Overall Comments
A fitting end to the course, once again challenging yourself attempting to assimilate a variety of influences whilst documenting an event close to you.
Feedback on assignment Demonstration of technical and Visual Skills, Quality of Outcome, Demonstration of Creativity
Notes from, and in addition to, our Skype tutorial :
We discussed your overall self-evaluation, its good to be critical but don’t be too hard on yourself. This is the first course in your first year and as you note, you’ve already come a long way. Always remember your best photographs are ahead of you!
The photos in this submission do the job of recording the visit. Important details in the service are noted, interactions are observed, and key elements of the Liturgy shown.
Your sequence shows us the narrative of the event.
The processing and rituals are well observed. You are successfully showing us what goes on in an unfamiliar (Greek Orthodoxy historically being a minor religion in the UK) environment.
We discussed your use of the close up, we as viewers get the feeling of being the ‘man in the crowd’, its less like you’ve got a camera and more like a person’s eye view.
This is paparazzi style, documentary, the blurred shoulders in the foreground are a typical indicator. All to give us the feeling that, not only did this happen, but that we were there.
You had to use the highest iso (3200) setting that you’ve ever used. The prints are fine, however, and your camera is obviously up to the job. In your choice of black and white you need a little more justification. The contrasts were a little dulled by the low light. The colours of the robes, fabrics and ephemera are so attractive that really we need to see them.
You are best placed to not fall into the trap of Orientalism, whilst still showing us something culturally interesting. In effect you are a bridge between our worlds.
We went through the contact sheet again choosing images on colour, composition and illustration of the event. Remember not to break the spell of the observer by having eye contact with audience members – we want to be engrossed in them being engrossed.
Learning Logs or Blogs/Critical essays Context
Good to see you continuing to read and review. This all stands you in good stead.
Suggested reading/viewing Context
Keep cross referencing from Bate, Bull and Wells, and try to find a new contemporary or historical photographer a week.
Pointers for the next assignment
For assessment; showcase your learning, point to where you’ve used a reference, where you’ve listened to advice, how you changed things – show your process.
Ikonick Images EYV 