As this was my first project in photography, looking back I believe I could have done much better if I redid this project now. My editing and photography skills were not as advanced as they are now so if this project was redone I believe it would have come out a lot better with better ideas. As well as this my artist references were not very good. Overall I would give myself a 6/10 on this project.
Anthropocene
As this was the final project of year 12, I spent much more time developing ideas in this project than I did in the identity project. By the end of year 12 my photography and editing skills were much more advanced so I was able to create better final outcomes, as well as this my artist references were much better than the identity projects. Overall I would give myself 8/10.
My Rock
This was my most recent photography project and even though it was just one photoshoot I was very happy with the final outcomes of this project as well as the photo zine that I developed. By this point my photography and editing skills were very advanced so I was able to create good final outcomes for this project, and the photo zine came out very nicely. Overall I would give myself 8/10
What themes inspired me and I enjoyed the most throughout my studies –
Examples of my work.
What is Anthropocene?
Anthropocene comes from the Greek term “Anthropo” which means ‘human’ and “cene” which means ‘new’, this definition stands for how humans have impacted the earth in ways that are irreversible to the ecosystems, environment, biodiversity, etc. This impact is amplified through carbon dioxide emissions, ocean acidification, habitat destruction, etc which have accelerated quickly in the past 60 years and continues to do so yet others argue that there still are not enough indicators to declare a new geographical epoch. A ‘geographical epoch’ is used by Earth Scientists to indicate the time scale of geology and the periods which we have gone through, such as: Palaeocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene. As of now, we are currently in the period known as “The Great Acceleration” due to the quick pace of modifications humans have made to the earth already.
What/who did I study?
For my Anthropocene project, I decided to study ‘Plastic Pollution’ and the photographers who explored this subject within Anthropocene that I chose to do a case study on and explore further were Naomi White and Vilde Rolfsen. This was because I favoured how they explored the topic of ‘Plastic pollution’ through their photography where they used plastic bags. I thought that this was a unique and creative way to raise awareness of how plastic is detrimental to the environment as you can use plastic bags in many ways to create different shapes, objects, animals etc. I really enjoyed studying these two photographers and creating work that has been influenced by them which raises awareness of plastic pollution.
What is urban photography?
Urban Photography means the study of industrial areas such as factories/sites where goods are manufactured, finance areas such as offices, overlooking areas of a town/city, etc. This theme can also be linked into ‘Street photography’ as the photographs can vary from looking in depth to the creation and formation of the buildings, a general overview from above, capturing cars/cans/trucks/etc in motion and it can be taken at any time of day. This type of photography records the study of everyone’s day to day life, capturing candid photos of people working or carry out plans which they have for the day, with or without their knowledge instead of having them posing. This is because it can make the photo looked staged and gets rid of the realistic and candid nature of the photo, which photographers want to capture of the people and their surroundings.
What/who did I study?
For my Urban photography project, I began by looking into ‘The New Topographics’ which explores a group of 10 photographers who experimented with a new and different type of photography in the 1970s. This photographic style consisted of urban photos of buildings or other man made creations and giving them a simple aesthetic of black and white. This study was helpful as it introduced me into Urban photography, where I then went further and developed case studies of Rut Blees Luxemburg, Charles Sheeler and Keld Helmer-Petersen who I used for reference as inspiration for my photoshoots which I then carried out later on, as well as adapting to their unique editing styles.
My least successful outcomes –
For my Identity project, which I decided to be my least successful work which I have created, I focussed on a hobby of mine which is reading and what this meant to me. I decided to take photos of myself in various locations reading different books, with a larger focus on books that explored feminism and a women’s role in society. The photographers which I studied consisted of Henry Hargreaves, who had a project which had a colourful and bright style of photographing different books which I liked and wanted to use as reference for my photoshoots, and Andy Warhol, who’s work I used as inspiration for the bright filtered photos. For this project, if I were to do it again I would carry out more photoshoots as I had a small amount of photos to work with which gave me a small amount of successful final outcomes to use. I also would go back and experiment with different editing and presentations of my work at a greater level as I didn’t have many final outcomes to work with.
My most successful outcomes –
For my Urban project, which I decided to be my most successful work which I have created, I focussed on the construction and formations of office buildings and other industrial areas such as the underpass in Jersey which is near the financial area of St. Helier. I was really happy with each of these outcomes, the one on the left I turned into black and white and cropped it in photoshop where it was then printed and framed by hand. I think that this photo shows the unifromed structure of the buildings in the financial distruct of Jersey but it is also being disrupted by this crane, yet it almost fits in due to the straight lines which it posseses. The other photo, I followed the same process and made the photos warmer instead for their filters, this was because the underpass already carries a warm glow to it which I wanted to enhance and I liked how I was able t capture two cars travelling opposite ways in the same position in the photograph and I think that it stands out well against the black frame.
