I have extensively researched ‘aftermath’ photography within this module and at this point I wanted to explore an artist that offered a different perspective on historical photography and perhaps focus on their personal methodology in which to achieve their body of works. I ordered the book by Annie Leibovitz Pilgrimage, 2011, renowned portraiture photograph I was intrigued by this book, as this was her personal quest to seek out historic figures and capture their belongings and spaces. Leibovitz says in the beginning of the book “Several years ago, Susan Sontag and I were planning something that we called the beauty book. The Beauty Book was going to provide an excuse for us to travel around to places we cared about and wanted to see. For me, it meant going back to taking pictures when I was moved to take pictures. When there wasn’t an agenda. If you are on assignment for a magazine, there are always agendas. Things have to get done. I care about my assignment work, but I wanted to try working without pressure. To be in a situation where I took pictures just because I saw it.” (Leibovitz,2011,p23)
I think this is good time to reflect on my own personal project and remember how far I have come, as this could offer some direction going forward. Like Leibovitz my practice was always centred on a brief from another customer. I never took photographs on my own accord and this was troubling me, you get complacent so that’s why I started the MA. My current work focuses on capturing airfield sites within Northern Ireland, as I thought this could be a good subject to explore. As time has gone on I have realised just how much I am interested in aviation history and has sparked a new hobby for me. I’m also able to pay homage to the Royal Air Force and learn about the history especially being the centenary this year. In my journey of learning about these historic sites I have spoken so many people and used many resources that led me to the capture the work I have produced so far. I think when presenting this body of work not only will my images be present but I want to present some of these resources to my audience.
Leibovitz presents around 27 subjects mostly people, she explores their belongings, original living quarters and spaces that these people would have used. Images range from cataloguing certain artefacts, interior and landscape shots in a way that Leibovitz represents these influential people. The images are narrated throughout in a descriptive way, explaining the approach to capturing the site and the history that surrounds that subject. For me almost resembles a scrapbook, images are varying sizes and the text is quite informal and personal. Being quite a personal account helps to portray this as a journey, which takes the viewer along. I would say these images would be a little lost without their context so for me they work brilliantly in a book. I think for my practice I would not just like to capture and catalogue airfield sites but I would also like to document my personal journey, as I find resources and information about each area and display these, somehow within a publication.
Critical Research Journal 