Being apart of this project is an amazing experience and has developed my photography extensively. This project has inspired top quality work and brought together a group of likeminded photographers who are presented to the public in Jerseys biggest newspaper. This allowed for my ability to connect with the subject I am photographing to be developed significantly as well as learning a lot about a communities and being able to present that in an artistic fashion.
Here is an example of this connection I was able to develop with my subjects in order to capture their identity.
And an example of how I exhibited the community I was in alongside a peer to display the theme in an aesthetically accurate manner.
I was also able to learn and experiment with modern real world climates and contexts through photography. For example this is a montage of screenshots from a group project where we explored the theme of the metaverse and modern technologies such as NFT’s.
Overall it was a highly beneficial project and it gave me a reason to continue being excited about practicing photography.
IDENTITY & COMMUNITY Newspaper
The images seen on the pages of this newspaper supplement are extracted from a variety of projects and final outcomes produced over a two-year academic programme of study by a group of A-Level photography students at Hautlieu School. In their final year the themes of Identity and Community offered a specific focus and through a series of creative challenges students developed a body of work that were inspired, partly from visiting heritage institutions to learn about aspects of Jersey’s unique history of immigration and exploring migrant communities and neighbourhoods in St Helier in a series of photo-walks. In the classroom additional inspiration was provided from workshops on NFTs (non-fungible token) and digital art, embroidery and textile art, animation and film-making, zine and photobook design led by professional artists, designers and teachers.
As part of the research and contextual studies students were asked to engage with some of the key questions raised by the Government of Jersey’s Island Identity project and explore through their own photographic studies how they interpret and identify distinctive qualities of island life. What can we learn from looking at a set of photographs produced by young islanders? At first sight they show us a seemingly random set of images of places, people and objects – some familiar, others surprising. On closer inspection each image is a visual sign and also a conundrum. For example, a fish stuffed in a plastic bottle may ask us to consider more closely our marine environment, commercial fishing or food consumption. As a combined sequence of images they represent different views that in many ways comment on a wider discussion on some of the primary objectives explored in the Island Identity project, such as ‘how we see ourselves’ and ‘how others see us.’
The newspaper was kindly sponsored by Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Assistant Chief Minister who in her foreword shares her personal thoughts on what makes Jersey special to her in context of the Island Identity project led by her department. She says, ‘identity involves searching our soul, engaging with difficult issues, and asking not only who we are, but how others see us and what a vision for the future might look like. The perspective of students and young people in this debate is critical. Identity is a broad and far-reaching concept, one unique to all of us. This collection of images recognises both our differences and our commonalties. These times may be uncertain, but in my view the topic – ‘what Jersey means to you’ – is a fundamentally optimistic and forward-looking one.’
The Identity and Community newspaper is the fourth supplement produced in collaboration between Hautlieu School Photography Department and Jersey Evening Post. In 2018 the first issue was The Future of St Helier and last year the themes of Love & Rebellion explored experiences of isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Photographer and teacher Martin Toft, comments: ‘The question of ‘what makes Jersey special’ matters a great deal to every islander and as visual signs, the images printed on these pages are an attempt – not so much to provide answers – but rather asking questions about the essence of this island we call home, and how it actively will overcome current challenges in shaping a prosperous future for all.’
Various workshops and school trips for inspirations, recording and experimenting with new images and ideas of making
The following presents and explains the process of selecting and displaying my final prints.
Two of my most compelling landscapes work well together side by side with a large boarder. I presented these images together the two images both complement and contrast each other at the same. They juxtapose with the black and white sky’s. They work well side by side with the leading horizontal line of the horizon staying mostly consistent and in line through both compositions.
I did experiment with a different layout for these images before deciding on this one. I liked the obscurity of the experiment with the two pieces of land meeting in the middle creating a sort of kaleidoscopic illusion.
The following layout I decided to mount includes a collection of images sharing physical similarities with a clear theme of long vertical leading lines and eerie colour grading with all images sharing a navy green and low saturation. The random scattering of the layout makes it more impelling. I arranged them in an order where the central images share the same colour properties to create a seamless conjoined landscape while the greyscale images surround them and create a border around the larger central image.
