These are all the photographs I picked to use for my photobook, but I only used the high quality images.
At first it was a struggle to find a title but I used the title “Paraíso” which means paradise in Portuguese. I decided to use the word paradise because being with friends and family and especially being in your native island feels like paradise, and feels like everything is just amazing. I then decided to translate it since my first language is Portuguese and most of the photoshoots in my book is from madeira.
For my third photoshoot I took a photoshoot of different places in madeira and photos of my family there too. I decided to do this because it will show a bit of my family background and what culture I come from.
Below are some of the edited images I am going to use in my photobook. This photoshoot was very fun to do because it made me close to my family since we spent a lot of time together and we explored different parts of the island we have never been with amazing views.
For my second photoshoot I took portraits of my friends of them doing what they love doing, being at their favourite place, having fun and posing. This photoshoot represents teenage life with friends and some people who I grow up with.
Below are some of the edited images I am going to use in my photobook.
Most of the photographs are black and white because in my opinion it creates a sense of drama and mystery nut also shows the different tones of black and white which make it stand out.
For my first photoshoot I took some pictures of different places that represent jersey such as the harbour, Gorey Castle, le fregate, fort regent, St Catherine’s representing the environment I had when I was born compared to my other culture. And showing the places I have been to the most growing up.
Below are some of the edited images I am going to use in my photobook.
I decided to edit out the car in this image because it looked pretty boring and too busy with a car and chairs in the way. Without it looks more of a calming place to just go for a walk and admire.
For the right image, I thought it was too dark so I made it lighter since it would be more eye catching.
In what way have Sally Mann and Nan Goldin explored subject of family as our extensions of memory and identity?
Family photographs are special to many people because they help us remember important moments and even show who we are. They can capture every little special moment that might not feel like it is special but when looking back you realize it is, special moments like birthday parties, holidays, playing in the park, sitting together for dinner, everyday moments. People don’t realize how special a family photograph can be, it’s not just a random photo from the past but also a reminder of how good the moments were. In this essay. I’m going to explore in what way family photographs extensions of our memories as well as our identities with Sally Mann and Nan Goldin as my references. When looking at family images, we often have a feeling of warmth and sentimentality and remind us of happy moments with the people we love. Every little moment counts, for example, a photo of a family trip to the beach might make us remember the fun we had building sandcastles and chasing the waves. Taking photos from these little moments fills you up with great joy when looking back at them with your parents. Family images help us remember the small details we might have forgotten.
In the early days of photography, photography was carefully staged studio photographs that were recorded in high-resolution on large-format film. This type of photography was common up through the World War II years. Families would save up money, and go to a photo studio to have portraits made that would be cherished as precious family possessions. Family photography is the most popular category of photography. The family album has only just been included in survey histories of photography, despite the fact that the majority of individuals in the Western world have produced albums in one way or another, at least since the early 1900s until the early 2000s, when digital archiving took over.
Bull explores the relaxing potential of photography, specifically focusing on the role of family albums in personal and collective memory. Bull examines how photographs, particularly those passed down through generations, serve as powerful tools for emotional expression and healing, helping individuals navigate identity, grief, and trauma. Chalfen and Musello, among others, write about “regular” family albums. The 1965 book Un art moyen, written by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, was one of the first significant studies on family photography.
Sally Mann, a American photographer, known for taking lovely emotional photos of her own family. She made a book called Immediate Family showing images of her children growing up both in their playful, bright times and even serious, thoughtful times. When looking back at childhood pictures from your family is like reconnecting with the feelings and memories of those times. Just like Sally Mann photos reminds her of who she was and what herself and her family have experiences. Family images also represent our identities. They show where we come from and who we are connected with but also who were influences by such as our parents, siblings ad grandparents which tells us a story of our family’s history. Looking at photographs of family reunions with generations of family members can make you feel proud of our family’s traditions ad how everything has been passed down, which also might make you understand where you fit in the bigger picture of all generations. Looking back at baby pictures makes you realize how much you have grown and changed over time but still have that special family connection. Sally began opening boxes of photographs, letters, diaries, newspaper clippings and other papers that had been gathering dust in her attic, uncovering, as it were, family secrets. People were concerned about Sally Mann images of childhood injuries and naked baby photos which led some critics to challenge her right to record such scenes of distress.
