Part five - Narrative & Illustration

Putting the subject first

Begin with the subject and then think about what makes it interesting and its importance.  Allow thes things to influence how it is treated.

Project Narrative

Telling a story through a set of pictures, or the generally harder alternative of using a single picture to sum up a story.

Subjects comprising several elements or events, occurring in sequence, suit being treated as narrative.

2 stages for working out narrative for a subject in pictures:
Step 1 - Plot the story: this involves research, finding out important details.
Step 2 - Plan and consider what shots you are looking for, where you will position yourself, what variety of pictures you can expect to achieve etc.

A 'picture script' detailing research and a list of pictures you expect to be able to take, is useful when it comes to putting the plan into action.

Illustration by symbols

Try to avoid cliché - the first symbols that spring to mind are often overused.  However, it is possibly to treat it in an original way to may it out of the ordinary.  Don't be obscure for the sake of it.  The symbol should be recognisable.  Also, one symbol may have different meaning at various times and from one culture to another.  Of course as symbol must also be practicle to photograph.

Illustration by juxtaposition

Putting together two elements in a way that suggests a relationship.  It is important to suggest a relationship.

Further reading - On Being a Photographer by Bill Jay and David Hurn

I found this book very relevant to the current chapter of the course.  As much as anything else, it is about attitudes and the mindset of the photographer, whilst also giving some valuable insight into the methods of a professional.  Some of the technical discussions were not so relevant to me using a digital camera.  However, technique should become second nature, and the camera the tool for achieving whatever it is you wish to communicate through photography.

A favourite quote from the book: "The photographer is not invisibly behind the camera but projecting a life-attitude through the lens to create an interference pattern with the image."

How one achieves this is down to the individual.  Some methods that may work perfectly well for one photographer may not necessarily do so for another.  Finding what works for you and considering your own needs is important.

The authors also talk about researching the subject.  Understanding the subject, and having some background knowledge are often key to how to approach it and translate it into images.  Though this may not always be true, and spontaneity has its place.  There is a quote from Robert Adams: "Philosophy can foresake too easily the details of experience....many writers and painters have demonstrated that thinking long about what art is or ought to be ruins the power to write or paint."

Jay & Hurn talk about various myths surrounding photography.  The first one I found particularly relevant to myself, and something to consider for future assignments.  The myth is that photographers are the best editors of their own work.  The photographer is likely to make emotional choices, while an editor is more detached from the subject.

I have a tendency to take many photos, often taking different shots of the same subject with various adjustments.  It is reassuring to learn that professional photographers do this, and you don't always have to try to get the perfect shot in one take.  Although I won't have the luxury of a picture editor for my assignments, it is perhaps worth considering other opinions for final selection.

Another myth listed is that photography is about talent and instinct.  The authors put greater importance on planning and the thought process.  Basically, talent alone does not ensure success, which is not achieved without thorough preparation and hard work.

Also pertinent to this chapter is the myth of "the it-has-been-done-before-syndrome".  There can't be too many subjects that have not been shot before.  Approaching them in a new and interesting way is surely the challenge.  Inspiration can be taken from the best photographers through different ages.  Indeed most of them will in turn have been influenced by other practitioners work also.

Having read this book, it would be remiss not to look into David Hurn's work, so I will be making comments on a new post shortly.

Bibliography

Jay, B / Hurn, D / Magnum.  (1997) On Being a Photographer. Kindle Edition 2010.  Washington.