I wanted to experiment with ways on how to represent nostalgia, and how fragments of my brother remain in certain areas from my childhood where I have formed core memories with him or just areas near my house that he frequently enjoys going to. In this instance, I focused on La Mare beach which is a 5 minute walk from my house as my brother usually takes my dog for long walks here. I thought this would be an effective location too as this meant I could utilise the motion of the waves, rippling in and out, to add elements of fluidity to represent emotion.

For example, the tide swells in and out, and I feel that this is relative to the way that my brothers mental health fluctuates between the distinct line of ‘well’ and unwell. I like this metaphor because it subtly hints at the unpredictable nature of my brothers illness which I feel will be very powerful when I begin sequencing for my photo-book. As well as this, I used the sunset to create different reflections off the water to add vibrancy to my images.

I have began to think about my sequencing, and have collected archived images that link extremely well.

Final Images:

For this image I created my own fake footprints in the sand in order to make it appear as if someone is walking away from the teddy bear that I placed against the rock. The teddy bear is representative of my brother as he gave it to me when I was younger so I wanted to incorporate that sentimental value in the image. I wanted the image to appear as if someone is leaving the teddy bear behind because I feel that this is a good representation of how, this area specifically, is nostalgic for me due to the memories that me and my brother share. However, my intention is to convey the message that reminiscing over a person who does not exist anymore is a difficult thing, and sometimes the easiest thing to do is to walk away. The tide did swell in when I was taking this image, however I found this to be really effective because it is as if the tide is coming in to take the memories away, symbolising how my brothers illness may distort once pleasant memories or erase them. The sea looks as if its over-exposed in comparison to the rest of the image, however I do like this aspect because it makes the image have a higher contrast. As the tide is in the background of the composition, this could connote ideas of ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’, this being due to the section of the teddy being darker to represent how a once pleasant memory is now concerned with heavier issues. The footprints could also be associated with moving on from the childhood memories and coming to terms with reality and the harsh truth that things may not be the same again, however this is a time to make new memories in these locations and leave behind those that may not be as easily recalled by my brother anymore.

I chose to use this as my second object because my brother habitually plays pool with my dad and he has done since he was a child. I simply dropped the key ring from standing height and let it fall into a natural position, however I did this 3 times because I wanted to ensure that the viewer would know what it is. I used a very low angle, with the side of the camera touching the sand and pointing slightly up to the sky. I had to experiment with this as I obviously couldn’t see what the image would look like in the viewfinder, so I had many attempts. I used a short depth of field so that it would just be the keyring focused on as this is the main focal point of the image. I like the way that the keyring looks as if it’s just been discarded in a careless way because this shows how these memories are getting lost in the midst of his illness. I feel that the dramatic positioning of the keyring paired with the low angle is really effective here as it looks as if its been left behind and forgotten about. Also, the small lumps and bumps on the sand have created a lot of texture within the image due to the sand being so close to the lens of the camera which I think works really well when paired with the blurred and smoothed background as it is out of focus.

I wasn’t sure which one of these images I preferred as they were taken in the same multi-shot, however I liked how they both looked next to each other as it reinforces the concept of the sea swelling in and out just how mental health can fluctuate quickly between coping and struggling. I liked these images because the keyring is out of focus which contradicts my last image, however I liked this idea of almost ‘hiding in plain sight’ as if it is waiting to be revealed to the viewer. This is relative to nostalgia because it resonates with the idea that the memories of an area build up into a persons perception of that location. I like this idea of ‘seeking’ out different sections of memory as this could also be interpreted into how my brother may not be able to recall all of the memories that I do, therefore he has to pick apart the environment around him in order to remember. I feel that the muted pastel colours of the sunset connote feelings of reflection and hope as they stand out against the more negative blue tones in the foreground of the images. In the image of the tide surrounding the key ring, I feel that this could represent how these childhood memories may become ‘washed away’ due to my brothers illness and how he may not recognise himself anymore through things such as his hobbies.