S, Mann: Immediate Family, “Sorry Game”, 1989
Family photographs don’t only capture certain moments but also emotions, when you look at old photos you often remember how you felt at that time. Even though as you get older you don’t feel as exited to take images as when you were younger you always look back at them not regretting anything at all and just thinking about the fun you had while take them which then might make you start to appreciate the importance of these moments. Another American photographer, Nan Goldin, who took images of her own relationships in a personal way, showing strong emotions with her friends and family, capturing happy and difficult moments. She once said ‘I want to show people who they are, and I want to show them how they relate to other people, how they relate to their families, how they relate to their friends, how they relate to themselves.’ (Goldin) Our family pictures carry important lessons and emotion that help shape who we are and how we remember life.
N, Goldin: Self-portrait in the mirror, Hotel Baur Zurich, 1998
Sally Mann and Nan Goldin both explore themes of identity, and the human condition, often drawing from their personal lives and relationship. While Mann’s work often centres on her children and family life, capturing memory’s, decay and Goldin’s focus is on adult relationships, sexuality and trauma. Regardless the differences, Both photographers explore sexuality and relationships. In conclusion, photographs are an important aspect of family and our identity that capture special meaningful moments, just like Sally Mann and Nan Goldin photography.
Bibliography:
Bull, S. (2009). Phototherapy: The Family Album and Beyond
S. Mann (1992). The disturbing photography of Sally Mann
Make sure you describe how you interpret the exam themes; OBSERVE, SEEK, CHALLENGE, subject-matter, topic or issue you wish to explore, artists references/ inspirations and final outcome – zine, photobook, film, prints etc.
For my project I want to explore family: Doing this theme matters to me because it get to show different cultures and look at how different but interesting they are. Showing what they do in there everyday lives, what they get up to when on holiday, and also what it is like to be part of a large family on special occasions like Christmas when we all meet together. Freedom/ adventures: Specific key locations in Jersey, travels around famous land marks in Madeira, and these will all be taken with friends and family to represent the freedom we have to explore the earth. As well as the cultural differences between Madeira, where my parents were born and Jersey, where I was born. By making this photoshoots happen i decided to explore Théo Gosselin, Emilie Ristevski, Ashley Kaplan and Jimmy Nelson. Theo Gosselin is a French photographer who explores the themes of life, love, his generation, his adventures, and wide-open areas; He says pictures are a true admiration to freedom, captured like a snapshot. Theo Gosselin photography is very simple no set, no staging, just allowing the moment to happen. He shows how teenage life is most of the time because in your teenage life that’s when you get to life your life and start new adventures with the people you love, his work “portfolio” is a good example of living life. In addition, Emilie Ristevski is an Australian photographer visual storyteller and author. She describes her photography style as “storytelling, Escapism, Dreamscapes”. Her work is about finding the beauty in our world and always tries to capture things that often goes unseen sharing meaningful content. Emilie Ristevski book called “Forever Wandering” is a labour of love of many years full of countless wanderings around the globe, she poured so much of herself into creating this book and never been so exited to offer a home for her photographs to be held in a tangible form. Another photographer, Ashley Kaplan is a photographer who loves to take photoshoots of people to boost their confidence and families. She tried to take as many photoshoots to show people’s story. Finally, Jimmy Nelson is a British photographer known for taking portraits of indigenous people and documentation of different cultures and traditions. Jimmy loves what he does, I know this because he said “Through the lens of my camera, I am able to share the extraordinary beauty of our world’s vanishing cultures and inspire others to celebrate and preserve their unique heritage.” Jimmy book “Jimmy Nelson Homage to Humanity” shows an immersive journey through the lives of people with different cultures around the globe. This book provides an intimate and respectful look at their traditional, customs, and environment, showing Nelsons ability to use the camera. This book also offers insight into understanding and exploring cultures.
Jimmy Nelson was born in the United Kingdom in 1967, and because his father was a geologist, he travelled extensively during his early years. Nelson’s interest in photography was ignited by this exposure to many cultures and environments, which ultimately prompted him to seek a career in photojournalism. He trekked across Tibet with a large-format camera on his first photographic excursion in 1987, when he documented the breath taking scenery and distinctive culture of the Tibetan people. When Nelson began working for magazines and advertising clients in the early 1990s, his professional photography career took off. He travelled all over the world for his projects, recording various cultures and surroundings from Africa to Asia and the Americas. But it was his love of discovering and conserving.