I then mounted prints that fit the theme of industrialisation and the Anthropocene. These images all share warm yet lifeless hues. This demonstrated an apocalyptic theme with these images. I once again decided that a scattered collage would work well the the images all having different orientations. I preformed photomontage with the photo of the construction sight with the rubble being split into two images on opposite sides of the layout.
I then decided to make another large mount but this time followed a more symmetrical layout to satisfy the rule of thirds. I rotated the image on the left from an originally landscape image to portrait. The images all complement each other colour wise as well as all following the same contextual and conceptual theme.
I then displayed a set of prints from my photobook in a simple triptych format.
I then mounted images that work well on their own. The following image presents my photographic ability with sharp focus high clarity and a bokeh effect. Therefore I chose to present it by its self.
I then decided to complete the some variation into my final displays by mounting a small A3 headshot.
I finally decided to create a virtual gallery from my favourite diptych of the two landscape images.
The following is an in depth analysis of the process of constructing my photobook.
Before I began physically developing images and collating them into a photobook I conceptualised the narrative and design of the book in writing.
One I had a clear understanding of how the images I had produced for this project where going to form a narrative I experimented and developed a criteria for how the book would be designed. This includes all the tangible elements of the book such as the material of the paper the orientation as well as the colour scheme and layout of the images. Once this was pre-decided I could begin the physical process of creating the book in Lightroom.
I began by importing all the images I would be potentially using and loading them into the filmstrip.
After this it was time to develop the images by editing them and making any final tweaks to make sure they worked well with each other in sequence.
Once all the images were edited sufficiently I moved onto the “book” tab of Lightroom and began by selecting the design preferences for the book.
I then moved onto choosing the front cover images. I decided on an image of the main subject of my book to feature on both covers. I chose an image of the subject facing away from the camera so that his identity is not immediately disclosed. This image introduces the theme of masculinity as we see a stereotypically muscular back of an athlete. The back cover image ends with a similar medium shot of the subject however this time he is looking directly into the lens. I chose this as it juxtaposes well with the front cover and the reader has flipped through the book and been introduced to this character, ending with a shot where the character is looking at the lens interacts with the reader and solidifies this introduction. I wanted the cover to be captivating so I altered the image in photoshop to give it a layered illusion, creating more depth. While undergoing this process I decided on a font that would work well for my book and also layered that behind the subject.
To complete the covers I finally added a blurb to the back cover to briefly describe the contents and added the title and my name to the spine. I also changed the colour of the spine to black to add some contrast to the cover and it complements the greyscale images I chose for the covers.
Moving on, I left the first page blank with only my name on the second page featuring stylistic typography for aesthetic affect which adds to the uniform style of the book. I created this text by experimenting with the tracking, leading and kerning of the text and then overlapped them.
The first image I feature in the book is positioned on the third page, leaving the second blank. I chose this image as it embodies the theme of sportsmanship and masculinity from the outset. This is due to readers being introduced to a character who is stereotypically masculine with his motorcycle helmet and a serious expression on his worn face. I placed this image on the right to ensure the subject wasn’t looking away from the spine. The image also features a composition which accentuates the subjects side profile and a clarity to the image which introduces the overall aesthetic of the book. I felt this image worked well with a tight crop and central page positioning with medium padding with the boarders.
The next spread consists of two long shots. The first image was chosen as a more arbitrary link to the previous image as well as the one following it. The use of an image of objects between images helps to tell the narrative and avoid mundane repetition. The image features an interesting framing with the motorbikes being half concealed by the bush in the foreground which creates a strong leading horizontal line which dissects the image into two, giving it more depth. I also chose the images for its vast tonal differences which help bring out the objects from the foreground. This photo of bikes leads well into the next image of a man putting on his helmet. This image is powerful as it initiates interaction with the viewer as the subject is looking directly into the camera. I also like the framing with the subjects face in the direct centre of the image. The subject is in the middle of putting on his helmet which adds more action to the image and links back to the idea of masculinity in sport with the man in the image “armouring up” almost like he is getting ready for war.
The image sitting isolated on the following spread of pages is a portrait action shot of a man riding a motorbike in a river. It follows on nicely from the previous image of the man putting his helmet on. The image is powerful with the use of a wide aperture creating a sharp focus on the subject and a blurry foreground and background. Along side this, the deep colours and texture of the make it an effective image. After this I left a blank page to allow for this image to work on its own and to allow for an interlude before the next spread.
