Professional context / Knowledge.
LO1 demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the professional context(s) relevant to your practice and have an understanding of the professional dimensions that underpin a successful photographic practice.
The Assignment has provided the opportunity to research a very different aspect of photography but with very close links to that of social documentary photography. Through additional independent research and the responses received from the four forensic photographers I was able to obtain an insight into the methodical processes and procedures required to be a forensic photographer. The questionnaire only gave part of their experience but through discussion via zoom and over a coffee I gained a more in depth understanding of the need to try and capture a true representation of the situation, to record facts and this is to some way how I have tried to represent the women of Ngawi and the link to social documentary as a photographic practice. I have explored these findings more in a separate blog post here in my Reflections on the feedback and the Assignment
Creativity.
LO2 coherently present a body of work, making creative presentation decisions that complement your subject and/or your artistic strategies.
I have continued to develop the five book designs and document my progress (here) and sort feedback directly from my peers (here) and via the Open Forum for Level 3 students. The latter was extremely disappointing as no advice was really received. Following a request to my tutor I received additional advice which has resulted in a sixth design. The pdf and video can be found here. I think this has resulted in a clearer narrative of ‘place and gender’. More work is needed before it will be ready for publication, but I think it is moving in the right direction.
The discussion held with my tutor around the placement of the collaborative written piece (here) has raised more questions for me. I need to think carefully where in the book it is placed as the last impression, I want to leave the audience with it that of my images and not the text. Originally, I had thought it would be the final word and form a closure to the book however I think it might work better as the prologue or even an introduction to the exhibition as the audience there will not have the advantage of being able to read the foreword which is in the book.
I have made an initial selection of images for the exhibition (here) and this will be further refined as I start printing and seeing the effect of the platinum and palladium process on the image. I know some will work better than others. The current aim is to have at least fifteen A4 size prints for the exhibition and twenty for the bespoke book. The book will be housed in a presentation box that will contain the second collaborative piece seen here.
LO3 operate in complex commercial contexts requiring the application of specific interpersonal, professional and business skills within an ethical framework.
Assignment 3 has allowed me to develop both my interpersonal skills and utilise the connections I have made through the Photography Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) and the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP). A request for possible contacts resulted in five possible names and email details. Through email exchanges and the offer to have either zoom calls or written responses I was able to obtain information on the life and career of a New Zealand Forensic Photographer.
The collaboration work with fellow students (here, here) has progressed well and even the time and location distance hasn’t really caused any great issues. I believe this has been due to clear requirements and discussion on how I would like to use the work. The written piece still needs to find it’s rightful place either within the book or as an introduction to my exhibition but I do have clear ideas as to the illustration and its use within the cover of the bespoke book.
Presentations and Outcomes.
LO4 independently disseminate your body of work by establishing relationships and networks with audiences, clients and markets.
I have found that the entry into competitions to establish myself as a photographer is not the most successful avenue. Social documentary photography is not ‘on-trend’ and I think I need to try and focus my work more to publications and social media platforms that address this genre. The project is based around eight women, the place and the male/female interaction which can’t be summarised in a single image it needs the series, which most competitions are geared towards.
LO5 confidently engage a public audience with your practice and analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your practice, identifying opportunities for professional development.
Following the challenges of Contextual Studies it was nice to receive the positive feedback on my analysis and evaluation of the research I had completed for the assignment. I need to address the feedback and provide a reflection on how this relates to my current practice of social documentary photography which I will provide here.
I will continue to obtain professional feedback as the book progresses and the images for the exhibition are produced.
Michele Usher 