The next 3:

In each of the three images below I experimented with hiding the objects within the frame to show how small fragments of my brothers memory are hidden in this area and spread out to bring nostalgia at any time. I got this idea from the images before as I feel that this is a good way to represent how little sections of the memories we share can build up certain locations.

I added a blue tint to the image so that the blue on the teddy bear is reflected and echoed into the rest of the image to create a more depressing tone. I like the composition of this image as there is a lot of line and shape in the foreground that can act as leading lines up to the bear as many of the curves and grooves in the rocks are pointing towards it. I was happy with this result as I did want to incorporate some of the landscape however I wanted to do this using the formal elements in a more ambiguous tone which I think is successful here. I also increased the highlights in the image to brighten the teddy as I didn’t want it to be lost within the composition as it is quite busy, which also removed the orange tones from the background which could’ve confused the concept of the image as warmer colours are commonly associated with emotions of happiness and joy.

This image did not require much editing at all. Once again, I kept the key ring out of focus as I wanted to play on this idea on showing the memories in a subtle way. I am really pleased with this composition as the dark red of the keyring is repeated throughout by the rocks as the majority of these are a range of dark reds and burgundy. The seaweed also contributes to this as it not only amplifies the dark nature of the image, but also adds texture against the rocks. I feel that the two main sections of seaweed look at equal size which is aesthetically pleasing as it balances the foreground and background. Once again, I used a low angle so that I could make the key ring look enlarged so that the viewer doesn’t miss it. The focal point is the dark brown rock in the centre of my image so that the viewer has a middle point to them explore the image from in further detail. The angle that I have used has enabled me to inhabit a type of optical illusion where the objects in the foreground appear larger than they actually are, giving it a forced perspective.

I really liked this idea due to the high contrast that it inhabits through the randomised pattern of seaweed paired with the dramatic lines of the rocks because this adds texture to my images which in turn will make it look more 3D instead of becoming flat and lifeless. I took this image from a higher angle so that my photobook will incorporate different styles as this will make the images more interesting so that they don’t all look the same. I took this image facing the sunset instead to contrast my other images too as this allows me to gain different perspectives of the same location to tell a stronger visual story. Once again, I hid the teddy bear between a cluster of rocks so that the images still have a comparative and consistent aspect, placing it directly in the middle this time from a further distance. My favourite factor of this image is that I have caught the edge of the sunset on the side of the camera. I feel that this contributes to my research on vernacular photography as it gives the image a retro effect from vintage cameras.

For example:

I feel that this will link nicely with my archived pictures as I am keeping this element of ‘old images’ in the new images that I produce.

I choose the book “F E M A L E” by Jitka Hanzlova. This book has 115 pages with different women with different culture, background and everyone is unique in their own way including the background. It tells a story that everyone has there own little bubble and are just other people in peoples lives. Photography captures’ peoples lives and moments forever. I like this photobook because it tells a story from so many different perspectives and lives. There are younger kids, older women and overall a range of ages which shows the growing up and how people growing up in different generations can affect you as a person. Most people are pulling a straight or sad/mad face which you could say shows the rage and anger some women have to go through because of misogamy an what some men are like. Some women may be scared to leave the house and I think this book represents a lot of women in todays society. I have made some images similar revolving around girlhood and misogyny to try and raise awareness and show people that life can be tough and isn’t perfect. I think that Hanzlova tried to make elements of this in her photobook too.