This brings me onto the first double page spread. I felt this image works well as across two pages as it s one of the more powerful action shots encapsulating the sport that I am shooting. With the “wheelie” being shot up close with an ultra wide lens starting on one page and finishing in another it really immerses the viewer in the image.
I chose the next image for its emotional impact. It is a perfect demonstration of masculinity and emotion shown in sports with the team mates gathered around congratulating the main subject who has a proud expression on his face. This exemplifies the sense of identity and belonging young men achieve through sport. The images tonal range and texture created by the low saturation give it a dramatic feel adding to the emotion that comes through with this image. I feel it works well on its own to simplify the spread and create distance from the previous double page spread.
This leads well onto a double page spread of the same player in action almost trying to live up to the pride he was showing in the previous image. I chose this image for its sharp focus and bokeh effect. It works well as a double page spread as it allows for the quality and sharpness of the image to be appreciated up close as well as allowing all the elements of action to be displayed with each of the subjects faces sitting on a different page.
The subsequent image portrays a sense of masculinity through mentorship. The way this image is shot with the main subject guiding the younger man portrays the idea that young men idealize powerful sportsmen. The main subject is made to look powerful through the use of a low angle shot and the way his head is held high with a proud expression on his face.
This idea of mentoring younger generations and finding identity within a sporting community carries on through the next spread. This image is compelling due to its engaging manner. This is achieved in the composistion by the subject in the center frame looking directly at the lens while everyone else is not. The positioning of the camera makes the style of this image feel intrusive like we are part of the players “huddle”. I decided to utilise this image as a double page spread as it this intrustive style feels more effective as a larger landscape image. I offcentered the image so that the subject who is looking at the lens is not positioned too close to the seam or gutter of the book; this style also allows for a difference from all the centre positioned spreads in the rest of the book.
The following spread I chose two complementary images to introduce a process of comparison. Both subjects are seen to have their hands above their heads but can be juxtaposed through their emotions with the subject on the left looking frustrated and sullen while the subject on the right embodies a more elated mood. This helps to portray my idea of sport placing pressure on young men. Both figures are seen to be playing masculine roles however the sportsman seems less content with his masculinity. When editing these images I focused on using the red colours in the first image to portray that sense of anger while going for softer less saturated tones on the other image.
The next spread embodies the narrative. The young sportsman on the left is seen to be impugning on his abilities, as we see him hanging his head as if in defeat. This transitions well into the next image where we see a coach like father figure giving words of encouragement which can be seen as belittlement. This portrays the idea that young sportsmen are put under pressure by their father figures to “be a man”. I created a high contrast image on the left with high clarity and tonal range with no colour to further develop the dreary, defeatist mood. While the image on the right still edited with lower exposure and high contrast, has colour to represent a sense of comfort in role models.
This theme of exasperation continues in the subsequent spread. This image captures that emotion well as we can see the exaggerated, reprehensible frustration on the players faces up close with a bokeh on the background, thus singling out the subjects and framing them well in the composition. The large double page spread allows for the two subjects to be somewhat split while still having that immersivity into the situation where this image was shot.
Following this, I introduce a sub narrative into the book by announcing a sportsman who has a less traditional and more rebellious attitude to sports. I do this by including a shot of him in action and then subsequently a dramatic portrait/headshot.
I continue this sequence in the next spread by using an obscure image of the subject with his equipment and then reveal his identity with a side profile portrait. I use low saturation and high contrast to create a grungy texture to add to the theme of rebellion.
This is followed by the final set of images in the sub narrative. These fit well with the rest of images, having the one obscure and one portrait in common. I am fond of the deep black background and the sharp whites contrasting with each other. The way these images are edited to create that dark black adds to the theme of identity as a sense of isolation is being portrayed, isolation from other communities therefore feeding into the rebellious aesthetic.
The next narrative sequence shows the life of a sportsman as a fly on the wall. These series of images are taken in a photo-documentative style showing all the behind the scenes. The images portray the idea that when these young men are isolated and away from their team-mates the act they preform to appear masculine is dropped. The idea that it is not masculine to share emotions and being unbothered is idealized has an effect on the subject. The “brave face” comes off and we see the degradation of the subject and how he really feels when he is alone.
