tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51549026484752594362024-02-19T16:11:03.173+01:00Photography 2 - Social DocumentaryOpen College of the Arts BlogShaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-13648336401397745462014-09-20T11:13:00.000+02:002014-09-20T11:13:17.537+02:00So what did I learn?Anyone who has been reading this blog will by now be aware that this has been a very challenging course, one that has stretched me to the limit and tested my commitment. More than once I contemplated simply stepping away from the course, to either start a different path or quit entirely. However, my previous tutor for Landscape told me that I needed to do this course and my respect for his views coupled with the excellent support from my current tutor kept me on path. A few days ago I packaged together the prints, essay, tutor comments, and my responses into a 4 Kg box that just arrived in Barnsley for assessment. Yesterday, I enrolled on Level 3. So this course did not kill me or worse than that cause me to quit the OCA. But, what did it do?<br />
<br />
Putting aside the fact that the course is old and lacks the intellectual rigor I need at this stage, the subject matter was a real problem. I do not have a problem photographing people, with or without their consent, however, people increasingly have a problem with me photographing them. Not me specifically, anyone! During Social Documentary I ran right into the fact that society has changed in it's attitude towards photography, and in particular German society. I experienced an increasing sense of hostility towards me, at times dangerously so. Cameras seem to be increasingly seen as a tool of surveillance and threat. Perhaps this stems from the fact that smartphones are the modern imaging instrument of choice. "Real" cameras are used by professionals and what is a professional doing photographing me? In Germany it is illegal to publish a photograph of a person without their written consent. Publish, means any form of dissemination in print or web form. I feel that this prohibition is gradually extending to the idea that the act of photographing someone without their permission is illegal. It isn't. However, it is now a major breach of politeness and even offensive to photograph a person without their permission. This then translates to many taking issue, even violently so to being photographed. <br />
<br />
Complying with the project and assignment structure of Social Documentary became progressively more difficult. I solved the problem in Assignment 1 by photographing myself, written permission obtained. In Assignment 2 I mostly photographed drunk people, who in the main did not care, but were also slower than me if offense was taken. By assignment 4 I was growing weary of the hostility and it began to show in my imagery as I became more distant, more voyeuristic, maintaining space between myself and my subjects. Arriving at Assignment 5 I finally solved the problem, stop photographing people, but still describe society. <br />
<br />
This was the key learning point from the course, if taking pictures of people is too challenging in a society that values privacy above all else, stop doing it. As a photographer I must work with the zeitgeist of the environment within which I find myself. If Germany prohibits the candid image then make that a part of my work. Either get right into peoples face and work the reaction, risky, but interesting or make absence of people the point. Looking at successful contemporary German photographic artists, none are doing street photography, people are either clearly complicit in the images or they are entirely absent. Gursky's work springs to mind. Even those artists such as Thomas Struth who take images of crowds of people (Gallery work) do it outside Germany!<br />
<br />
I live in Germany and must respect German societal norms even if they get in my way. The trick is to work with those norms, to use them to make artistic statements that interest people. Where this brings me as a photographer I am not sure, but it will be a major element of how I approach my final year work, Perhaps this will drive me back towards Landscape, I truly do not know, but this investigation will form one of the first things I plan to do as I start Level 3.<br />
<br />
