Since starting part 2 I have, at times been confused by some of the terms used and although I realised that a photo essay could be many things after finding a really useful piece in the book Context and Narrative which states

“In simple terms, a narrative generally consists of a beginning, middle and end. However a photography narrative may not necessarily follow this structure, for example it may simply imply what has past or suggest what could happen. ….
…. In visual communication especially, a narrative does not need to work in a linear sense. It can be  cyclical, or be contained within one image or make cross referenced that, when brought together, inform the viewers overall understanding or interpretation of the photographers intentions” (Short, 2011)

i was definitely less confused and more able to focus on the assignment.

My series of images have a beginning a middle and end end, but are also cyclical in that we know the white shirt will be in use again at some point in the future for a similar event. They are sequential and need to be viewed in a particular order. The images would not really work particularly well on their own.

I looked at several photographers and their work, including that of Chloe Dewe Mathews, who was included in the OCA exercise book with a reference to her series ” Caspian: The Elements” (2010). |

I was already familiar with Mathews work through her book “Shot at Dawn” (2014). A London born photographer working in the film industry before moving to photography and going on to win awards and accolades from some of the best. The book includes shots of twenty-three different locations where military personal were other shot or detained prior to facing a firing squad between 1914 and 1918, for such things as desertion or cowardice. The photos were taken as near as possible to the location, time and time of year when the execution or incarceration prior to execution had taken place.

From the series Shot At Dawn, Mathews (2013)

The images themselves are fairly unremarkable landscapes without the context. With context, they are remarkable and what they are saying is something very important, both from a historical, future and ethical point of view.
The text that goes with each image is simple; however with great impact. It is simply the Location, the name of the person, the date and the time. Very much like it might be entered in a log.

There is no real need to view the images in any particular order. They have been placed in date order as much as possible, but due to the fact that locations were used more than once it was not possible or necessary.

This series really struck a chord for me in relation to this unit and the assignment because of what is has highlighted for me in progressing my understanding of photography. A photograph in itself does not have to be remarkable. Simple can have a huge impact and text does not have to be mysterious or abstract. Unremarkable photos, and simple text can create a remarkable series.

I realised that there were several aspects to the idea of context and narrative that have taken time to evolve for me, both over this part of the course and perhaps further back than that. It can be a single image that helps us to understand something big and loud or quiet and thoughtful. It can be a series that helps us to understand something that doesn’t need to be in any chronological order such as W. Eugene Smiths’ “A Country Doctor”, (Link) or a series that follows an “event” over time such as Bryony Campbell’s “The Dad Project”.(Link) It can be personal, or general. It can be wide reaching, political, religious.  There are so many political, ethical iconic single images out there that it would be hard to chose one example.

Alfred Eisenstaedt a german born photographer who worked in the Us for Life Magazine and became well know for his iconic single image of the Times Square kiss on VJ Day. (Fig. 9)

Lewis Hine, an American photographer who’s photographs were instrumental in helping to change the laws relating to child labour. (Fig 10)

My images for assignment two are both personal and general. They apply to me and are very current at this point in my life. There is also a general aspect to them in relation to the death of friends and family which the majority of people will have to deal with at some point in their lives. I also wonder how many other people (usually males) have “that white shirt” which is evolving as they grow older.

Using Text is something I have been deliberating since the start of this assignment.  The text used in the series Shot At Dawn had such an impact and I doubt I can come up with anything quite as good!.

Bibliography

Figures 1- 8
Chloedewemathews.com. n.d. Shot At Dawn | Chloe Dewe Mathews. [online]
Available at: <http://www.chloedewemathews.com/shot-at-dawn/&gt;
[Accessed 6 January 2021].

Figure 9
Hine, L., 1908. Cotton Mill Girl. [image]
Available at: <https://www.digitalphotomentor.com/20-most-famous-photographs/&gt;
[Accessed 9 January 2021].

Figure 10
Eisenstaadt, A., 1945. VJ Day Times Square Kiss. [image]
Available at: <https://www.digitalphotomentor.com/20-most-famous-photographs/&gt;
[Accessed 9 January 2021].

 

Bibliography

Short, M., 2011. Basics Creative Photography 02 Context And Narrative. Lausanne: AVA Academia, p.98.