediums including film, photography, animation and advertisement.

Two movies where released in 2012.

Mirror mirror is a fantasy comedy based on fairy tale ‘’Snow White’’ directed by Tarsem Singh. In this interpretation the seven dwarfs are replaced by seven resourceful rebels who are enlisted by the Princess, Snow White, to help her win back her birthright.

Then later in the year ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ was released. Created by Rupert Sanders, this offered a fresh, somewhat dark and interesting twist on the old fairy tale. Continuing the theme of a love story the handsome prince is replaced by a ‘rugged’ huntsman who having aided the evil Queen to capture the princess ultimately falls in love with her, helping her to defeat the wicked queen and win back her Kingdom.

Animation created by Disney.

Annie Leibovitz inspired by Disney World created a series of fairytale photos including Snow White. These pictures illustrate well the various interpretations of the ‘mystique’ of Snow White

Barbie doll 'Snow White'

In each example we can clearly see reused and rehashed interpretation which communicate a new deconstructed meaning. Each time it presents a new twist, point of view, more detail and use of technology. 

Testing

Testing is extremely vital for visual communicators. Illustrators,  photographers, animators or graphic designers displaying their work throughout websites, blogs, exhibitions, galleries. this helps to see how it looks integrated in various ways. It enables feedback and reaction from the potential audience. It shows how successful we are and gives us confidence to develop our ideas or plan how to progress forward.

Nowadays it is very popular is to have a personal blog, website, Facebook or Twitter page to post the work. It provides easy access to people around the World. Below is a print screen of my photography page on FB. 

Image source

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_White

http://clairebeauchamp.deviantart.com/gallery/

http://www.courtneybrims.com/

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/10/06/julia-roberts-evil-queen-snow-white-first-look/

http://htcthemes.org/730/snow-white-and-the-huntsman-wallpaper-2/

https://www.dollgenie.com/doll_profile.php?id=1414

http://collider.com/olivia-wilde-evil-queen-snow-white-images/78948/

ITAP Lecture 6

NARRATIVE & STRUCTURE

During our sixth ITAP lecture we covered the areas of Narrative and Structure. Animation and film were used as an example of this. However, I would like to explore this subject further and examine it in depth from the perspective of a photographer. Two principles I have chosen to write about are ‘Developing Stories’ and ‘Developing Characters’.

Developing Stories

Story is a set of events and a simple way to deliver a message across. Narrative is very important in photography as it helps to create a powerful image. The concept of telling a story can be about everything, personal, emotional or a physical journey. Each photographer has different values, observations and experiences in life, therefore the interpretations and essence of the same subject would be various from each perspective. Creators try to convey their own, individual and unique understanding of the image and connect with the audience. Meaningful pieces of art/photograph enable us to open the door to our imagination which allows the image tells us its story and engage and stimulate the hearts and minds of the recipient. Importance of the message can be in metaphorical, abstraction, documentary form and any other form created in our mind. It is not necessary to create a set of photographs or collage to tell a story. In photography it is possible to achieve this within one frame. In portraiture getting close to the person gives a more intimate view and makes the message more powerful. As an example I have attached photographs of the same person taken many years apart by Steve McCurry. It is the first image I have ever seen taken by this photographer and it inspired my passion towards this documentary.

Before taking the photo each photographer should ask themselves questions:

-Who is it for?

-What is my purpose or intention?

-What emotions do I want to capture?

-What is my message?

-How do I want to approach the composition?

-How do i achieve it technically and visually?

Developing Character

There are clear rules and definition of how to develop characters within a movie, it is either the ‘Hero’ or ‘Villain’. Unfortunately or fortunately we cannot apply the same rules in photography. However in both cases it is vital that characters show emotions which can relate to the viewer. When taking photographs they need to capture the emotional moment of the character. This will result in an emotional response from the audience who empathises with emotion. The aspects worth taking into consideration when developing our character are body language, facial expression, activity, location, background, people within the composition etc.

Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange

Image source

http://www.fivelakearts.com/wavesofgrain/?p=1710

 http://www.artspace.com/dorothea_lange/migrant_mother_nipomo_california

 http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~hamiltr/form_composition_page/pages/Dorothea%20Lange%203_jpg.htm