So to conclude Social Documentary, the key learning was to stop taking photographs of people without their permission and if that means no longer photographing people, so be it!Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-21060242773913467812014-07-13T14:39:00.002+02:002014-07-13T14:39:41.733+02:00Looking for Inspiration and rediscovering ArtWith assignment 5 now completed, it is time to think a little about where I am, where I have been and where I am going. This post is not a "formal" reflection on the course, rather it reflects upon a very disturbing realization. During the 2 years it took me to complete SocDoc I did not visit a gallery or engage in any way with the broader world of art. I became very inward looking and insular, somehow trapped in a soulless cave of introspection and angst. As I look back on the train wreck that my degree studies have become the lack of engagement with the art world stands out. However, this is something that can be easily fixed and on Friday I started what I hope is a kind of healing process and re-engagement with visual art.<br />
<br />
I took a day off and walked across the city to the Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich's modern art gallery. Specifically I went to see the following exhibition:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinakothek.de/en/kalender/2014-04-02/43330/people-river-landscape">http://www.pinakothek.de/en/kalender/2014-04-02/43330/people-river-landscape</a><br />
<br />
August Sander was an early discovery for me in my study of photography, a man who created a unique body of work that attempted to catalog the German people through a series of portraits that captured the differing professions and classes present in 1920s Germany. He was vilified by the Nazis who destroyed the plates for the book he created and sadly much of his original work was destroyed by an allied bombing raid. However, some original work remains and once again it was a thrilling experience to get close to works of art about which I had read so much. <br />
<br />
Munich has a group of 5 art museums, 4 of which are co-located and make up an area called the Kunst Arreal. Each houses a different body of work, generally moving from past to present from museum to museum. For 90 Euros it is possible to get a pass that gets you into any of them, including special exhibits for a period of a year - good value, but only if you go frequently. Well, that is my plan. Next weekend I shall be back as the Brandhorst museum has a major Richard Avedon exhibit. Not exactly my thing, but fabulous to get a chance to see work by a major artist.<br />
<br />
Just visiting the Pinakothek der Moderne is a joy, the building is wonderful and the space is always filled with something or another, this time straw bails littered the lawn outside, but made of plastic drinking straws rather than the more traditional material. Hard to do justice in a photo, but these objects supplied colour and humor to the museum entrance. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wzCn4ZZnP9kNOHk3B-Dyqpz1LojFmhahlii1S2Yh_Qf_e6byQOZQEypJUnKfq9xBK0nzgpZ2vNH_2FELFXz7K6FAf-PD8AWRTwg14qKLKaqfNxdi0jN_Lg3Ue6gJNJMVoZ0-7I4FCs1f/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wzCn4ZZnP9kNOHk3B-Dyqpz1LojFmhahlii1S2Yh_Qf_e6byQOZQEypJUnKfq9xBK0nzgpZ2vNH_2FELFXz7K6FAf-PD8AWRTwg14qKLKaqfNxdi0jN_Lg3Ue6gJNJMVoZ0-7I4FCs1f/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-001.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP51xx6f5b2rgN9V7oNCUQcVmEW74jHCg936u2ccyh-2d_L0I29aPYLFnPYQKjI8Erlz0rhyphenhyphenqklCEfTNOurhVKaSeCcN7OMAXZvWIeG6TPtyO41nP_fQcVhaZRNMpYhyphenhyphenzwgN1uMB8XKoPm/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP51xx6f5b2rgN9V7oNCUQcVmEW74jHCg936u2ccyh-2d_L0I29aPYLFnPYQKjI8Erlz0rhyphenhyphenqklCEfTNOurhVKaSeCcN7OMAXZvWIeG6TPtyO41nP_fQcVhaZRNMpYhyphenhyphenzwgN1uMB8XKoPm/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-002.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am also unable to not take photographs of the fabric of the museum, it has featured in a fair number of courses and assignment submissions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCBRVc_tMHw_5AhNsXn7AyklQu9X8qCAjb8JIdszhEBU1mZlRonGjS4qyGjkbb9qB0gF881bqMLmpz8ntIOoW1RKD5uksEPeLGHOURjfMpccBcdFIiOc3SBjpZJq-mYQVCRZyo2qzILfJ/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCBRVc_tMHw_5AhNsXn7AyklQu9X8qCAjb8JIdszhEBU1mZlRonGjS4qyGjkbb9qB0gF881bqMLmpz8ntIOoW1RKD5uksEPeLGHOURjfMpccBcdFIiOc3SBjpZJq-mYQVCRZyo2qzILfJ/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-003.