Secrets, Codes and Conventions Introduction

Secrets:

‘Not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others.’
synonyms: confidential, strictly confidential, top secretclassifiedrestrictedunrevealedundisclosedunpublisheduntoldunknownuncommunicated,

masks, disguises, camouflage, costumes

Codes:

‘a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy.’
synonyms: cipher, secret language, secret writing, set of symbols, key, hieroglyphics;  coded message, cryptogram

“a message in code”

Conventions:

‘a way in which something is usually done’
synonyms: customusagepracticetraditionwayhabitnorm;

rulecodecanonpunctilio;
accepted behaviour, conventionality, proprietyetiquetteprotocolformality,
 or ‘an agreement between states covering particular matters, especially one less formal than a treaty’
synonyms: agreementaccordprotocolcompactpact;

treatyconcordat

• rules, rituals, etiquette, procedures, conformity, oppression

 

Photographers to research:

  • Donovan Wylie
  • Ishiuchi Miyako
  • Luke Fowler
  • Jerry Uelsmann
  • Lara Zankoul
  • Mari Mahr-conventions

What are Codes

Definition – A system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy.

Synonyms – Identification, classification, secret language, symbols,  hieroglyphics

Examples – Computer coding, Barcode, QR code, Morse code, passwords, symbols, numbers, letters.

In photography, a code can be seen as either a symbol or some form of object which portrays a message or tells a story. Codes within photography can include symbolic codes, technical codes and written codes.

Symbolic Codes – Setting, Mise-en-scene, acting, colour.

Technical Codes – Camerawork, Editing, Audio, Lighting.

Written Codes – Spoken Language, Written language.

secrets codes and conventions

codes: codes is used to symbolize five separate categories consisting of:numbers,letters,symbols,technology and human behaviour. It demonstrates an expectation of a conformative systems through either body language or a reflection of a behaviour. It presents a normal repetitive behavior as it is set as a code.The oppostional behavior would be presented through the real concept of our self and not a set behavior or a reflection of ignorance surrounding knowledge or technology.

conventions is used to symbolize a held idea that we hold important weather it be a repetitive idea of our behavior that is considered acceptable or a way in which something is done.the juxtaposing idea to this would be a lack of formation and not conforming within a socially held idea to be important. This could be seen within isolation or segregation.

secrets: This consists of unknowingess or perhaps a reflection of loss of identity,not knowing or being known.it be be a covered secret and presents a private issue within a person.however it could be changed to explores a  found knowing of themselves to be told and seen a change within themselves to others

Secrets, Codes and Conventions – Robbie Shone

Image result for robbie shone

Image result for robbie shone

Robbie Shone is a cave explorer and visual storyteller. His work comes under the category of photo journalism which I will be taking inspiration from. He is recognised as one of the most accomplished cave photographers in the world and is based in the heart of the Alps in Austria. Shone has completed a BA in Fine Art and Photography – whilst doing this he developed a strong interest in caving and the challenges it has to offer. His work has been featured in national and international publications such as National Geographic. He has received several national and international awards.  Robbie Shone also has wildlife, travel and landscape images that have achieved finalist status in highly acclaimed international travel and wildlife competitions.

From looking at Robbie Shone i aim to have my photographs focused on exploration and unusual sites.

My Favourite Photograph

Image result for robbie shone

In this photograph, Shone used a strong torch to illuminate the photograph through the clouds in the cave to create a misty and ominous setting. It helped to create contrast between the shadows of the cave and the highlight of the torch. A deep depth of field appears to have been used as the whole of the photograph is in focus. Shone will have used a slow shutter speed along with a low ISO in order to allow plenty of light to enter the lens whilst keeping the quality of the photograph as high as possible.

The colours used in this photograph is a mix of dark greens and browns to contrast with the torch light. This helps to create an unsettling and dark environment. There are lots of different tones throughout the photograph due to the grooves and shapes in the caves. The distance that the light beam travels and the scale of the human against the size of the scale creates an almost intimidating photograph as it is not something we would normally get to see. Due to the beam of light shining light on the background, the photograph has a 3D effect which adds to the intimidating feeling to the photograph.