The first image starts the sequence off well as we see the subject opening his car door which essentially opens us up to this narrative.
Next we see two complementary shots that give us insight into the home life and setting of the subject. We see two angles of the subject sitting down in an almost defeated fashion. We see him hanging his head in the second image illustrating his feeling of emptiness which gives more understanding of his identity. The under exposed dark shades in these images start to construct a gloomy mood.
Thereafter, a closer up image where we can see the expression on the young sportsman’s face. The use of natural Rembrandt lighting creates an effective chiaroscuro and defines the subjects face well. I chose to make this a double page spread as the form of the composition works well with the subjects arms acting as the pages. I designed it like this to also create an intimacy with the subject when we open this page.
This leads onto the same position with a juxtaposing composition. We can see the subject lying down from a birds eye view. This carries the narrative well as we feel like we are moving around the subject. With the layout of this image I decided to further juxtapose from the previous image by creating distance instead of close up perspective by placing the image on its own in one corner of the spread.
The book ends with a unique layout of two narrow portraits and a full page spread on the subsequent page. The two narrow images end the book off on a sense of self-realization with the subject appearing to almost be looking into the future. The side lighting creates a chiaroscuro and a dramatic effect to end the narrative off. The final image has been cropped tight to create an obscure composition and end the book with an intimate interaction with the protagonist and leave us with a tactile image when the book is closed. The high clarity allows for the texture of the image to be demonstrated adding to this tactility.
The images seen on the pages of this newspaper supplement are extracted from a variety of projects and final outcomes produced over a two-year academic programme of study by a group of A-Level photography students at Hautlieu School. In their final year the themes of Identity and Community offered a specific focus and through a series of creative challenges students developed a body of work that were inspired, partly from visiting heritage institutions to learn about aspects of Jersey’s unique history of immigration and exploring migrant communities and neighbourhoods in St Helier in a series of photo-walks. In the classroom additional inspiration was provided from workshops on NFTs (non-fungible token) and digital art, embroidery and textile art, animation and film-making, zine and photobook design led by professional artists, designers and teachers.
As part of the research and contextual studies students were asked to engage with some of the key questions raised by the Government of Jersey’s Island Identity project and explore through their own photographic studies how they interpret and identify distinctive qualities of island life. What can we learn from looking at a set of photographs produced by young islanders? At first sight they show us a seemingly random set of images of places, people and objects – some familiar, others surprising. On closer inspection each image is a visual sign and also a conundrum. For example, a fish stuffed in a plastic bottle may ask us to consider more closely our marine environment, commercial fishing or food consumption. As a combined sequence of images they represent different views that in many ways comment on a wider discussion on some of the primary objectives explored in the Island Identity project, such as ‘how we see ourselves’ and ‘how others see us.’
The newspaper was kindly sponsored by Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Assistant Chief Minister who in her foreword shares her personal thoughts on what makes Jersey special to her in context of the Island Identity project led by her department. She says, ‘identity involves searching our soul, engaging with difficult issues, and asking not only who we are, but how others see us and what a vision for the future might look like. The perspective of students and young people in this debate is critical. Identity is a broad and far-reaching concept, one unique to all of us. This collection of images recognises both our differences and our commonalties. These times may be uncertain, but in my view the topic – ‘what Jersey means to you’ – is a fundamentally optimistic and forward-looking one.’
The Identity and Community newspaper is the fourth supplement produced in collaboration between Hautlieu School Photography Department and Jersey Evening Post. In 2018 the first issue was The Future of St Helier and last year the themes of Love & Rebellion explored experiences of isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Photographer and teacher Martin Toft, comments: ‘The question of ‘what makes Jersey special’ matters a great deal to every islander and as visual signs, the images printed on these pages are an attempt – not so much to provide answers – but rather asking questions about the essence of this island we call home, and how it actively will overcome current challenges in shaping a prosperous future for all.’
Various workshops and school trips for inspirations, recording and experimenting with new images and ideas of making
Evaluation:
My image on the right
My image on the right
My image on the right
My image on the left
Task: Write an evaluation, reflecting on the experience of being part of making a newspaper and working on IDENTITY & COMMUNITY project and put it here at the top of the blog post, titled: IDENTITY & COMMUNITY. Specifically, select your images and spreads for comments.