Jimmy Nelson is a British photographer known for taking portraits of indigenous people and documentation of different cultures and traditions. His visually stunning images have fascinated audiences worldwide, highlighting the different cultures that are often overlooked. Nelson’s work has been exhibited globally and has featured in loads of publication, showing his ability to capture he essence f human connection ad cultural pride. The most well-known work by Jimmy Nelson is his extensive, intricate portraits of Native Americans. Vibrant colours, complex compositions, and a feeling of closeness to his subjects are characteristics of his photographic approach. To fully immerse himself in the customs and way of life of the people he pictures, he frequently stays with them for weeks or even months. His ability to connect deeply with his subjects using this method is demonstrated by the depth of emotion in his photographs.
Jimmy Nelson is known for using large-format cameras to capture the intricate details and vivid colours of his subjects. Some of the gear he has used throughout his career includes:
Linhof Technorama 617S III: A panoramic large-format camera that allows for high-resolution, wide-angle images.
Hasselblad H6D-100c: A medium-format digital camera known for its exceptional image quality and colour rendition.
Leica S (Typ 007): Another medium-format digital camera, renowned for its sharpness and dynamic range.
The book “Jimmy Nelson Homage to Humanity” immerses readers in the cultures and customs of indigenous peoples worldwide. This book offers a close-up and respectful look at their environs, traditions, and practices, demonstrating Nelson’s talent for establishing a rapport with his subjects and producing visually arresting photographs. This book serves as a resource for working photographers, encouraging them to discover and capture the world’s diversity and beauty while also providing insights into the value of developing trust and comprehending cultural quirks.
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 and visual 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
Essay Question:
In what way are family photographs extensions of our memories as well as our identities?
Family photographs are special to many people because they help us remember important moments and even show who we are. They can capture every little special moment that might not feel like it is special but when looking back you realize it is, special moments like birthday parties, holidays, playing in the park, sitting together for dinner, everyday moments. People don’t realize how special a Family photographs can be its not just a random photo from the past but also a reminder of how good the moments were. In this essay. I’m going to explore in what way families photographs extensions of our memories as well as our identities with Sally Mann and Nan Goldin as my references. When looking at family images, we often have a feeling of warmth and sentimentality and remind us of happy moments with the people we love. Every little moment counts, for example, a photo of a family trip to the beach might make us remember the fun we had building sandcastles and chasing the waves. Taking photos from these little moments fills you up with great joy when looking back at them with your parents. Family images help us remember the small details we might have forgotten.
Sally Mann, a American photographer, known for taking lovely emotional photos of her own family. She made a book called “immediate family” showing images of her children growing up both in their playful, bright times and even serious, thoughtful times. When looking back at childhood pictures from your family is like reconnecting with the feelings and memories of those times. Just like Sally Mann photos reminds her of who she was and what herself and her family have experiences. Family images also represent our identities. They show where we come from and who we are connected with but also who were influences by such as our parents, siblings ad grandparents which tells us a story of our family’s history. Looking at photographs of family reunions with generations of family members can make you feel proud of our family’s traditions ad how everything has been passed down, which also might make you understand where you fit in the bigger picture of all generations. Looking back at baby pictures makes you realize how much you have grown and changed over time but still have that special family connection.
Family photographs don’t only capture certain moments but also emotions, when you look at old photos you often remember how you felt at that time. Even though as you get older you don’t feel as exited to take images as when you were younger you always look back at them not regretting anything at all and just thinking about the fun you had while take them which then might make you start to appreciate the importance of these moments. Another American photographer, Nan Goldin, who took images of her own relationships in a personal way, showing strong emotions with her friends and family, capturing happy and difficult moments. She once said “I want to show people who they are, and I want to show them how they relate to other people, how they relate to their families, how they relate to their friends, how they relate to themselves.” (Reference using Harvard system of referencing) Our family pictures carry important lessons and emotion that help shape who we are and how we remember life.