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The museum is predominantly focused on modern art of the 20th century, from paintings and sculpture, through to room sized installations, such as the magical light sculptures below. Created by Dan Flavin, there is something about a sculpture of light that appeals to me as a photographer, I try to capture and describe light, Flavin's work creates it. The work also had a strange affect on the eyes, leaving the room everything was a rose pink, that over a couple of seconds white balanced back to normality. The art had not only impressed with its shape and form but it also changed how my brain interpreted colour, questioning reality and revealing that what we see is merely an interpretation of the mind. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4lSF15o_BXUdWYIvOpAkjEDkiyGG4Bf9jhjWVViBDBSrSepK4KofeeZN0z3M78ioi0I7AYabgVPj99wt_fbc2tL12ihdyQAwqTjnhSVWi4Au8vlGr7g51Go1ONN8QGiwf-p6wTn3xrII/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4lSF15o_BXUdWYIvOpAkjEDkiyGG4Bf9jhjWVViBDBSrSepK4KofeeZN0z3M78ioi0I7AYabgVPj99wt_fbc2tL12ihdyQAwqTjnhSVWi4Au8vlGr7g51Go1ONN8QGiwf-p6wTn3xrII/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-004.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25boP8JC2m9zea_7fV9N1bK_KUavorqXJpxBl1gdsTMhttaUcjVH6lH_30jhynbfqvg4a2gWIVFuJyUE-VxEx8vm3B3I9eTpBT02ouGR4cmvTV94PgkbVouIgiBmHXeDPbl0p_Z3z3vDT/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25boP8JC2m9zea_7fV9N1bK_KUavorqXJpxBl1gdsTMhttaUcjVH6lH_30jhynbfqvg4a2gWIVFuJyUE-VxEx8vm3B3I9eTpBT02ouGR4cmvTV94PgkbVouIgiBmHXeDPbl0p_Z3z3vDT/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-005.jpg" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
<br />
Another key benefit of visiting art galleries is to look at how work is presented, how artists assemble their vision for exhibition. These strangely childlike drawings became more powerful when displayed as a block of images spanning a 10 meter wide wall. Individually they are a little banal, together they are fascinating. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgZCnFzBjC6dawK5nX8prTaFgqnpzhJavSBseLy__-mN99TQqfpbvEj3_3RcFeLErWyfUN5ii6NE-xK9utkcW9ILtLsP0fsy1uWnsCLjPTQbYyLcO06FTCQRzJ43XTGgS1G-3Ay4mLdD2/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgZCnFzBjC6dawK5nX8prTaFgqnpzhJavSBseLy__-mN99TQqfpbvEj3_3RcFeLErWyfUN5ii6NE-xK9utkcW9ILtLsP0fsy1uWnsCLjPTQbYyLcO06FTCQRzJ43XTGgS1G-3Ay4mLdD2/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-006.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, the most marvelous discovery from my visit was finding that the museum has changed its hanging policy for its photography collection. Mixed in among the sculptures and paintings were small groups of photographs, the ones below are Lewis Baltz. I always knew that the museum had a strong photograph collection, but not as good as this. I like the fact that they are not poked away in a side gallery, but hung alongside work by Picasso. In doing so the gallery gives equal predominance to photography as a medium and provides a through provoking arrangement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6Abk2Zk0Ba7SWTlos-eY5VeYYg0ifywI_DHCFvF_REZ3fmXsnrvufto6DcjVtpZaRtLZY_5uu5HJAWmUlWiYFsIM6dOWL_SWj2oXZdWWV8GFvi3HFOwQaGNDhPGSy_jUUOp5UnVnYk0c/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6Abk2Zk0Ba7SWTlos-eY5VeYYg0ifywI_DHCFvF_REZ3fmXsnrvufto6DcjVtpZaRtLZY_5uu5HJAWmUlWiYFsIM6dOWL_SWj2oXZdWWV8GFvi3HFOwQaGNDhPGSy_jUUOp5UnVnYk0c/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-007.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Among the work was Lee Friedlander:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_es_S21Lkcyp1deNRNOugkFK8TF_23_0471KZnbo__KRuDKOSufdR57ORbUXi0ht2mDUEtCPW545HQJfykaVlEGw1xc6L9O81E3Gy2Tyri_5_ifxOCd9VK1q2MNYYKuvRnPav8yMOWC8-/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_es_S21Lkcyp1deNRNOugkFK8TF_23_0471KZnbo__KRuDKOSufdR57ORbUXi0ht2mDUEtCPW545HQJfykaVlEGw1xc6L9O81E3Gy2Tyri_5_ifxOCd9VK1q2MNYYKuvRnPav8yMOWC8-/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-008.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Boris Michailov<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwm6fnsLApOiB0uz1WENHbA-FKR_7S9q9fVNfHmzno-ff6XDlI8zeCNLy-VQqMwd8daXSNOpVVYpL9Y6xvZs86DT91UHo7U4gi3B6qn3fcAJYXNYTZZocJ-5iE0tCcfYD8jC4UMgS7k83Z/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwm6fnsLApOiB0uz1WENHbA-FKR_7S9q9fVNfHmzno-ff6XDlI8zeCNLy-VQqMwd8daXSNOpVVYpL9Y6xvZs86DT91UHo7U4gi3B6qn3fcAJYXNYTZZocJ-5iE0tCcfYD8jC4UMgS7k83Z/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-009.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And most surprisingly, Diane Arbus. The photo below has that awkwardness so characteristic of Arbus, people are presented as oddities rather than human beings. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutCBKxtPfDRM2l9-7nICqE-m8V3wd9uNbc6lixSbZ1TtCVY8BLUbK5diGfKj5-wrdOFGiay5ymyWG9VlIbAs5k9CtIrc4FUOkvXXE3IXHKiPSzb5l-MZYVCo2Sgx_M85bnv92tZyPb6XF/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutCBKxtPfDRM2l9-7nICqE-m8V3wd9uNbc6lixSbZ1TtCVY8BLUbK5diGfKj5-wrdOFGiay5ymyWG9VlIbAs5k9CtIrc4FUOkvXXE3IXHKiPSzb5l-MZYVCo2Sgx_M85bnv92tZyPb6XF/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-010.jpg" height="400" width="351" /></a></div>