The book “F E M A L E” by Jitka Hanzlova. Hanzlová grew up in Rokytník, a village in eastern Bohemia. She was initially interested in painting and drawing before discovering photography as an artistic medium in 1983. Inspired by the works of Diane Arbus^[2] and the anonymous portraits of Walker Evans, she undertook her first trip to America in 1986. In 1987 she began studying visual communication at the University of Essen with a focus on photography, which she completed in 1994. In 1989, Stern published her first group of works under the title “Man Calls It School” about a school for asylum seekers.^[3] After the fall of the Wall and the end of the communist regime, she travelled back to her Czech homeland for the first time. I think that she made the female book to raise awareness for women and show people how different we all are, we al need to stick together and be kind to each other. This book is for everyone to view and can change peoples perspectives on life. This book drew me in because it shows people how everyone’s life is so different and we all live in each others life like characters. It sends a message that says you should be kind and look out for everyone because you never know what people are going through at the end of the day, we are all beautiful and perfect in our own special ways.

The book female, its thick and heavy. It smells like an old book and there is a range of different colours. The book has 121 A4 pages that are white with the image in the middle on the right page, they feel smooth and soft with a hard cover on the front and back with a printed image on the front, a white female wearing all black with a coffee in her hand looing blankly at the camera which gives some insight on what the book may be about. The title is red and spaced out with normal font and her name is above the picture which is relevant when it comes to all the images in the book. I think that it tells a story of history, its not just images of loads of different women. its about culture and background. The realisation we all grew up differently and this plays a huge part in our life as women. We are all unique. It has this repeating idea of strength and culutre and this is why I think its about awareness and strength. She’s repeated pretty much everything in the mood and it has the same layout for the whole book which again repents the idea of repation.

The photobook I have decided to research is A Mini Story. This book is about the photographers life with grandad who died when he was 7 but the story is about the life his grandad lived and the influence he had in his life, like his interest in cars and how his grandad was in a mini club. The genre of this book would be about family, grief and inspiration. This is because of the images of his grandparents, then losing his grandad to cancer, and then finally taking inspiration from him and also getting a mini like his grandads and restoring it. The approach to image making is taking pictures of different areas in his life, like his grandparents house and garage, then older pictures of when he was younger with his grandad and then pictures of his dad, his mini and garage, then finally a picture of his grandads mini and his mini that he bought.

The photographer was a former student called M De Gruchy. He made it to show the life that his grandad lived and how it inspired him to have the same passion of Minis. He dedicated the book to his nan.

The book is hard cover made of cardboard, it uses the same paper throughout and all the pictures are in colour apart from three, his grandparents wedding picture, and two of his grandads old mini. This can symbolise the age of the images, where his grandparents got married in 1969 which was 56 years ago and then also showing the age of the old mini. The images are different sizes, some are single page, some are double page spread and there are multiple small images on one page. There is also text throughout the book linked to the images that give a description of the image and clarifies what the images are or what is happening in the image. it is a portrait book but the images vary between portrait and landscape on the double page spreads. The editing looks natural, some images have been edited to look old and vintage but the images look like they have not been edited much. The binding is saddle stitch the cover is cardboard and a printed image. The title is literal and relevant within the book. The story is about his grandad and his passion for Minis. It is told like a story of his grandad and growing up with him, then later losing him and following after his passion for minis. The structure is told as a consecutive story happening in order of what happened with his grandad and then after he died.

For my personal study project I have chosen to explore the theme of faith and religion through documentary photography. As I had grown up in a completely atheist household finding my way in faith is very special to me and has been an incredible journey as it’s one I’ve had to navigate by myself. Within this project I aim to present my journey with faith and how it has changed my life but to also represent how much things can change and the emotions surrounding these changes before and during my walk of faith. I intend to create a series of both landscape and portrait images of both myself and anything to do with the events in which I attend as a Christian.

I will experiment with different positions, angles, lighting, weather conditions and other factors and will use post-production editing skills to capture both the outside picture but also the deeper emotions that come with each individual image. I am particularly interested in looking at symbols through drawings I will do during the editing overlapping the images to represent the emotions. The main centre theme of my study is religion and faith both which hold very different meanings yet also very similarly bond together.