Shone is a very experienced cave explorer and photographer and this photograph shows just some of the things that he sees and explores as part of his life. This photograph is of Cloud Ladder Hall which is naturally formed and is so large that it has its own weather system. It is found in China and the whole cave is 42,139 metres long with a maximum depth of 441 metres.

I think that Shone is trying to spread awareness of how intricate and interesting the natural world is. In his photographs he shows subjects that most people would never get to see. He tries to show the scale of the subject against one of the largest naturally formed cave in the world to show how small we are compared to nature.

 

Initial Thoughts and Ideas

 

Secrets: Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

Codes: A system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy.

Conventions: A way in which something is usually done.

After looking through the starting points suggested by Edexcel I looked up some of the photographers and compiled images which interested me at first glance into a mind map. From here I will narrow it down and focus on on photographer for the start of my project. 

What Is Secrecy

Definition – Secrecy is the practice of hiding information from certain individuals or groups who do not have the “need to know”, perhaps while sharing it with other individuals. That which is kept hidden is known as the secret.

“Kept hidden away from the knowledge of others.”

Synonyms : Lies, classified, private, confidential, camouflage, mystery, isolation.

Secrecy links directly with hidden locations such as abandoned or derelict sites that are guarded against discovery. These often become secrets due to the fact that nature takes over these man made structures, hiding them from people.

Image result for abandoned building

Secrecy also has direct connotations with identity and how people will try to keep their personality or identity confidential. This kind of photography often results in surrealistic images which helps to portray this sense of hidden identity.

Related image

Mood Board

Secrets, Codes and Conventions First Ideas and Defined

SECRETS, CODES & CONVENTIONS?

Our class was split into 3 groups and each made to put down our first thoughts on the 3 words Secrets, Codes and Conventions. These first ideas were put down on brainstorms. Here are the class brainstorms and the actual definitions of the words.

Secret – Not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others.

Code – A system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy.

Convention – A way in which something is usually done.

 

Secrets, Codes and Conventions

Key Definitions 

Code – A set of conventions or sub-codes currently in use to communicate meaning. The most common is one’s spoken language, but the term can also be used to refer to any narrative form

Secret -Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

Convention – The way in which something is usually done.

Mind Maps 

Mood Board

 

My first ideas for this project is to do a separate word that we have been given, one for codes, one for conventions and finally one for secrets.

 

ESA | Secrets , Codes and Conventions | Schedule and expectations

You are expected to produce 15-20 Blog Posts that explore, define and showcase your ability to respond to the theme of Secrets, Codes and Conventions…

Externally Set Assignment (10 Hours)

Dates and rooms

12A  / Monday 14th May + Wednesday 16 May

Room : Photog 1

12B / Monday 14th May + Wednesday 16 May

Room : Media / ICT

12C / Tuesday 15th May + Thursday 17th May

Room : Photog 1

12D / Tuesday 15th May + Thursday 17th May

Room : Media / ICT

Photography Rooms

will be partly out of use for 2 weeks…23rd April – 4th May inclusive….you must be prepared for this, bring in your laptops and use alternative ICT Rooms. This is due to A2 Photog Exams in both rooms.

JAC will book these for you and email details closer to the dates.

You may not have a teacher available so be prepared to work independently towards your final outcomes…

Print Deadline for Final Outcomes

Tuesday 8th May 2018 9am…Mr Cole be uploading all print files to our printer for ordering.

MR COLE AND MISS HEARN MUST CHECK YOUR CHOICES AND AGREE TO THEM BEFORE PRINTING

Your finish school for STUDY LEAVE on Friday 4th May…our advice to you is to make sure you have the prints ready in the print folder by the end of this day so you do not forget!

Your only other option is to print your own images…but you must have images ready for the exam date itself.

Final Deadline for Coursework

Thursday 29th March NOW EXTENDED TO TUESDAY 17TH APRIL !!!

Assessment Objectives

You should provide evidence that fulfils the four Assessment Objectives:
AO1 Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual
and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding
AO2 Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and
processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops
AO3 Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress
AO4 Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.