Overall feedback
Assignment 3
You managed to obtain some interesting responses to your questionnaire which gave you the opportunity to expand your understanding of this very interesting and niche area of photography. You have provided a well written analytical response to the assignment, and this links well with your current project and genre of social documentary photography. The very formal nature of forensic photography and capturing a truth is reflected in that of social documentary. More specifically, the relationship rests on the specificity and constrains, the particularity of the message of both practices.
As part of a separate blog post I would like you to explore and ask yourself ‘why is this part of your practice? And how does it sustain your practice? These don’t need to be part of a revision of the current assignment but more of an after note in your reflections to show that you have thought about this aspect. Make sure you add the link to this additional work at the end of the revised version of the assignment. Most importantly, consider how the parameters of the work of forensic photography as discussed by your interviewees relates to everything we/you know about the medium of photography. Your professionals tals about recording/documenting but not reconstruction; photography theory posits that all photographs are reconstruction. Your subjects discuss the technical approach to avoid bias; a person that regulates the camera and the inherent technical aspects of a camera (depth of filed, frame, two-dimensionality, time) suggest otherwise – that there is inherent bias in photography. Your thoughts on this can allow a more in-depth engagement with the medium and your practice.
Draft Book revised version
I think the landscape images work well across the bifold pages. The male v female images on the inside to show a very gendered approach. That said it is not for me to tell you which approach to select, this is your work. If you continue with this selection then you need to document your reasons why, similarly if you decide it does not work for you.
On the draft proposed I would suggest that you review your selection of landscape two as this feels very gendered/male when you need the image to be about the place. The use of this image seems to lose the internal narrative of male/female, these two sides make the place happen.
I think the pairing of the hands and the wire is inspired because of its form its not prescriptive or descriptive its quite poetic, you have the harsh knot against the soft hands. There are others that work but are not as strong, so take some time to review the images you have the pairings you have made, could you change any?
Collaboration
The poem conveys a lot about your project and is a good example of experimentation. You need to carefully consider where this is placed within your book if you decide to continue with the book. You want to leave the viewer with memories of your images not text. Have you considered using this in your exhibition? You don’t have to use the work and if you decide not to include it then explain your reasoning. It might work well as a prologue to your work. Try different locations and ask other visual practitioners to provide feedback.
Exhibition Images
One of the most important things you can learn from this course is the trial-and-error process you need to undertake as a photographer. I am not here to tell you which images to select, this is your exhibition and your decision. What I can do is offer advice once you have selected and started printing which you need to do. It is ok to make mistakes (this is how we learn) and once you finish with OCA there will be no tutors to help. Remember to document your decision-making process and your printing – mistakes and all.
Feedback based on Learning Outcomes
LO1 Your assignment has shown how you have gained a comprehensive understanding of the forensic photographer within New Zealand. The analytical side has been well articulated from it’s original introduction through to the current day. Further analysis on how this links with your current practice will be documented in a separate post and linked for final assessment.
Your project has continued to develop, and this has clearly been demonstrated in your submissions and documented within your blog posts.
You have progressed your collaborative work well and consideration will be given to where this is placed within the final submission. This shows how you have progressed and are working well with others to negotiate to form a coherent piece that is sympathetic to your project. You need to make sure this does not overpower your final submission.
LO2 Your assignment demonstrates your methodical approach from the generation of the questionnaire, use of your professional networks to gain contacts and then the final written assignment. I have provided a few written comments within your written assignment to address and expand on a few minor areas. This can be up-loaded to your blog post when completed.
The project has progressed well, and the draft book has a strong ‘place, male, female’ narrative. You will continue to refine the images and review both those that are referenced as place and the pairings.
Image selection for your exhibition now needs to progress onto printing and decision making, which you have started but this needs to progress to the doing.
LO3 Your assignment has shown how you have used various professional organisations to gain access and discuss the very niche field of forensic photography. You have clearly extended your network and have obtained information from several professionals rather than just interviewing a single representative. This resulted in a well-balanced analytical assignment.
Your collaboration piece with a fellow student highlights your ability to network at multiple levels and progress a piece of written work that sits outside of your current practice but works well with your project. The skill now is to ensure this does not overpower your images but compliments your work.
LO4 You have expressed your frustration at not having success in competitions that your work has been entered. This may be due to the types of competitions you are selecting but also note the reason you are doing this. Your subject matter of social documentary is not necessarily suitable for mainstream competitions and careful selection to promote your work and you as a photographer is something you need to consider.
LO5 The responses you received from the participants to your questionnaire is testament of your ability to engage and interact with fellow professionals and gain the information you need. The assignment has been well articulated and shows your analytical skills in understanding the information received. You have included additional research material to provide a history and a boarder understanding of the subject and how it relates to your practice.
Your collaboration piece continues to develop, and you have shown how the various versions of the work has progressed. You have evaluated, provided comment, suggestions and considered how the final piece will compliment your practice.
Action points
- Additional post addressing the considerations of how forensic photography links with social documentary photography.
- Consider if you want to keep with the book and document the reasons in your blog.
- Review the image selection for the landscapes to make them less gendered and the pairs to consider the juxtaposition.
- Review the use and location of the written collaboration piece, it is important to leave your audience with the image and not words
- Start printing!
Michele Usher 