After concluding the Bunker Archeology project, which ended in the production of a zine containing a range of the different images I captured, I was able to evaluate an critisize my own work, and develop an overall opinion on the project as a whole, from start to finish.
I found the project interesting, and enjoyed the process of researching more into Jersey’s occupation during WW2. I found the process of developing and planning photoshoots to be interesting, and I feel like I was able to create a strong set of final images, developed from a wide range of initial shots, taken during photoshoots both planned in class, and as extra out-of-school work. The process of selecting images that I wanted to continue working on was an interesting experience, as it allowed me to develop and home in on skills such as self reflection, and the ability to make quick decisions when it came to rejecting and selecting my own work. I made use of Adobe Lightroom during this selection process, and my skills using this software developed as I continued to use it through the editing process. I was then able to make a selection of 15 final images, fully edited using both Lightroom and Photoshop, that I could use in my final product (my Zine). The production and planning of my zine was a process, as I drafted range of ideas before concluding on my final design, which was selected based on a range of factors such as; the arrangement of the images I selected into a meaningful sequence, the development of a title and cover pages to draw the eye of the viewer, and the inclusion of extra pages (such as extracts within/attached to the zine) which would be used to provide further information/context on the zine. Overall, I found the process of the project to be enjoyable, and I feel that my final product was a success.
Although I ran into some difficulties along the course of the project, such as having to lear new software, struggling to come up with a sequence for the images within the zine, and at times struggling to keep up with the deadlines for photoshoots, I feel like I was able to produce a meaning final result, and successfully showed my process, in detail, from the beginning to the end of the project through my blog. Although the image quality of my final zine does not perfectly reflect my planned result (the colour saturation within the printers used resulted in the images often printing slightly darker, and the colours were often less bold) I feel like my in depth planning within the editing/planning blog posts helps to paint an accurate picture of what I was intending to produce with my final product.
Overall, I feel that the Bunker Archeology project has been a success, in which I have learned a range of new skills (particularly with new software), and have developed my ability to create a story/sequence using a series of images, in which a range of images can be used to tell a story/present a theme.
For my first design I followed the sequence which I outlined on my previous blog post. Having the start and finish have imagery of landscapes of and around the bunkers, and the middle pages containing images of the bunkers, showcasing their decay. To create this layout I used InDesign, I set up my page to be portrait and the size of A5 paper and in the style of a photo book. In this attempt I looked at different page spreads, what works and what does not look as effective. Within this initial design and experimentation I managed to produce spreads which work well in showcasing my narrative. However, some pages need to be reconsidered and the sequencing of my images could also be reconsidered in order to produce a stronger outcome.
For my front cover, I took inspiration from the archival green books found at Society Jersiase. Below is an example of the green book cover.
Societe Jersiaise – Photo Archive & Lord Coutanche Library.
The ideology behind replicating this, was that the green books were created by the German’s during the war, showcasing the defence systems in the area on the front cover. Due to them being archival material it begins to suggest that the defence systems have changed due to the abandonment, thus it begins to present my narrative of the decay of Jersey Bunkers. For my cover I used a dark green to cover the back and black text. Although the two covers are very different, I wanted it to be a ‘modern’ version of the green book, thus this simplistic design clearly showcases this. The title of the Zine is ‘Bunker-Archäologie’, it translate to Bunker archeology in English. Deciding to have my title in German, reminds us of how the bunker’s were built for German soldiers to prevent people getting into the Island, thus it showcases how the Germans have left their mark on the island and allowing it to decay. The font used for the title is bold and has a rigid structure, which represents what the bunkers once were.
For my second page of the Zine, I used a full page spread of the landscape photograph, looking out from the Noirmont point, a location of one of Jersey’s bunkers. I kept this image in colour to showcase that the image is recent and reinforces the idea of a modern green book. In addition, it showcases the beauty of Jersey, and although the bunker’s are decaying on the top, it is not forcing the rest of the island to decay with them. The full page spread clearly showcases the sea line, and beauty of the nature, which creates a sense of space and a peaceful mood, which holds a ameliorative tone towards the photograph.
For my next page, I wanted to start showcasing the decay of the bunker’s, this layout clearly emphasises this. The juxtaposing colours, showcases the abandonment of the bunkers, which is reinforced by the formal elements of space and texture. The image on the left is a half page spread, filling the screen creating the sense of space. The image on the right is much smaller and located in the centre of the page, producing juxtaposing colours which helps the photographs to compliment one another. I believe that this layout is my strongest page spread, and is unlikely to be changed.
