What I used for reference –

Research –

• Martin Parr is a British documentary photographer and photojournalist.
• His work consists of taking a intimate and anthropological look on modern life, this can be seen in his projects where he has documented the wealth and social classis of England and the Western world.
• Since 1994, Parr has been a memeber of Magnum photos, where he has been able to publish 40 solo photobooks ans be featured in up to 0 exhibitions worldwide such as in London, 2002.
• In 2014, the Martin Parr foundation was also founded and registered as a charity in 2015 where Parr’s archive is found, holding his collection of British and other photographer Irish Photography, and a gallery.

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3 Key quotes –

1. “In this set of photographs Parr used flash and an underwater camera to create eerie scenarios of snowflakes and driving rain,”

I have chosen to use this quote because I think that it successfully describes the technique which Martin Parr uses within his photography to create his photos. This shows the simplicity of the technique and how easy it can be to make the weather look more extreme, creating that eerie feeling of this weather which seems as if you can’t escape it, than it already does through the use of flash photography and using an underwater camera to give the photos a distorted view within them.

2. “the feeling of claustrophobia experienced towards the end of it.”

I have chosen to use this quote because it represents how in Parr’s work he wanted to capture this feeling of claustrophobia which is created through the use of flash and underwater lens in his photography. Therefore this effect enhances that feeling of isolation as this type of weather which he explores within his photography can be linked into ties where people are unable to go out and see friends/family due to bad weather conditions and how this can make others feel.

3. “it was a reassertion of independence and a declaration that, from now on, photography was to be a solitary occupation.”

I have chosen to use this quote because I agree with how it states that photography can be seen as a solitary occupation because many photographers work is done by themselves, where they go out and produce sets of photos on a specific theme which they have thought of and wanted to create by themselves and avoid influence or plagiarism from other photographers. I also agree with how the quote states that it is a independence declaration which adds a level of freedom to being a photographer, and in a way Martin Parr’s work can be seen as the beginning of the movement of independence and representing photography as a solitary occupation which people do alone as it can be refreshing and calming.

Image analysis –

For this image which I have selected to use for my image analysis, is called “Three kinds of summer” which is a photo taken by Martin Parr apart of his ‘Bad Weather’ project. This photo shows how the techniques which have been used and described in the quote above that states “Parr used flash and an underwater camera to create eerie scenarios of snowflakes and driving rain,” and I think that this technique has been successfully used throughout his work. This is because it gives the photo this effect that the weather is almost unbearable to be in as the rain has been transformed through the use of the underwater camera to look heavier and as if the raindrops are bigger. The other focus point of this photograph is how the lady who is seen to be further back in the photograph does not have a coat on, which can suggest that the weather was unpredictable and unexpected as she put up an umbrella in a rush but doesn’t have a coat, therefore this successfully sows how Parr captures the theme of ‘Bad Weather’ throughout his work as he shows how terrible and unpredictable it can be.

PICTORIALISM

Time period: 1880s-1920s.

Key characteristics/ conventions: Made photography a physical process (like art), abstraction, camera is used as an instrument for a new vision of photography, subjective and spiritual movement, scientific invention, replicate other artworks, Allegorical paintings (figurative mode of representation that convey meaning unlike the literal way).

Artists associated: Louis Daguerre, Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Picasso, Edward Western, Walter Evans, Julia Margaret Cameron, Emerson’s book about Naturalistic Photography, Vienna Camera Club, Sally Mann.

Key works: Paul Strands Portfolio of Modern Art, Straight photography.

Methods/ techniques/ processes: Smeared Vaseline on the lens to make it seem like a painting, Sharp/soft focus, clearly focussed and face reality (no manipulation, do this after in a darkroom), emphasize selection and framing, abstract form, scratching the negatives afterwards, using chemicals.

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REALISM / STRAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Time period: 1900s

Key characteristics/ conventions: Photographers who believed in the qualities that represent the realism and accuracy of the real world, ‘Photographic’ rather then ‘paintings’, Monochrome painting, camera used to record as it is seen in front of the lens unquestioned (such as in the media with news stories).