The 4 of my images that have been used in the newspaper are placed in contrast next to other students work. I really like how the first spread hints towards ideas of our environment being tampered with and destroyed, the juxtaposition between a lighter and a flower implies themes of global warming and climate change. Additionally I think the contrast is strong due to texture and colour, with the other students image on the left being harsh and focused compared to my Pictorialism style – it connotes ideas of the fragility of nature, being something we need to keep safe. The second spread, with my image on the right, has an atmosphere of power – contrasting old and new, abandoned and governed. I like the way the spread shows the power of nature compared to ‘man’, yet the irony of a strong independent woman by its side – parodic representation of ‘the human power’? There are similar warm tones in both images, yet a darker and colder atmosphere surrounds the image on the left, juxtaposing the content mood of my photograph. Altogether I really like how this image has been displayed next to one so different, yet holding subtle similarities. The third spread uses an image of a greenhouse which I took during our Year 12 Anthropocene project, displayed next to another students image of bricks. There is a clear contrast in colour with these images, the left holding red and orange hues juxtaposing with the desaturated greens and blues of my image – implying a sense of nature vs man. The abandoned nature of both images creates the impression of being forgotten, desolate landscapes disrupted by mans creation – yet my image hints towards nature fighting back, this contrast strongly shows the power of nature even when hope seems lost. The final spread uses an image of a tree branch from my most recent project on the left, placed next to two images from another student of expansive landscapes. All images on this spread hold strong orange tones and display features of the natural environment – yet there is a sense of looming fear and destruction. Each image is a sort-of hint towards a more industrialised environment, my image starting the set with a dark mysterious atmosphere around nature, moving across to an image showing mankind within natures freedom, then finishing with a futuristic display of when this ‘nature’s freedom’ no longer exists.
Below are the images that I will be using for my photobook. All of my images were taken in Drum and Bass events that were upheld in Jersey and the UK. Some of these images where highly edited in the way that the photo has been fully manipulated. Whereas the others are pictures which have not been edited at all.
Write a book specification and describe in detail what your book will be about in terms of narrative, concept and design with reference to the same elements of bookmaking as above.
Narrative: What is your story?
Describe in 3 words?
Drum and Bass
A sentence
Showing outsiders the drum and bass culture from an insider’s perspective.
A paragraph
As an individual who is in the culture of the drum and bass scene. I want to be able to portray the drum and bass culture to outsiders, who don’t understand the drum and bass culture. Furthermore, giving a deeper understanding on drum and bass on what it is and how this culture is even relevant.
Design: consider the following
How you want your book to feel
I want a softcover on the outside and for the book to be glossy so it looks similar to a magazine.
Paper and Ink
I want the ink and paper to be glossy so that the bright colours in my images really stand for people to view.
Format, Size and orientation
My book is going to be a small square with the dimensions of: 7 x 7 in (18cm x 18cm).
Binding and cover
I am going to want the cover to have an image of a crowd of people. This is because I want people to get an understanding on what type of book they are looking at.
Title
My title is going to be called “The Sesh”. This is because some people will understand the slang term and some won’t. For those who don’t understand it, hopefully after looking at the book they will know what it means.
Design and layout
Single full bleed images
Single images non full bleed black border
three images on one page
Editing and sequencing
I want to sequence my images how people usually end up going through a night out, from the start to the end of a night out.
Images and Text
Above is the front and back cover of my photobook. To make it, I put the title “The Sesh” in the middle bottom of the book and included my name and title on the spine. The front and back cover on my book have a full bleed spread of an image of a crowd at one of the drum and bass events. I had to zoom the image out abit in order for it to sit perfectly across the front and back cover.
Above is the finalised layout of my photo book with images of the photo shoot i had taken, with finalised images selected across a sequence. During the creation of this photo book, I have experimented with different page layouts. For example, instead of having one photo on a page, I put three images laid out with two small ones on top and a bigger picture going across the bottom of the same page. In my opinion, this final photo book layout is the best due to the way the pictures are put together on each individual page.