I would like to explore motoring on jersey. Including motorsport such as sprints, trials, rally and sand racing. Additionally i would like to explore the vehicles on Jerseys roads.
Why it matters to you?
Motorsport is a large part of jerseys culture in recent years. There are many different events of all different styles taking place all year round. These include; Rally, Trials, Motocross, Sprints and sand racing. I am a huge fan of motorsport and vehicles in general so i would like to explore this topic as i find it very exiting and interesting. Additionally, i have relatives and close friends who are involved in motoring whose garages and workshops i could go photograph.
How you wish to develop your project?
I would like to create a Photobook containing images from upcoming motoring events as well as images of my friends and relatives vehicles as well and their workshops.
When and where you intend to begin your study?
There are some upcoming motorsport events including Trials on the 11th of December in greve de leque woods.. Sprints on the 30th of December on the 5 mile road. I also have images that i took from the jersey rally 2022. Additionally, I ride a motorcycle. Often me and my friends all go out on rides around the island. I think that this would be a great opportunity to take some photos that would show my passion for motoring even though i cannot be part of official motorsports events.
my First idea for my photography project is history and I will be exploring the idea of old photos of jersey / new photo. To see how much Jersey has changed. I will use the old photos from the website TheIslandWiki / jersey heritage
King street
Gorey pier
St aubin
Halkett place – fortuna
victoria pier
St Aubins harbour
weighbridge
Gorey
the market
market
Old post office now The Mechanics Institute
Prison building, Newgate Street, St Helier with granite façade with crest and date stone 1812
The Weighbridge St Helier
St Helier harbour
Parade Gardens St Helier
the grand hotel
St Helier harbour
royal square
2. My other idea is taking photos of the wildlife at Durrell zoo. I will capture the natural landscapes and also the animals living there.
The Crown Dependencies are three island territories in the British Islands that are self-governing possessions of the British Crown: the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man. They are not part of the United Kingdom nor are they British Overseas Territories. The Crown Dependencies aren’t part of the UK but are self-governing dependencies of the Crown. This means they have their own elected legislative assemblies, administrative, fiscal and legal systems and their own courts of law. The Crown Dependencies are not represented in the UK Parliament.
Jersey is a British Crown Dependency and is defended and internationally represented by the UK government. Today, the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey is the personal representative of The Majesty the King here in the Island. “The Crown” is defined differently in each Crown Dependency. In Jersey, statements in the 21st century of the constitutional position by the Law Officers of the Crown define it as the “Crown in right of Jersey”, with all Crown land in the Bailiwick of Jersey belonging to the Crown in right of Jersey and not to the Crown Estate of the United Kingdom.
Each Bailiwick is a Crown dependency and each is headed by a Bailiff, with a Lieutenant Governor representing the Crown in each Bailiwick. Each Bailiwick has its own legal and healthcare systems and its own separate immigration policies, with “local status” in one Bailiwick having no jurisdiction in the other. The two Bailiwicks exercise bilateral double taxation treaties. Since 1961, the Bailiwicks have had separate courts of appeal, but generally, the Bailiff of each Bailiwick has been appointed to serve on the panel of appellate judges for the other Bailiwick.
Why is Jersey a Crown Dependency?
Constitutionally, Jersey is classified as a Crown Dependency, since the Island’s relationship stems from the sovereignty of the British Crown, as opposed to the UK Parliament or HM Government. In practice, this gives the Island constitutional rights of self-government and judicial independence.
Jersey is not part of the UK and is not represented in the UK Parliament. By charter and convention, the UK Parliament does not legislate for the Island without consent. However, the UK Government, on behalf of the Crown, does retain formal responsibility for the Island’s defence and, to some extent, its foreign affairs. The United Kingdom Government is responsible for the defence and international relations of the Islands and the Crown is ultimately responsible for good governance. In fulfilling its responsibilities to the Islands, the Crown acts through the Privy Council. The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor is the Privy Counsellor and the minister responsible for the affairs of the Channel Islands.
In the Channel Islands the Queen is known as The Duke of Normandy. At official functions, islanders raise the loyal toast to ‘The Duke of Normandy, our Queen’. This is important to research for my project as I think that understanding the history of the island before going out of photoshoots and creating additional blog posts makes for better final outcomes. I think that this concept of Jersey becoming a Crown Dependency is quite interesting as before making this blog post I have no previous knowledge on the history of the Island’s government.
How did Jersey become a Crown Dependency?
The Channel Islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy when Duke William, following his conquest of England in 1066, became William I. In 1106, William’s youngest son Henry I seized the Duchy of Normandy from his brother Robert; since that time, the English and subsequently British Sovereign has held the title Duke of Normandy.