Artists associated: Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Lisette Model, Lewis Hine, Henry Frederik Evans, Margareth Bourke-White, Jacob Riis.

Key works: Family of Man by Bernice Abott, MOMA by John Szarkowski, The Steerage by Stieglitz, Hale Country by Walker Evans, Cubism, Fauvism.

Methods/ techniques/ processes: Soft/crisp focus, wide depth of field, digital photography.

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MODERNISM

Time period: Early 1900-50s.

Key characteristics/ conventions: Fauvism, Primitivism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism,
Dadaism, Suprematism,
Constructivism, Neo-Plasticism,
Surrealism, Spatialism, Abstract
Expressionism, Social Realism,
Straight Photography, Formalism, focus on the object rather than the subject and form.

Artists associated: Edward Weston, Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Minor White, Ernst Haas, Saul Leiter, Aaron Siskind, Henry Callahan, Frederick Sommer, Paul Strand.

Key works: Harry Callahan and Chicago (1948), Frederick Sommer and Three Grazes (1985), Paul Strand and Porch Shadows (1916).

Methods/ techniques/ processes: Makes references into photographic techniques inside the art itself such as the form, composition, medium, material, skills, techniques, processes, etc.

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POST-MODERNISM

Time period: Late 1900s-2000s.

Key characteristics/ conventions: Used by Postmodernists/Architects who went against the international style of modernist architecture, relativism, used by postmodern artists to explore the way that society proposes the traditional hierarchy of cultural values/meanings, explores power and economic/social forces which shape identities of individuals/cultures, used by female photographers and artists in the 1980s, represents seriality and repetition.

Artists associated: Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, Sam Taylor-Wood, Corrine Day,

Key works: Chapter 5 in ‘Intimate Life’ in which is Charlotte Cotton’s book The Photograph a Contemporary Art, Barbara Kruger and Untitled (Your Body is a Battleground (1982), Corrine Day and Diary (1997), Sam Taylor-Wood and Soliloquy I (1998).

Methods/ techniques/ processes: Postmodernists use text, speak in one voice, photographs/other works consists of having one meaning, the photograph is reproducible and adaptable, blown up, cropped, blurred, used in other medias,

Academic Sources –

• Research and identify 3-5 literary sources from a variety of media such as books, journal/magazines, internet, Youtube/video .
• Begin to read essay, texts and interviews with your chosen artists as well as commentary from critics, historians and others.
• It’s important that you show evidence of reading and draw upon different pints of view – not only your own.
• Take notes when you’re reading…key words, concepts, passages
• Write down page number, author, year, title, publisher, place of publication so you can list source in a bibliography

Quotation and Referencing –

Why should you reference?

• To add academic support for your work
• To support or disprove your argument
• To show evidence of reading
• To help readers locate your sources
• To show respect for other people’s work
• To avoid plagiarism
• To achieve higher marks

What should you reference?

• Anything that is based on a piece of information or idea that is not entirely your own.
• That includes, direct quotes, paraphrasing or summarising of an idea, theory or concept, definitions, images, tables, graphs, maps or anything else obtained from a source.

How should you reference?

• Use Harvard System of Referencing.

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Essay question plan –

Key Subject: Weather, nature photography

Key photographers:

• Martin Parr
• Vanessa Winship

Question ideas:

• How have Martin Parr and Vanessa Winship explored the concept of the weather in their work?

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Essay Plan –

• Essay question:
• Opening quote
• Introduction (250-500 words): What is your area study? Which artists will you be analysing and why? How will you be responding to their work and essay question?
• Pg 1 (500 words): Historical/ theoretical context within art, photography, visual and popular culture relevant to your area of study. Make links to art movements/ isms and some of the methods employed by critics and historian. 
• Pg 2 (500 words): Analyse first artist/photographer in relation to your essay question. Present and evaluate your own images and responses.
• Pg 3 (500 words): Analyse second artist/photographer in relation to your essay question. Present and evaluate your own images and responses.
• Conclusion (250-500 words): Draw parallels, explore differences/ similarities between artists/photographers and that of your own work that you have produced
• Bibliography: List all relevant sources used

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Bibliography examples –

• Bonami, F. (2001), Gabriele Basilico 55. London: Phaidon Press Limited

In text referencing –

• Direct quote: In his book on Gabriele Basilico, Bonami writes, “Gabriele Basilico doesn’t like to travel, and yet his photographs describe an endless panorama of places.” (Bonami 2001:2).
• Paraphrasing/Summarising: Bonami (2001) makes a quote about Basilico’s work representing travel yet he hasn’t travelled because he doesn’t like it.