For my project, I want to focus on capturing emotions through natural light and also added drawings in post-production and exploring how it can completely change the mood of an image. My goal is to experiment with different times of day and weather conditions to see how they affect the atmosphere and feel of my photos. I also want to push myself to get better at presenting a story through my images. Perhaps by using dramatic shadows, soft lighting or even artificial lighting to create contrast. Overall I want my work to make people feel something through my photos whether that be a moment of connection to my work or even just a second of curiosity.

I am really inspired by the work of Henri-Cartier Bresson and the way he uses documentary photography to tell a story and represent certain emotions and situations. I have also been looking at Arnold Newman and I love how he uses Environmental portraiture to again represent a personal story behind every individual he photographs. For my project, I want to take all of these ideas and experiment with them in my own way. Ill research more about their techniques and figure out how I can apply them to my theme of work whilst also making sure my work feels personal and unique to me.

For my personal study I am going to be using my Canon camera because it gives me the flexibility to experiment with different settings and lenses, especially when playing around with the depth of field and lighting. I will also be using editing software such as Lightroom to enhance the mood and the colours in my images. I also really want to experiment with using natural light like doing shoots during sunset and also whenever the weather is foggy and gloomy.

With my shoots, I am planning to focus on a mixture of portrait and landscape images depending on the type of images I need for the specific shoot. I will end up with a variety of different formats and sizes with my images. Ill probably shoot in a few different locations for example, my local church, my actual church, the forests, nature walk areas, beaches, my own house and possibly even more to get a variety of different settings and moods. I want to experiment with different compositions; some wide shots to capture the context and some close ups to get every little detail.

By the end of my personal study project I hope to have multiple sets of images that not only show how much I’ve improved with all the technical side of photography but also to tell my story and create meaningful feelings through the photoshoots. I would like to be able to look back on this project and see that I have done it to my full potential and pushed myself to try out new techniques and ideas, even if some of them don’t work out perfectly. This personal study project gives me an opportunity to step out of what I am comfortable with doing in photography and explore something I’m genuinely passionate about and I am very excited to see it all come together within the final photobook.

Petrol Heads

The story of this photo book was about which cars he has and what types of modifications he is going to do on them and why. He explains how he enjoys driving around and talks about the operation canvas that happened over here on the Island. Operation Canvas was launched in July 2020 amid growing concerns at the manner of some people’s driving. The genre is something of non-fiction, focusing on car culture, an automotive-enthusiast. His approach to image taking was a documentary style, with some close up shots telling the story of what modifications he has made to the cars.

The photographer is called Jeremy Rodger, who made this book as a hautlieu student. I think his intentions were to reflect operation canvas and portray that this wouldn’t alter the way he lives his life and that it was overall pointless. He says ‘but what else are we meant to do’ which implies his negative feeling towards the police operation. I think that audience was for car enthusiasts along with DIY enjoyers.

The book was a paperback, with a few images that are wide spread, these images mainly being the car as a whole and then some zoomed close ups of the modifications he has personally done showing his proudness of the car. The title is relevant and intriguing leaving you to want to read into why he likes car so much. The narrative is told in a way of how much he enjoys racing around and why and implies that the police are not going to stop him.

We can apply Rowland Barthes theory of proairetic and hermeneutic codes. With the proairetic code, being the action/ movement which would be his text about operation canvas. The hermeneutic code which is his reflection and dialogue about how this makes him feel, which is his images of modifications to go against the police. The enigma code which is the way in which to intrigue and gain the audience, being the fact he is so reckless, calling the police scared of him.

theGETAWAY

This book was a story about a guy and his girlfriend, which explained how the only time they were alone was in the car. He portrays his love for the car and how it is there safe space. This book was made by another hautlieu student,m who had clear intentions of making it a romantic genre, one that show the teenage struggle of constantly watching each other. Portraying how we are so focused on ourselves and other people looking at us that we don’t realise they are also too focused on themselves to notice what’s even happening around them. He shows how him and his girlfriend go to party’s together, and socialised with their friends, but they show that they also need their personal alone time. I like how narrative driven this book is portraying the deepsense of the story. The book is a paper back with an intriguing title. With incorrect grammar to portray the informalness of the story.