By 1205, England had lost most of its French lands, including Normandy. However, the Channel Islands, part of the lost Duchy, remained a self-governing possession of the English Crown. While the islands today retain autonomy in government, they owe allegiance to The Queen in her role as Duke of Normandy. The ability for Jersey to determine its own laws, raise taxation, and hold elections is based on long-standing constitutional precedent, dating from 1204 when King John lost the Battle of Rouen, signalling the loss of continental Normandy, which had been united with The Crown since the invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066.
As a consequence, the Channel Islands, part of the Duchy of Normandy for more than a hundred years at that point, were persuaded to side with King John, and in return King John confirmed the Islands could continue to be governed by their own laws with a separate administration, whilst a “warden” (later to become Governor) was appointed by the King to organise the defence of the Island. The right to be governed by their own laws with a separate administration was thereafter enshrined in convention by a series of Royal Charters, all of which embedded the separateness of the Channel Islands from England.
after I created this mind map I put together a mood board of different images that I feel express islandness. The property of being or belonging to an island, especially insofar as it affects society and culture.
Write a Statement of Intent that clearly contextualises;
What you want to explore?
Why it matters to you?
How you wish to develop your project?
When and where you intend to begin your study?
Make sure you describe your how you interpret the theme of ‘islandness’, subject-matter, topic or issue you wish to explore, artists references/ inspirations and final outcome – photobook or film.
You may wish to consider:
What makes Jersey special to you?
What are the distinct qualities of island life?
A sense of place and identity
Explore the notion of the ‘Jersey way’ or ‘Jersey-ness’.
Artist References
Rut Blees Luxemburg
Rut Blees Luxemburg (born 1967) is a German-born British photographer. Her technique is to take photographs at night, mostly exploring the urban landscape. She is a Tutor at the Royal College of Art. In 2020, Luxemburg was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society, Bristol.
Luxemburg studied photography at London College of Communication and gained her last formal education at the University of Westminster. She employs long exposures to allows her to use the light emanating from the street only, for instance from office blocks or street lights in her photos.
Jersey to me acts like a tutorial level in a video game; a safe, closed off area that allows me to learn and develop skills before I move on to the real world when I’m ready. I value this idea as it’s quite comforting at times to know that I have a place to explore with all kinds of people, however, I often find myself feeling quite insignificant due to the isolation that being on an island brings which is sometimes exaggerated due to the fact that I’m Portuguese living on an English island. The disconnection from both the Portuguese culture and Jersey’s culture leave me in an awkward position as I find that I’m too Portuguese for the English people and too English for the Portuguese people.
In my personal study, I’d like to explore my experience in Jersey as it’s something I have first hand experience in and think I could passionately make a personal study on. I’d specifically like to explore being Portuguese in Jersey whilst touching on the topic of mental health due to how isolating it can be at times. I have several ideas on how I could photograph this topic, however, I’m focusing on taking a variety of photos from self portraits to landscapes and possibly some environmental portraits in order to portray my topic to the best of my ability.
I plan on referencing some of Rui Palha’s work as I think his street photography in Portugal is very intriguing to look at. The lack of colour adds a mysterious aspect to his work whilst allowing different aspects of the image to stand out due to the contrasting black and white tones. Along with that, the lack of actual faces sticks out to me as he seems to photograph the back of people’s heads, taking away some of their identity which represents how he himself struggles to express his own feelings but enjoys capturing them through photography.
After mindmapping, I decided I wanted to focus on people in Jersey and experiences that I could relate to rather than the physical aspects of the island itself as I knew I would be more passionate about subjects that I could relate to myself and therefore would be able to create a personal study that would reflect my abilities as a photographer.
Ideas:
Focusing on what it’s like to be Portuguese in Jersey. Isolation, community, racism, disconnection. Take photos of some of the Portuguese cafes and stuff, maybe family gatherings and such? Maybe mention how the lives of English & Portuguese vary by taking photos of the inside of houses? Possibly include text on some negative experiences Portuguese people have had Jersey [i.e: slurs, discrimination etc]. Called it ‘Islands intertwined’ or something.
Mental Health? Take photos of different services and the bad advice they’ve given [i.e: cup of tea], making a statement on how the mental health scene in Jersey needs to be improved. Include quotes of what’s been said – ask people at club what they’ve been told too!! *Make sure to include how useless a lot of the advice is. Possibly do self portraits and have each photo look messier, darker, shadowy etc in order to represent how the wrong advice can do more bad than good sometimes. Have the last page be all black or just empty. Maybe add some art as well. *Reference Helena Almeida
Possibly do a piece on what my life in Jersey is like on a day to day basis? Take photos of safe places, common places, abnormal places etc. Mostly as a ‘life on the rock’ type of thing.
Possibly take a variety of portraits on different types of people living in Jersey [i.e: Different cultures, nationalities etc] along with text on their experiences. Take photos of their homes, any traditional clothing/food they have and compare them on each spread, highlighting how different people can be despite living in the same place – shows the different communities in Jersey.
Maybe do something where I conform to stereotypes about Portuguese people? Add quotes about each stereotype?