Online articles –

• Campany, D. (Sept 27 20140, Into the Light, URL: Articles/page, Accessed 10/1/23)

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Hyperlinks to use for reference –

What I used for reference –

For extra help when creating my case study, I used a interview I found with in the British Journal of Photography and a Vogue interview by Rica Cerbarano. These sources were both valuable ways in finding out more about Vanessa Winship’s project on Weather.

Research –

• Vanessa Winship focuses on contemporary photography, most of her work being in black and white but as times have changed, she has brought slight colour into her photographs as well.
• She studied at the Polytechnic of Central London during the 1980s when the practice of photography and cultural studies was on the rise.
• Her work focuses on identity, vulnerability and the body

Furthermore, I’m actually beginning to enjoy the possibility of how my work can speak differently if it’s color, but perhaps in a certain way there’s a slight mourning that there is a shift away from how I’m known.

Vanessa Winship

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3 Key quotes –

1. “There was this incredible swirling snow: it was weather that I’m not used to and that I’m not comfortable in.”

I chose this quote because I think that it shows how Vanessa Winship went out of her comfort zone when creating her photographs regarding weather. I agree with how she has said this quote in the article, because I think that this shows how you need to be fearless and adventurous when taking photographs because you can achieve the best outcomes when you go and photograph something a little different from what you are used too.

2.  “I guess this happens when you’re out in the landscape and you stop and make an image… I kept stopping and walking into the landscape itself. And of course when you have a camera, it becomes a tool of confession.”

I agree with this quote from Vanessa Winship because she explains how you can just walk into a landscape and realise how beautiful it is and want to capture its beauty, while using the camera as a tool which is used to show others of what you have discovered. This is because the camera is, metaphorically and physically, a tool that is used by photographers to confess what they are photographing and why they have chosen to photograph it for a project they may be working on or to tell a story to other people.

3. “So if you stop at a house minding your own business for example, you’re existing in someone else’s space. I made a number of images around a particular landscape [with a house],”

I chose this quote from Vanessa Winship’s interview which she did because I agree with how she states that as photographers, sometimes we have to exist in other peoples spaces to an extent while being respectful of our surroundings. This is because, as photographers, we rely a lot on creating our images around a particular subject which may include houses, public spaces, people, etc and we need to be mindful while taking into consideration that we are in or on someone else’s property. This is then where she further explains how she engaged in a conversation with an owner of a house while creating a number of images which revolved around a house that she stumbled upon and wanted to experiment photographing.

Image analysis –

For this image which I have chosen for my image analysis of Vanessa Winship’s work, is a part of Winship’s latest project which is called ‘Snow’ and was published on March 15, 2022, it focuses on the different aspects of weather in different landscapes, as well as capturing its beauty. I decided to give this image a further analysis conceptually and contextually because I thin that it successfully shows to others how there is a main focal point with a follow up which is found within the photo which catches your attention almost immediately. This is the way that the photo is framed through the houses being on either side, and due to the photo being captured in black and white, they create a contrast against another which can suggest how the people who may live in them may be complete different people and this contrast is shown strongly through their homes where they live. I also like how there is only half of each house which has been photographed in each photo as it shows how there is a path which leads straight down the middle into the forest behind them, this is the other focal point of the photo. This is due to the fact that it can link the houses/people who live in them together because the path which is created leads your eyes down and want to look further into the photo as to why they live here and what is in the forest, because on first appearance it appears quite bleak and cold, creating a gloomy atmosphere which creates this feeling of solidarity between the people who live here, making you wonder what can be found in this beautiful forest.