The book has a tactile and emotional quailtiy mirroring the initamte and personal story it tells. Holding it envokes a sense of nostalgia, and even slight melancholy. The mix of matt and gloss paper symoblizes the contrasts between private moments of relection (matte) and vivid intimate moements with his girlfriend (gloss). With the book being primarly black and white igives a raw timeless feel. Useing some slught dim colours like darker green it highlights emotinal sognificatny moments. Like tyhe glow of the light when his girlfriend is doing her makeup in the car mirror. The small shape of the book rembles something perosnal, like a intimate nature, for example a doary or journal. With around 40 pages its enpugh to tell the story without overstaying its welcome. The binding allows the book t lay flat. With a wide image on the cover it gives it an approachanble feeling whereas a smaller image om the cover wouldvtr given ir a more tactile feel. The muted moodty images of the car, with dusk and raindrops on the windhsielf may rekate to the dark atmosphere of the title. The title has relevance, inviting interpretation. The book explores the car as safe and intimate, acting as an escape for connection. It is told through a mix of photos, the interior and close up of mirrors. There is repeated motifs like the use of eye contact, and a clear concept development through the cars progression from a sanctuary and intimate place to reflect solo imagery to paired moments. The images have been selected to have a chronological flow, the escape of the girlfriend. With empty car parks to create an intimate emotional push and pull. This approach ensures that every element of the book ties into its narrative, creating a deeply engaging and tactile experience for the reader.

• 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 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.

1. Research a photo-book and describe the story it is communicating  with reference to subject-matter, genre and approach to image-making.

The photobook I’ve chosen is called ‘FEMALE’. This photobook is made with individual portraits. Each photograph being completely different, a different person, place and style. If I were to assume that the topic of the photobook was ‘females’ then the artist has produced that perfectly. All models included in this project were women, and seem completely different, woman of all walks of life were included in this project.

2. Who is the photographer? Why did he/she make it? (intentions/ reasons) Who is it for? (audience) How was it received? (any press, reviews, awards, legacy etc.)

The photographer is a woman called Jitka Hanzlova. A German based Czech artist. Jitka wanted her work to bring a sense of home to her viewers, she moved from Czech to Germany young, with her environments being uncertain, new people place language and surroundings. She didn’t feel like she had a place, so her work helps give herself and others a form of security and home.

3. Deconstruct the narrative, concept and design of the book and apply theory above when considering:

For this Photobook, there doesn’t seem to be a story, but pages and pages of individual stories. Each and every separate woman included in this piece has their own individual story, and I believe that is more powerful then a singular story. It brings variety and experience from loads of different perspectives.

• Book in hand: how does it feel? Smell, sniff the paper.

The book is a hard cover book, thick paper with a papery smell. Thick paper for ease of printing the photo, and hardcover used for formality.

• Paper and ink: use of different paper/ textures/ colour or B&W or both.

The paper type stays the same throughout the whole book, I don’t know if that is because of the theme of neutrality throughout the photobook but it is very impactful. The first and last page is in sugar paper/cardboard too.

• Format, size and orientation: portraiture/ landscape/ square/ A5, A4, A3 / number of pages.

Each photo is printed onto the A4 in landscape. The photos were taken with the technique of portraiture, almost mug shots. Simple quick photos of women. There are 128 pages (not including first and last page) in this photobook, which may be significant to Jitka Hanzlova in some sentimental way but from what I can see, there is no straight up reason for it.

• Binding, soft/hard cover. image wrap/dust jacket. saddle stitch/swiss binding/ Japanese stab-binding/ leperello

This photo is a hard cover book, with a plastically film surrounding it. Probably for ‘wear and tear’ reasons. To keep it safe.

