EVALUATION

In the first part of this module, where I photographed people in their 20’s, it was technically challenging. I developed my skills at shooting in difficult lighting conditions at the same time as trying to be quick. I was happy with the photographs I did have, although I did have plans to improve some of them. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, this was unable to happen. I still look forward to completing this project in the future.

I started the second project somewhat lost of where to go next. I had just moved back from university unexpectedly and now had to find a new project idea. This was hard, especially as I was really getting into my first project. I experimented with documenting family and outside location, neither shoots were very successful. Research helped guide my ideas and still focus on what I really enjoy, portraiture. My main visual research in the second part of this module was photographers who were in the same situation and adapting their practice. This ended up being more useful than looking into older photographers/photographs as it was contemporary and allowed me understand that it would be possible.

I used my daily walks to take window portraits of people in lockdown. It was mainly family and friends, I was quite limited as it had to be within walking distance. I did put a post on social media asking for more people but unfortunately this was unsuccessful. I am seeing this sudden change of project as a good thing. I was pushed out my comfort zone and took on a challenging project which I don’t think I would of done otherwise. The reason why the shoots were so challenging was there was so much to get right in the shoot, much of which was out of my control. This included the way the windows faced, how the sun set that day and even simple things like making sure I was not in the reflection. I was technically difficult and quite a few of the shoots I did were unsuccessful. I began to understand that not every shoot would work and this allowed me to not be disappointed each time. Another challenge was that I wanted to be quick at each house. Although there was a window in between me and the subject, I did not want to put me or the subject in any danger.

Research has been really important in influencing my work. Subject research allowed me to understand more about Coronavirus. Seeing news reports and stats allowed me to be more empathic which helped when I shot the photos. Theoretical research let me recognise key themes in my work and develop them. Seeing how Cindy Sherman used her gaze to change the image was so influential that I changed the way I shot the subject to create the same effect. Also understanding the relationship between photographer and subject helped guide how I shot. At first the window making communication hard was frustrating. But I thought back to the research and this disconnect from the subject has actually been beneficial as it relates to the message I am trying to portray of isolation. Visual research was mainly of current photographers but this was more useful as it let me see how other photographers work under the new restrictions.

I am happy with my final outcomes. I have 3 strong images that at some point I hope to print big. The portfolio prints with text from the subject worked really well. It adds more depth to the work and lets the viewer understand the context. The portfolio prints are the best format for it to displayed as if I do get to exhibit the work, the viewer can be more connected and see the work clearly than if it was all just in a book or zine.