In my next page spread, I used a 3/4 page spread to showcase this macro image of the bottom of the gun. This layout allows the formal elements of texture and shape to clearly be showcased, reinforcing the narrative of the decay of the bunker. This photograph is strong enough to be alone and is busy, allowing viewers to be drawn into the image. In my opinion this page works well within my design.
For my middle page spread I decided to repeat the idea of have a landscape image looking out in colour. I used a full page spread, for the same reasoning as the first page. This artistic design worked well, as it reinforces the idea that the bunker’s are decaying but the island will not decay with the bunker. The image works well as it uses the technique of framing to enclose a bunker type building out at sea, leaving the rest of landscape to be free. Although I like the way in which this page turned out, I do not believe that having a colour image in the centre of the zine is the best idea, as it almost distracts viewers from the actual narrative, decay of the bunkers.
For my next page spread I decided to go with a half page spread for the image, and leave the other half blank. Creating this blank page takes a break from the action, allowing the information and concept of the zine to settle into viewers heads, it can also be used represent the idea that one day the bunkers will be gone, due to them decaying so rapidly. The image is placed on the right side of the page, as the structure is cut off on the right, so the edge of the zine acts as the end of the bunker.
In my next page, I decided to use the 3/4 page spread again, due to me liking the way in which the other 3/4 page spread look. The image used suits being a larger image, due to the texture being presented through the raindrops and decaying of the bunker.
For my final page spread I wanted to use another landscape image, to create a circular plot and allowing it to follow my intended sequence stated in a previous blog post. I used a full page spread, and a colour image. This time the landscape photograph is looking back at the bunker, which nicely brings the zine to an end, as we can see how the bunkers are decaying the but what surrounds is not decaying. Although this image works well on a full page spread, I do not believe that it is the strongest finish to my zine, thus I will look at changing this.
The back page of my zine is simply the same colour green as the front cover, which refers to the archival green books which showcase the layout of the bunkers, made by the German’s.
Design 2:
In my second design I looked at alternative ways in displaying my images, by changing the spreads and adding in text in my zine. I explored a different front cover option as well as different layout options. I intend to use my best page spreads, from this design and my previous design, to create my final sequence and make my final zine design. Doing this further exploration of page layouts has allowed me to develop my skills within InDesign and has allowed me to show development within my work.
In this front cover design, I decided to use my strongest image produced in my photoshoot, It clearly showcases the decay of the bunkers, thus bringing my narrative from the get go. In addition, I used the same title and font as I did in my first design, but set the colouring to white. The placement of the text is in the top left corner, which is a little hidden, but is placed with in a completely black are making it work successfully. Although I like the way in which this front cover looks, I think this image would work better in the spread created in the previous design. Needless to say, it was well worth doing this experimentation as it confirms that I like the way in which my original front cover looks, and the conceptual and contextual factors it holds.
In my next layout I wanted to experiment with adding text into my work, in order to clearly outline the historical factors of the Second World War in Jersey. With this I simply added a title and text which outlines the liberation of the island and how the bunkers have been left to decay. The short text allows my narrative to be presented, and works well with the one page image spread next to it. I really like the way in which this spread looks, thus I am planning on implementing it in my final design. However, I will develop the font and layout of the text, as I do not believe it is having maximum impact within the zine.
My next layout, I looked at placing two landscape images on a page. I selected two images which juxtapose the sense of space. One image is placed at the top and the other at the bottom. For the narrative I am going for I do not believe that this spread is effective, or fits in with the other layouts within my zine. Therefore, I will not be further developing this layout.
I then decided to look at another alternative for a middle page spread as I was not happy with the one created in my initial design. I decided to use this photograph, which was originally a 3/4 page spread, and made the black and white photograph a full page spread in the middle. I much prefer this layout, as it does not disturb viewers from the narrative with a colour photograph in the middle, thus fitting my sequence more appropriately.
Changes:
After developing my two design idea, I still had pages which I liked but still needed developing in order to have maximum impact. Below are the three main changes I made. This shows my further development and me critiquing my work from an artistic perspective.
Font:
As mentioned earlier I was not happy with the font I used to create the page spread which included information about the decay of Jersey’s bunker’s. I decided to change the font to one which is similar to my title, keeping my work consistent. I also decreased the size so my title fitted on one line as well as getting rid of the hyphens within the paragraph. In addition, I moved all my text down to the bottom of the page, which is a typical design layout for a zine when the text does not fill the whole page. I am much happier with this change in design, as it allows the zine to flow more fluidly now and presents my narrative well.