Research –

• Rut Blees Luxemburg is a German-born British Photographer.
• She began studying photography in London College of Communication and furthered studied at the University of Westminster for her BA.
• Her photography style is unique, this is because she uses a long exposure in her photographs which allows her to use natural light sources from the street in office block or street lights.
• Her photographic style holds a nocturnal and urban theme which can be seen clearly throughout her work.
• She has published many books showcasing her photos, as well as having her work featured in many different exhibitions.

It’s another kind of street photography. Or maybe “street” isn’t even important. “Public” photography is better.

Rut Blees Luxembourg

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3 Quotes from the interview –

“And here a very golden quality to water as it is lit.”

I decided to select this quote from the interview which I analysed with Rut Blees Luxemburg because I think that it successfully shows how photography can be so much more than what you can see in the photo. This is because I agree with how she states how there is a golden quality within the water which can be used to signify happiness due to the colour and create a sense of warmth and security when water, such as the sea, can be seen as dangerous and unwelcoming to others.

“This image is also very much about absence.”

I decided to select this quote from the interview with Rut Blees Luxemburg because it links well to the photo that I am going to use in my image analysis. This is because I agree with the statement that the image can also be linked towards absence because it can be a key part of her photographic style, which focuses on urban life yet showing how there can also be a strong sense of absence in the cities and places which she explores and photographs.

“You see the footsteps on the mud? They are expressive of something that runs right through the Liebeslied series,”

For this quote which I have selected, I agree with the comment because it is used as a contrast to Flaneur Baudelaire photographs through the footsteps in the mud which are seen in the photo below. Baudelaire uses a Flaneur in his work, a Flaneur is a poet who’s relation to the city is pleasurable or of a diversion and his wandering is more about an encounter. Therefore this creates a distinct contrast between Luxembourg’s work, and this specific series where the photo is from as she focuses on absentness. This is achieved through photographing different urban landscapes, such as in cities or towns, creating a contrast to a busy area of life within her life that is now empty and creates the sense of these areas being abandoned in her photographs.

Image analysis –

For this image which I have chosen for my image analysis of Rut Blees Luxemburg’s work, is apart of a project called ‘Liebeslied‘ called ‘In Deeper’ which was published in 1999. I decided to give this image a further analysis conceptually and contextually, this is because I think that it successfully shows how there is a main focal point of the photo (even though it isn’t immediately seen) is the footsteps which follow down the stairs to the end of the path. This shows that there was a previous form of a person who was here but has since let, as we aren’t able to tell the time period between them, therefore it gives the photo an eerie feeling as there is a reminiscence of life but we aren’t exactly sure from where or how long ago. The glow of the water also creates this welcoming and calm atmosphere with the photo because it is used to illuminate the rest of the photo, which is seen to be dark and gloomy and this creates a distinct contrast because even thought the water symbolises warmth and comfort the rest of the photo symbolises dark and gloominess. To me, this photo symbolises how there is always light and happiness around no matter how dark the context in which you are in is, as the warm golden glow on the water can act as a symbol of hope and not to be afraid as it is guiding and reminding you that there are still more things to come, meaning that you shouldn’t focus on the dark and bad aspects of life.

What is a crown dependency?

A Crown Dependency means being apart of the British Isles which is made up of the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man but having their own forms of government and laws, meaning that they are not represented in the UK Parliament. Within the Bailiwick of Guernsey, it is compromised of the islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm which are islands apart of the Channel Islands. Although, there are parts such as defence and foreign affairs which the UK Government is responsible for and the monarchy’s relationship with the Crown Dependencies is reflected by the titles the monarchy holds within them, as well as being represented by the Lieutenant Governor who relays communication between the Sovereign and Channel Islands governments. The crown acts through the Privy Council when fulfilling responsibilities to the Islands as the Secretary of State for Justice and the Lord Chancellor is the Privy Counsellor, who is responsible for the ministry of affairs in the Channel Islands.