Sally Mann and Nan Goldin both explore themes of identity, and the human condition, often drawing from their personal lives and relationship. While Mann’s work often centres on her children and family life, capturing memory’s, decay and Goldin’s focus is on adult relationships, sexuality and trauma. Regardless the differences, Both photographers explore sexuality and relationships. In conclusion, photographs are an important aspect of family and our identity that capture special meaningful moments, just like Sally Mann and Nan Goldin photography.
Pg 1: Historical/ theoretical
Historical: Origin, history and development of family albums developed alongside new technology such as the Kodak Box Brownie Theoretical: Photography’s relationship with memory
Pg 2: Sally Mann – explore how she made an album/ book about her family. Find an interview her where she talks about the book/ work also find criticism of her images of her children (naked)
Pg 3: Nan Goldin
Bibliography: Key texts to add to your bibliography about family, memory and childhood. Read them and references them using direct quotes that yo can comment on ie. agree/ disagree and formulate a critical argument
For my first photoshoot I am going to take some pictures in town and other places that represent jersey such as the harbour, Gorey Castle, St Catherine’s representing the environment I had when I was born compared to my other culture.
For my second photoshoot I am taking portraits of my friends and family in Jersey, but I will also be taking picture of them doing what they love doing, being in their favourite place, having fun and posing. This photoshoot represents teenage life with friends and who I grow up with.
For my third photoshoot I’m going to madeira and take pictures of some different places and i’m going to take pictures of my family there too. I decided to do this because it will show a bit of my family background and what culture I come from.
Emilie Ristevski is an Australian photographer, visual storyteller and author. She often finds herself exploring far wide around the world to create and share slow and mindful wanderings within nature. Her work is about finding the beauty in our world and she is always looking to find ways to conserve and capture the things that often goes unseen. Over the years she has developed a strong focus on sharing meaningful content around sustainability and caring for the planet. She hopes her photographs have the ability to resonate with people in some way, that they can bring sense of nostalgia, a sense of wonder, that they will make you think something, anything at all. With pieces of her mind and heart scattered all over the globe, she felt the urge for her images to do and say more with the hope that she can encourage a greater awareness of the earths beauty and ever present fragility. It is through her storytelling that she hopes to inspire and educate her audience on the importance of our natural world. She truly loves being able to share the world through her lens and allowing others to see the magic of the natural world. Knowing she has encouraged others to see the world in a new light and reignite their connection with nature and our planet is something really special to her. Emilie’s work for photography started years ago when she discovered black and white film photography in a tiny dark room. Focusing on travel for her was never intentional and while studying design at university she always imagined herself somehow in the design world, however photography was also something she fell in love with the most when creating imagery.
What inspired you to start this journey? Would you say you’ve always been a creative & where do you think this has stemmed from in your upbringing?
“I’ve always had an innate love of creativity. Growing up I experimenting with different art forms and mediums from painting, drawing, ceramics, anything where I could create and let my imagination become tangible. The combination of travel and photography helped to me create a strong sense of story, a way to create work which felt transportive and capture the untold wonders of our planet. Somewhere between the mountains and the ocean I have lived throughout several different regions along the east coast of Australia and in someway always surrounded by nature – This is where my love and connection to the natural world first began. Nature has always been a starting place for inspiration. The continual ebb and flow of being a creative and constantly being on the move forces you adapt and see things differently, a mindset which allows myself to appreciate the hidden beauty that can be found all around us.”
Emilie Ristevski describes her photography style as “storytelling, Escapism, Dreamscapes”
Forever Wandering
Forever Wandering is a book that Emilie Ristevski published. Forever Wandering is a labour of love of many years full of countless wanderings around the globe, she poured so much of herself into creating this book and never been so exited to offer a home for her photographs to be held in a tangible form. The process of creating her book was very surreal and overwhelming and became a leering curve for her in many ways. With so many uncertainties in the world right now, she hopes her photography is able to transport to peoples mind into the wildness of our world and help people discover a depth of wonder and awe of the planet. Forever Wandering is a visual insight into our natural world, telling a meaningful story of how we can find a deeper connection with the universe and ourselves. She just wants her photography to ins[ire people and re-light everyone’s connection with earth and see the beauty that is hidden with every corner or the planet and how its amazing sharing moments like exploring the world with people you love most.