• Cover: linen/ card. graphic/ printed image. embossed/ debossed. letterpress/ silkscreen/hot-stamping.

The front page has a large printed photo on the cover. The photo from page 39. This photo must have some significance to Jitka for it to be used twice.

• Title: literal or poetic / relevant or intriguing.

The title ‘FEMALE’ is very intriguing, it leaves a lot open for interpretation. It is also very relevant for this specific photobook too, since every person photographed is a female/woman.

• Narrative: what is the story/ subject-matter. How is it told?

From what I can gather, each page has its own story, each specific person on each page has a life and a story of their own. Their stories are told through not just facial expressions but body language too. The poise and structure of their stance, illuminates it all.

• Structure and architecture: how design/ repeating motifs/ or specific features develops a concept or construct a narrative.

The repeating technique of portraiture, shows a distinct similarity between each photograph, a woman in her own world, with no bothers in the moment the photo was taken.

• Design and layout: image size on pages/ single page, double-spread/ images/ grid, fold- outs/ inserts.

Each individual photo has its own 2 pages, while only sitting on one, is the photo. There is no fold outs or double spreads but only a couple pages with writing.

• Editing and sequencing: selection of images/ juxtaposition of photographs/ editing process.

The editing of these photos are difficult to point out, they seem like raw, untouched candid portraits. However the portraits show juxtaposition through the repetitiveness of the photographing style.

• Images and text: are they linked? Introduction/ essay/ statement by artists or others.  Use of captions (if any.)

This photobook contained an essay, however it was in Czech, so was not understandable.

“The only way to truly understand another culture is to immerse yourself in it, to live it, and to breathe it.”

https://aboutphotography.blog/photographer/jimmy-nelson#:~:text=Jimmy%20Nelson%20is%20an%20acclaimed,are%20often%20overlooked%20or%20marginalized.

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.

• 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 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 photos 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 photos, 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 photos 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 photos 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 photos 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 photos 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 photos 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

Family in photography:
Bull, S. (2009), ‘Phototherapy: The Family Album and Beyond‘ in Photography. London: Routledge.

There is a set of excellent texts on the photography and family, but there are all too large files to be uploaded on the blog – find text here:

M:\Radio\Departments\Photography\Students\YR 13 OBSERVE, SEEK, CHALLENGE 2024-2025\Essay tools\READING

Howarth, S. (2016) ‘Is My Family Normal?’ in Family Photography Now. London: Thames & Hudson.

McLaren, S. (2016), ‘Thanks for Sharing!’, in Family Photography Now. London: Thames & Hudson

Memory and Photography:
Kuhn, A. (2003). ‘Remembrance: The Child I Never Was’ in Wells L. (ed) The Photography Reader. London: Routledge

Here are a few online articles and photobooks on Photography and its relationship with memory. You should read them and references them in your essay.

Colberg, J (May 28, 2012) Photography and Memory
blogger on Conscientious

Photoshoot 1: Female teenage stereotype

For the first photoshoot I am planning to get a group of friends to drive to a location where we can take photographs in a outdoor setting with good lighting. I will use the school camera to insure I get good quality images rather than using my phone. I am planning to go at a time where the sun is setting but the lighting is still good for images. I also will try and get images in the dark as well after the sun has set.

Teenage Stereotypes

This photoshoot was based in Gorey at around 4-6pm where I took images in a carpark, park and on grass fields. I got a few images which included a group of individual but most images tended to focus on one person as the model. My images also aimed to be inspired by a few of Justine Kurland’s photographs by making the photo based in trees, grass areas and open spaces. The lighting in the images work really well to create a warm and happy feeling to the images. the use of the sunset creates a soft tone and makes the lighting of the images a lot better.

This image above is also one of my favourite images as it brings a sense of happiness to the image and I also really like how the lighting turned out. I think this link really well too teenage stereotypes as it explores the theme of friendships and you are able to see the enjoyment being shown by the face expressions.