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Jersey’s history as a crown dependency –

The Channel Islands began as a part of the Duchy of Normandy in 1066 through Duke Williams conquest of England and by 1106, Williams youngest son Henry I seized the Duchy of Normandy from his brother and since then the British Sovereign has held the title of Duke of Normandy towards the Channel Islands, representing their relationship. Although, by 1205 England has lost most of its French islands, including Normandy, the Channel Islands remained as a self-governing island of the English Crown which is still continued today. The Royal Courts creation was granted by the King where islanders selected their 12 best men to become Jurats, who sit with the Bailiff, to govern the Island and later on a Warden was shortly appointed, who became known as the Lieutenant Governor, who is responsible to organise the defence of the island by the monarchy.

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What are ‘Binary opposites’?

‘The theory of Binaries’ is a term which is used to define binary opposites, where ‘One of the two terms governs the other’, which was developed by a French philosopher called Jacques Derrida and then further shown by a French anthropologist and ethnologist, Claude Levi-Strauss. Binary opposites can be seen as good or bad, and this theory was further be defined by Antonyms, the opposite meaning of a word, and Synonyms, showing that a word means the same or nearly the same thing as another.

Examples of binary opposites:

• Inwards vs outward
• Negative vs positive
• Closure vs openness
• Isolation vs connectedness
• Autonomy vs dependence

Claude Levi-Strauss – Developed the theory of structuralism and structural anthropology, his theory on binary opposites discusses how narratives (in a story to crate conflict, becoming the central climax) can be split into two opposites, such as man and woman or rich and poor which he further discusses here.

Least successful shots –

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At the beginning of this photoshoot, I was experimenting with different settings to photograph during the night as the photos could be too dark or too exposed due to the amount of light being let into the camera. In the top 2 photos, they are shown to appear really dark in exposure, this is due to the Aperture being too low then in the photos below it is too high. I found that using F11 or F16 was better, depending on the amount of natural light from lights around as well. In the bottom 2 photos, I began by experimenting with the ISO and the ISO which I used was at 200 for most of my photos. This is because it made them appear crisp and colourful whereas if I used 100 ISO instead, it would make them appear grainy which doesn’t capture the intensity and vibrancy of the colours.

Contact sheets of most successful shots –

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These were the images which I went through on Adobe Lightroom and chose as my best shots by using (P) then for the photos which I thought weren’t that successful I used (X) which would reject them. I chose a variety of photos for my best shots as I thought that they were successful in showing the different experimentations of light, whether it be darker or lighter due to the light sources which were near. I chose a variety f photos which I thought fit the ‘binary opposites’ term of ‘Isolation vs connectedness’ as I visited 2 different locations where I thought that this term could be answered. This was down in the harbour, which is a vital link of travelling in and out of Jersey, and in town, where the streets are small and everything is close together with people who are going about their own plans. I chose to do this photoshoot at night because I thought that having a darker atmosphere in the photos which is illuminated by the street lights, shop lights, etc would create a gloomier feel to the photo, linking to that feeling of isolation and then the illumination by light sources shows how even though the Island may be small, there is always light and connectedness around, which connects us together and to the wider world.

Colour sorting –

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To further decide on what photos I wanted to chose as my 4 best shots which I could develop through editing on Adobe Lightroom, I went through a process of sorting them into different colours which would make it easier to organise them from photos which had further potential to ones which I didn’t want to use. This began by deciding what photos I thought were red, which were ones I didn’t want to use as they could be slightly blurry, too bright/dark or repeated photos , then the next colour was yellow, these were photos which I thought could be used but they could be a little bit wonky in the way which I took them or I just didn’t think were that good to use to represent binary opposites, then the last colour was green, these were the photos which I thought were the most successful in showing the binary opposites of ‘Isolation vs connectedness’ by what has been photographed in the photos or the use of the light.

Selecting 4 best shots –

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Basic editing experiments –

Editing #1 –

Editing #2 –

Editing #3 –

Editing #4 –

Write a Statement of Intent that clearly contextualise –

• 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’.