Above is one of the first images that was edited/ manipulated in order to make the image look hallucinogenic. This appears to be an effective edit because I was able to manipulate the picture, in a way which people would believe that’s what it would look like to consume drugs at a drum and bass event. Moreover, this image would give outsiders an idea on the atmosphere to expect at these events being; loud, bright and wavy etc…
The next edited/ manipulated image was only changed from its original colour to black and white. This image is a golden gem to me because the picture was taken in a way where the flash stayed on with the persons face with the camera having a wide aperture. Therefore, the image looks edited however it isn’t and that is amazing because even if I wanted to recreate the image I couldn’t, making it a 1 of 1. Furthermore, the image once again could give off the impression of distortion/ hallucination. Giving people a further understanding on what the experience could be like at these drum and bass events.
Finally, this is an image captured at one of the drum and bass events attended to get images. This image is strong I believe because it wasn’t edited, making the picture fall under the subclass of realism. Moreover, the image is engaging as I was able to capture the coloured smoke in the background of the image. This was effective as it made it engagging to viewers. Finally, the image being realistic is great for outsiders looking in because they are able to see an authentic image of what happens in these drum and bass events. From the atmosphere, emotions, facial expressions, clothing etc…
Above is an image that demonstrates the different types of options you can select in order to layout your pictures. This was great as I was able to move my layouts around to whatever I preferred.
The Outcome
The outcome from the photobook project is a book which reflects the culture of the drum and bass community. It shows what the potential experience of a night out to a drum and bass event could be like, from the start, to the end of the night. Moreover, the book is also meant to show “outsiders” who aren’t involved with the drum and bass community, showing what the community is about, cancelling out any stereotypes that people might assume within the drum and bass culture. For example, because of the what the music sounds like, people assume that people are aggressive at these events, causing fights between the crowd. However, as an insider to this culture, I can say that the people in the crowd are very in tuned with the music. Meaning that everyone is happy and not bothered by any pushing or shoving in the crowd. This is because, people accept that they are in a tight space which is the reason as to why pushing and shoving occurs occasionally on accident. Moreover, everyone in the crows is there for the same purpose which brings the community together as people share similar interests in music and clothing. Furthermore, the occuring themes of garments are sunglasses, bucket hats, costumes/ coordinated outfits and bumbags. Some of these garments such as sunglasses and bumbags, are mainly used so that people can carry drugs with and not have people look into there eyes for suspicion. Drugs are heavily influenced in this culture due to that fact that the audience are mainly young adults. Also, because people want to enhance their experience for a better time, memories and having moments of euphoria.
The images seen on the pages of this newspaper supplement are extracted from a variety of projects and final outcomes produced over a two-year academic programme of study by a group of A-Level photography students at Hautlieu School. In their final year the themes of Identity and Community offered a specific focus and through a series of creative challenges students developed a body of work that were inspired, partly from visiting heritage institutions to learn about aspects of Jersey’s unique history of immigration and exploring migrant communities and neighbourhoods in St Helier in a series of photo-walks. In the classroom additional inspiration was provided from workshops on NFTs (non-fungible token) and digital art, embroidery and textile art, animation and film-making, zine and photobook design led by professional artists, designers and teachers.
As part of the research and contextual studies students were asked to engage with some of the key questions raised by the Government of Jersey’s Island Identity project and explore through their own photographic studies how they interpret and identify distinctive qualities of island life. What can we learn from looking at a set of photographs produced by young islanders? At first sight they show us a seemingly random set of images of places, people and objects – some familiar, others surprising. On closer inspection each image is a visual sign and also a conundrum. For example, a fish stuffed in a plastic bottle may ask us to consider more closely our marine environment, commercial fishing or food consumption. As a combined sequence of images they represent different views that in many ways comment on a wider discussion on some of the primary objectives explored in the Island Identity project, such as ‘how we see ourselves’ and ‘how others see us.’
The newspaper was kindly sponsored by Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Assistant Chief Minister who in her foreword shares her personal thoughts on what makes Jersey special to her in context of the Island Identity project led by her department. She says, ‘identity involves searching our soul, engaging with difficult issues, and asking not only who we are, but how others see us and what a vision for the future might look like. The perspective of students and young people in this debate is critical. Identity is a broad and far-reaching concept, one unique to all of us. This collection of images recognises both our differences and our commonalties. These times may be uncertain, but in my view the topic – ‘what Jersey means to you’ – is a fundamentally optimistic and forward-looking one.’