First and Last Page Design:
My next major change was the two images I would use as my first and last page. I still stuck with the idea of looking out on the first page, thus keeping the same image as it had the intended meaning. For the last page I used a different image which looked up at a bunker with nature surrounding it, I believe that this image presents the concept of the bunker decay but nature is not much better than the original image used. Moreover, it fits my intended sequence much better.
Colour Changing:
My last major change was the colouring and positing of the image above. Originally this image was in colour and a full page spread in the centre of my zine. As mentioned, I did not think this was an affective look as disturbed the rhythm within my zine so I created a new centre page. I still wanted to include this image somewhere in my final produce. I decided to turn it black and white and have it as a 3/4 spread, taking the position of where the wheel image was. I believe that this image is better suited in black and white and in this layout, as it showcases the decay more appropriately.
Action Plan:
As an action plan I will now combine my favourite spreads onto one document, creating my final design for my zine. I will then place them in the appropriate sequence and evaluate my final outcome on another blog post, which shows my final design page by page.
From all my edited images in response to the German Occupation in Jersey topic, I narrowed them down to 11 photos to be included in my zine. I created my zine using InDesign in order to produce the final layout.
The title of my zine is “Glimpse of the past” because the images were taken during golden hour, the period just before sunset . The term “Glimpse” means a momentary or partial view which links in well with the time of day the images were taken. A glimpse of the past shows the viewer a brief moment of what life was like during the German Occupation in Jersey through the immense concrete structures and other fortifications around Battery Lothringen.
The theme of my zine is looking at structures and fortifications in a particular lighting during golden hour. I wanted the viewer to see the site in a positive perspective where everything looks magical and calm. I want the viewer to forget about negative connotations that come to mind that are associated with the German Occupation. Instead I want the viewer to think about the calm and serenity portrayed by the lighting of the landscape within the images.
For the front and back cover, I used images from the Battery Moltke photoshoot to show enclosed visuals. Both have been taken inside the German bunkers. The back image shows a staircase with bars which informs the viewer that there is something secretive inside the zine which is suggested by the lock. This sparks the viewer’s interest since they will want to see the images inside the zine. Both the images used for the cover have dull colours to show the interior of the bunker which juxtaposes the warmth of the external images shown within the zine.
The cover page has been inspired from the zine “concrete jungle” which I analysed before I made my own zine. I took inspiration from the layout of the front page which was simple yet effective. I also incorporated full bleed images onto double pages, which was apparent throughout the zine I analysed.
All the other images within my zine were taken from the Battery Lothringen photoshoot. This photoshoot shows a narrative of a journey around this site before sunset. All the images are in order of where I started my journey and where I ended up at. It’s a journey of me wondering around Battery Lothringen looking at the concrete structures and fortifications.
The sequence starts inside portelet tower which displays an entrance. This image is full bleed onto one page to show that this is the beginning of the zine.
On the second double page the left side shows a full bleed image of the view from Portelet tower looking towards Battery Lothringen where an MP3 tower is visible on the headland. The right side has an archive image that has been sent by Société Jersiaise in full resolution. I placed this archival image besides my own photo to show the relationship between the two which displays the same subject but has been captured in different time periods. The left image is zoomed out to show the landscape that surround the tower while the archival image is a close up of the tower.
The other double pages within the zine include either a full bleed image onto two pages or a single image on both pages. I wanted my zine to have a sequence so it could have a clear layout. All the rest of the images display concrete structures or coastal fortifications. As the zine progresses you can see that the lighting changes due to the position of the sun. The last two full bleed images are silhouettes against the sunset sky.
Narrative: A narrative is a story which is being told through writing, speech or photographs. Many times a narrative can be presented through all three forms. Usually the narrative is clear and easy to follow through out. Putting this in terms with a zine, the narrative of my zine should clearly showcase the storyline I am telling from the first page, and should consistently tell this story till the last page.
Describing my Zine’s Narrative:
3 words:
Jersey’s Bunker Decay
A sentence:
My rational for my zine is to tell the story of how the Jersey’s bunkers have been untouched since the war and has decayed over time, allowing us to constantly be reminded about this key period in Jersey’s history.