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My ideas which answer the bullet points –

In my personal study, I wish to explore the weather and woodland areas when I take my dog on a walk. This is because it the way whether can effect the outcomes of photos is fascinating and the way nature can appear is always changing in beautiful and unique ways. This matters to me because it shows how Jersey can be seen in different ways for its woodland areas instead of the coasts which many people know more about. I will explore this theme further by looking into the variety of textures in leaves, trees, fungi, etc which I find while exploring different locations across Jersey. The ways in which I will develop this project are through studying different photographers such as Vanessa Winship, who is a photographer that focuses on landscapes and the weather, as well as Martin Parr, who is a photographer that focussed on weather and different landscapes within his work. Where I will begin my study is in woodland areas during wet and dry conditions, as many places such as in valleys or walks have distinct paths which you can follow around which lead to different locations of areas which many people may not have been to before.

What makes Jersey special to me is how there is a sense of community because we are a small island and everything is within close distance such as favourite places to go or with visiting family. The distinct qualities of Jersey Island life are the easiness of travelling, being able to access the beach as it is all around us, the different parishes etc. The sense of place and identity means having somewhere that feels like home to you and where you are from is where you may identify with originally, and is created in Jersey through the fayres which can take place to celebrate different events, various celebrations that happen throughout the seasons, the decorations in town and other peoples houses for different times of year, etc. The definition of ‘Jersey-ness’ in my opinion means being able to navigate yourself around the island without having to use a map as guidance as you have grown up here and loving how there is a real sense of community due to Jersey being a small island which is evident within town and the various parishes.

What themes inspired me and I enjoyed the most throughout my studies –

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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.

Mindmap –

This is the mind map which I have constructed of initial ideas which I can use to refer to when gathering ideas for photoshoots and photographers for my personal study. In my mind map, my ideas range from weather in the countryside and woodlands areas to photos being taken in town of different weather conditions and movement of people/Christmas lights. This is because I want to experiment with both ideas beforehand to help me decide on a main focus fort my personal study whether it be in town or the woodland/countryside areas. In my photoshoots, I want to consider focusing on different textures in trees, fungi, leaves, rocks, water, etc when in woodland areas because there is a range of different textures which can be found. Whereas when I am in town, I will focus on reflections in puddles/windows, mo9vement of people and experimenting with the bokeh effect on Christmas lights and other lights around town. I have referenced a range of photographers in my work who all have experienced with these topics within their work which I can use later on to reference when considering what to do for my photoshoots.

Mood board –

This is the mood board which I have created in response to my mind-map to showcase my ideas of what I want to achieve in the end for my personal study. I liked photos which experimented with different weather conditions in a variety of locations, amounts of people to create movement in the photos in different locations because I think that these factors can transform the composition of a photograph entirely as there is a shift in the focus of the subject in the photo. This mood board incorporates photos from the photos which I have briefly mentioned in my mind-map who I want to do a deeper analysis on of their work to decide who’s work I prefer more and want to use as inspiration for my own photoshoots, while also experimenting with different filters such as black and white, gloomy dim atmospheres which drain the colours in the photos or dark locations that are brought to life trough the colours being brightened in photoshop to create different hues on the walls and floors which is reflected in the rain.

‘Inked’ by Bethany Mildren.

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Does the essay address its hypothesis?
The essay addresses its hypothesis and this is seen in the introduction when it states “I wish to explore the intimacy that portraiture allows the viewer to have with the subject model in the photograph,”.

Does it provide new knowledge and understanding?
The essay provides a good understanding of new knowledge about the history of portraiture, discussing their origin and how it has been used for many years to show someone’s identity, going as far back to the Egyptian times. It also discusses her 2 photographers, Jono Rotman and Danny Alexander, work and the differences between the two then goes on to further analysis of their photographs later on in the essay.

Is the essay well structured with a sense of an introduction, paragraphs and a conclusion?
I think that the essay is well structured to an extent as there is an introduced which addresses her overall question for her essay then goes further to explain what she wishes to explore, in the first sentence “I wish to explore the intimacy that portraiture allows the viewer to have with the subject model in the photograph, with particular focus on body adornments such as tattooing.” Then the paragraphs which follow indicate a nice flow of progression towards her conclusion as they discuss the history behind portraiture, who she is studying and why then an analysis of a photo taken by each photographer. The conclusion is clearly stated which shares her overall comparison of the two photographers, providing an opinion on what she thinks they could have improved on as well indicated by ‘Overall, I believe that Jono Rotman and Danny Alexander successfully use portraiture to represent different identities to a certain extent.”

