This week I spoke to my module supervisor, which we viewed my presentation and discussed my project ideas. We mainly spoke about the research proposal and a couple of CRJ points. I explained my frustrations with my project and last module, at this moment in time I’m not sure if I even want to continue with this project. My tutor said it was looking a little flat (my project as hole) and that I needed something. I’m using a digital camera and standard lens to capture my project but I could borrow a tilt shift lens from Canon, my tutor agreed that I should go ahead with the loan, as it could add something to my work. I think I need to look at this project with fresh eyes, pull it apart and simplify, then I might stand a chance of actually putting together an interesting body of work.
Part 2 presentation on publishing FMP featured Gideon Mendel, who has successfully produced several pieces of work. These works were published on a variety of platforms and incorporated moving image, sound and text. I think at this point struggling with the initial concept of my project I can’t begin to think about other media but I will be mindful of this later on in the FMP as this could strengthen my work. Mendel’s project Dzhangal was a very good example how a project can be produced on a shorter timescale, with the right collaborations and research you can still create a very strong piece of work.
This week also saw guest lectures from Victoria Forrest and John Angerson. Unfortunately I couldn’t take part real time but watched the recording. Victoria Forrest is an award winning book designer and in this presentation she discuss some of the projects that she has worked on. I found it interesting how she was explaining the constraints of a physical publication, how some images follow a linear structure in order to build a narrative. As a designer Forrest isn’t necessarily looking at the concepts from the imagery but instead the composition. Looking for parings or how to place an image on the page with space surrounding it and how to introduce the audience to the project with a wider, sort of establishing shot. Forrest says “ Like text, photoessays consist of phrases and divisions, but it’s the bridges between each image, the similarities and oppositions, that layer to create a narrative” (Forrest, 2019)
For a linear format, one of the examples she gives is the project Falling into Place by Patricia Lay Dorsey. http://www.patricialaydorsey.com/GalleryMain.asp?GalleryID=129844&AKey=Q7HKRV3H
This project lends itself well to this type of format in a linear perspective but in comparison, a non linear project that Forrest has deigned is the project by Edmund Clark If the lights go out. https://www.edmundclark.com/books/guantanamo/#11
I really like the way the project is grouped together into 3 different groups. This is something that my project would lend well to. When putting the book together Forrest talks about how parings with compositional similarities are good to create a strong visual statement.
I also had a quick look at Victoria Forrest’s lecture on text and caption. I have taken a few notes that will help me think about factors to include when designing my own publication. Forrest discusses the format and flow of publication to start with the front matter, the contents and if there is a foreword. To present work with slower pace at the start, perhaps more of a establishing shot that can introduce subject to audience. How text can weave through publication to help create a narrative. Forrest also discussed the physicality’s of a publication like materials that are used for front covers if using just text or imagery. Talking about bleeds in design, not to use photographs that are centred, as you cannot always get the bleed correct in printing. Some of these factors I had considered such a foreword and essays but some elements I hadn’t even thought of, so it was great to hear from a professional for inspiration and knowledge.
John Angerson’s presentation was great informative account of his commercial and personal projects. I liked that he seems like a day to earth guy, he said that he just goes out and takes photographs that he likes and worries about the concept after. This made me laugh and instantly I like his easy going approach to projects. In particular one project that stood out to me was ‘On this day’, which is a project that looks at historic European events since 1990s and captures the very same place and day that the event took place. Angerson expresses the importance of researching the subject thoroughly. Which I can relate as this has been an important element to my project. He is realistic with his approach on budgets, he choses to photograph subjects that are logistically easy to get to in order to continue his project. I really enjoyed this presentation as it gave a great perspective on keeping a project genuine and realistic with time/budget but still projects the photographers personality and interests.
Critical Research Journal 