A paragraph:
My zine aims to showcase the decay of the war and the imprint it has left on the island. I intend to use images which focus on the formal elements of texture, shape and line in order to clearly present the decay and the abandonment of the bunkers, which will present different viewpoints towards the decay. The story being told will not just be focused on bunker’s, but also the scenery and landscapes around the bunkers in order to showcase how that area of land has been affected, as well as bringing in contextual factors of the war and Jersey. In addition, the story will follow a linear narrative (chronological order) and will have a clear start, middle and end. Following this narrative structure should clearly show the decay of Jersey’s bunkers and how the island was heavily impacted during the 5 years of the German Occupation.
Sequencing: Sequencing is the order in which images are placed in a zine or photobook in order to present the intended narrative.
At the beginning the zine will showcase the effect of the war on the landscape with an introduction paragraph which will contain information of the war. The middle will have different styles of images (macro, different angles and focus points) showcasing the decay of the bunkers, and it will end with the way it begins, almost like a circular plot, having a landscape image looking out at the scenery. This is a brief overview of the order in which I would like my images in order to present the narrative of the decay of the bunkers.
Action Plan:
I will now produce a new blog post which will show my first attempt at placing my chosen images into a sequence which should clearly portray my narrative. I will discuss my thought process as to why I selected the chosen order and creative thoughts towards laying out the image. Furthermore, I will use this first layout as an experimentation, allowing me to evaluate my work as to what went well and what should be changed, which should then lead me on to creating a second draft.
The first zine that caught my eye was the titled “Chernobyl” and was photographed by someone called John Darwell (vol.2). The images produced within the Chernobyl exclusion zone, a 30 kilometre radius no- entry area that was evacuated after the nuclear meltdown at the Chernobyl power plant in 1986. The area had contained over 70 villages and loads of farms. The people living in these locations were given twenty four hours to gather their possessions and were then moved to locations around the Ukraine, in most cases never to return.
Below i have added a link to a documentary that explains in detail the disaster that killed and destroyed thounsandes of civilians lives:
Below is a mood Board of some of my favourite pictures from the Zine:
John Darwell is a English photographer working on long term projects that reflect his interest in social and industrial change, concern for the environment and issues around the deception of mental health. I feel like in this mini zine that he has produced he has chosen carefully the way that he wanted to format it and looked closely at his layout. One thing I liked about the zine was the fact that all of his images are full size taken up the whole of the A5 format and each image have some sort off story that can be interpreted differently by every person that looks at it.
Technically, the type of lighting used seems to actually be natural lighting as they do seem to have been taking during maybe about mid-day. I do think he has chosen this time of day to capture all the light and golden tones of the sky and elements of buildings the reckonings would not have stood out the way they have due to the time of day he choose to capture these images. For this image I feel like the main focus of the image is on the reckoning of the building but also hes captured the space around it and also captured the nature that also adds a lively color scheme to the image.
Visually, just by looking at the image we can tell there are lots of different textures which actually are highly focused making the image seemingly a lot more interesting. By having these colors and defined textures it adds a realistic aspect to the image which also gives off a sense that the image probably wouldn’t have had to have a lot of editing due to his positioning which he chose a forward stance which makes it look like were seeing it from our eyes with very natural choices of saturation. From an outsider view I think he would have chosen various different angles and styles before coming to the choice that this was his best image but by him doing this its added a 3D effect in terms of the shading behind the building and hes also managed to plan out how much negative space he would add to the image without it consisting of over powering the image.
Contextually, there is a lot of meaning behind this particular image. The Chernobyl accident happened in April 26, 1986 and what actually happened I have spoken about previously a couple paragraphs up. I think the image is powerful as it shows a lively looking colored sky but the remains of what once could have been a well known business and now all that left is the building. Chernobyl is now deserted pretty much apart from some very old villagers who to this day seem to refuse to leave even though their lives are significantly high in danger and i think the image captures well the idea of being alone but also the image has a sinsiter element to it. Due to the abandonment i feel like the photographer was trying to capture through his lens the idea that just because its abandoned does not mean its safe and going to this exact place, Chernobyl, it shows a clear indication of this.
I think he has achieved a thought in the person who is viewing the image he has taken. A feeling of sadness yet uncertainty stepping into a place that was once busy and now is just abandoned due to a disaster that actually destroyed lives. John being a British photographer just wanted to show us (viewers of his images) that there is a lot out there that we have no idea what it looks like and how its affected a busy, populated place with over 70 villages to having a population no where over 100 people.