The Identity and Community newspaper is the fourth supplement produced in collaboration between Hautlieu School Photography Department and Jersey Evening Post. In 2018 the first issue was The Future of St Helier and last year the themes of Love & Rebellion explored experiences of isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Photographer and teacher Martin Toft, comments: ‘The question of ‘what makes Jersey special’ matters a great deal to every islander and as visual signs, the images printed on these pages are an attempt – not so much to provide answers – but rather asking questions about the essence of this island we call home, and how it actively will overcome current challenges in shaping a prosperous future for all.’
Evaluation
My Images
I found the experience of being a part of this newspaper very interesting, with being able to figure out which of my images would look best and experimenting with the layout, and which photographs look best as a small series. The images of mine that have been displayed in the newspaper include the small image on the bottom left, which displays a landscape that shows industrial structures edited into St. Ouens sand dunes, from my Anthropocene project. As well as this a full bleed image of my grandparents hands taken from my personal study project is featured as well as a double page spread of stitched photographs from the same project. It was a really exciting opportunity having my images displayed in a public place and having more people view my work. I think that the series of stitched images work best in the newspaper as it links to island identity in the sense that it touches on how my family moved to Jersey from England, which is similar to many other people who live on the island. Overall, I am very proud of the outcome of this newspaper.
The images seen on the pages of this newspaper supplement are extracted from a variety of projects and final outcomes produced over a two-year academic programme of study by a group of A-Level photography students at Hautlieu School. In their final year the themes of Identity and Community offered a specific focus and through a series of creative challenges students developed a body of work that were inspired, partly from visiting heritage institutions to learn about aspects of Jersey’s unique history of immigration and exploring migrant communities and neighbourhoods in St Helier in a series of photo-walks. In the classroom additional inspiration was provided from workshops on NFTs (non-fungible token) and digital art, embroidery and textile art, animation and film-making, zine and photobook design led by professional artists, designers and teachers.
As part of the research and contextual studies students were asked to engage with some of the key questions raised by the Government of Jersey’s Island Identity project and explore through their own photographic studies how they interpret and identify distinctive qualities of island life. What can we learn from looking at a set of photographs produced by young islanders? At first sight they show us a seemingly random set of images of places, people and objects – some familiar, others surprising. On closer inspection each image is a visual sign and also a conundrum. For example, a fish stuffed in a plastic bottle may ask us to consider more closely our marine environment, commercial fishing or food consumption. As a combined sequence of images they represent different views that in many ways comment on a wider discussion on some of the primary objectives explored in the Island Identity project, such as ‘how we see ourselves’ and ‘how others see us.’
The newspaper was kindly sponsored by Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Assistant Chief Minister who in her foreword shares her personal thoughts on what makes Jersey special to her in context of the Island Identity project led by her department. She says, ‘identity involves searching our soul, engaging with difficult issues, and asking not only who we are, but how others see us and what a vision for the future might look like. The perspective of students and young people in this debate is critical. Identity is a broad and far-reaching concept, one unique to all of us. This collection of images recognises both our differences and our commonalties. These times may be uncertain, but in my view the topic – ‘what Jersey means to you’ – is a fundamentally optimistic and forward-looking one.’
The Identity and Community newspaper is the fourth supplement produced in collaboration between Hautlieu School Photography Department and Jersey Evening Post. In 2018 the first issue was The Future of St Helier and last year the themes of Love & Rebellion explored experiences of isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Photographer and teacher Martin Toft, comments: ‘The question of ‘what makes Jersey special’ matters a great deal to every islander and as visual signs, the images printed on these pages are an attempt – not so much to provide answers – but rather asking questions about the essence of this island we call home, and how it actively will overcome current challenges in shaping a prosperous future for all.’
Various workshops and school trips for inspirations, recording and experimenting with new images and ideas of making
My featured images:
My images are used on the front and back cover, which I am happy about even though there is text and a watermark over it, and it is still visually strong.
This is a double page spread containing my images, they contrast each other which is why they are displayed next to each other.
The two images above are used to contrast other students work.
Overall, I am happy with the amount of work I have in the newspaper.