Use and flow of language, prose, punctuation, spelling.
I think that the flow of language throughout her essay is successful as it creates a good development to how she ends up with her conclusion and links it back to her main question. The spelling and punctuation works well as the sentences are not too long and wordy and the punctuation is used well too.

Use of specialist vocabulary relating to art and photography.
The specialist vocabulary which she uses that relates to art and photography is extensive throughout and this can be seen in numerous ways such as:
– “Subject model in the photograph”
– “Photographic gaze”
– “Experimenting with different expressions, poses, settings, styling (clothing and make-up), angles and lighting techniques.”
– “Portraiture is the best technique to capture the essence of ones identity due to the uses of lighting, backdrops, instructing the model,”
– “Mongrelism”
– “However, Danny Alexander takes his portraits in a studio setting,”
– “Personally, I feel that Alexander could have explored his idea in more detail,”
– “However, Rotman uses his techniques to instead leave the emotions of the model open for interpretation instead of their identity,”

Analysis of artist’s oeuvre (body of work) and key work(s).

Evidence of wider reading with reference to art history/ theory, political discourse and/or socio-economical context.
There is a strong evidence of wider reading and reference to art history throughout her analysis in the personal study. This is seen through the quote “Portraiture is an old art form going back at least to ancient Egypt, where it flourished from about 5,000 years ago.” therefore this backs up how portraiture has been used for a long time to represent peoples different identities and other factors which she states “They have been used to show the power, importance, virtue, beauty, wealth, taste, learning or other qualities of the sitter.” I think that this strengthens her analysis into portraiture and its representations as it shows how versatile it is when describing and representing other ways people have used it for their benefit.

Use of direct quotes, summary or commentary from others to make an informed and critical argument.
There is use of direct quotes from each photographer which she has decided to study which she uses in her analysis of the photos which she chose to look at. For Rotman she uses, “he felt the weight of precedence of photography depicting people seen as other” which further develops her analysis on how Rotman uses portraiture in his work, moving away from traditional documentary photography. For Alexander, the quote which is used is “highlight the dualistic nature of body art; on one hand body art can be and often is self-expressive but much like any art can be interrupted differently by each viewer” this quote discusses how he understands and sees subjectivity in photography and furthermore in his work which he produces.

Use of referencing system (eg. Harvard) and a bibliography.
At the end of the essay, which is found on the last few pages, there is a clear and well developed bibliography using the Harvard referencing system, although there is not a heading which suggests that it is one which would have been helpful to add in to make it clearer. This shows where she got the photos, information about her photographers and history about tattoos.

Use of illustrations with captions listing name of artist, title of work and year of production.
There is evidence of illustrations which she uses to show her development throughout her personal development but there is not any captions which list the name of the artist, title and year of production as they are found within the bibliography. I think that it would have been better for her to do this to add some more visuality in to her work as the reader may want to know what the picture is and what collection it is from.

Using the mark scheme –

This was the mark scheme which I referred to when marking the personal essay. The grade boundaries for awarding the grade which they got were:
-E=1
-D=6
-C=9
-B=11
-A=14
-A*=17

I gave Bethany Mildren’s personal study about “How does Jono Rotman and Danny Alexander use portraiture to represent different identities?” an 11/18 which is a B grade and she actually got 12/18 which is also a B. This is because their is a strong understanding and deeper dive into the historical knowledge and how each photographer uses individual techniques to create their work as well as a good analysis of each photo from the photographers that she studies who she chose to provide a deeper analysis into. What I think would have upped her grade was if she used more citations which she could have added to her bibliography, which she could have also given a title. I also think that she could have included more of a visual aspect with photos that she used as well as providing their titles, dates of publication, where they were from and what set they could have been apart of and who created them.