<br />
However, the point of the visit was to see original work by August Sander. Below is my personal favorite and a photo so characteristic of his honest and revealing style. The subject confronts the camera and is clearly going about his daily work. The contrast is powerful and the engagement with the subject clearly present. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZA23yivvASapiyVxQSeWJMc6FOGPiLlTTvdk3Rrpn5ESFmL1LwZS44lJkpyH1Nb2NSdRXfyFHY6O9r_wTxzt4i7zlJlps5gjATMBq_UQN7UbiZDjvWcu87OEWwWv9LmsrIycsQVbLMxJ/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZA23yivvASapiyVxQSeWJMc6FOGPiLlTTvdk3Rrpn5ESFmL1LwZS44lJkpyH1Nb2NSdRXfyFHY6O9r_wTxzt4i7zlJlps5gjATMBq_UQN7UbiZDjvWcu87OEWwWv9LmsrIycsQVbLMxJ/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-011.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Accompanying the works by Sanders were photographs by other German artists who have grown up with his influence. Most obvious of all is the work of the Becher's their industrial typologies echoing Sanders catalog of German people. Their approach also echos the work of Sanders, very factual, front on imagery that also finds its power in being hung as a series. Individually these are strong images, but collectively they are more. They invite inspection and comparison. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_kF5Std2QFs3h74q4bH6NzW3VRXdegq_x1opm2iVnLAlX6FBuIZjs1q95zglRwJnlZsWLQIn2qogCgDowgpCNBLz2bCr48gQIpdpTeyh2moRo_WHzN3F70V4px9xW9GDK0kUhypnRK0Y/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_kF5Std2QFs3h74q4bH6NzW3VRXdegq_x1opm2iVnLAlX6FBuIZjs1q95zglRwJnlZsWLQIn2qogCgDowgpCNBLz2bCr48gQIpdpTeyh2moRo_WHzN3F70V4px9xW9GDK0kUhypnRK0Y/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-015.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In the theme of inspiration, work was also present from the Becher's strudents, Thomas Struth<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bxy7gaWcm2elXwO2yqD3WcZrPRSFTJ895btLLp0lbGf0ca8SVbLZGuDb-kFaLFeXk7Xp2EerLmfYXwO00zpw4vmR1Vu3n4S9sc2e7R4YPaynpiXEGz5Op748H9sYqF39jgQawh3Lpk-3/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bxy7gaWcm2elXwO2yqD3WcZrPRSFTJ895btLLp0lbGf0ca8SVbLZGuDb-kFaLFeXk7Xp2EerLmfYXwO00zpw4vmR1Vu3n4S9sc2e7R4YPaynpiXEGz5Op748H9sYqF39jgQawh3Lpk-3/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-012.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thomas Ruff</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUX4OJIUAKSnYDxuLwwvLpaYjwdkamaZHvbxYkxQ1wI5fBZR9T0Y2kWEcV1bMshxGqCDyP7SI6mikVccD_uG_c2yamoxkWQWoKzZd3F71xy0QfOu5mmso6QUH-aWqFRlSoSUvxSlIHF-c/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUX4OJIUAKSnYDxuLwwvLpaYjwdkamaZHvbxYkxQ1wI5fBZR9T0Y2kWEcV1bMshxGqCDyP7SI6mikVccD_uG_c2yamoxkWQWoKzZd3F71xy0QfOu5mmso6QUH-aWqFRlSoSUvxSlIHF-c/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-014.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
<br />
And a huge surprise, Rhien II by Andres Gursky. Rhein II was the topic of my Landscape essay and to find it here was a huge surprise. I knew that Gursky was in the exhibit, but not this piece, still the most valuable photograph (by auction price). Seeing it on a wall and experiencing the immensity of the print finally brought home its value to me. Although at face value a very simple image standing in front of it, it is immersive. It draws you into the landscape and holds the gaze. There is no where to go, I felt as if I was flowing in the space above the river. magical...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR7ZK16BDHnBemNMeN5Jpws2557MfVoHKbUxGPXwUhZ6zrVrGO97SewSU9-y4dFo9XIObyEEbRuEk7Dqo5viBeZKkymuH4Lb7wRv1omT1lHGz4cz8erSuUeo7ZzHYy1gvIrLecycEY8NX/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR7ZK16BDHnBemNMeN5Jpws2557MfVoHKbUxGPXwUhZ6zrVrGO97SewSU9-y4dFo9XIObyEEbRuEk7Dqo5viBeZKkymuH4Lb7wRv1omT1lHGz4cz8erSuUeo7ZzHYy1gvIrLecycEY8NX/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-013.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, the exhibit was about Sander and his landscape work, which whilst impressive in its own right did not compare to the series of beautiful portraits. This is a fine example of German farm lads dressed up well for a day in town perhaps. Living here, I can see the echoes of those faces when I am also in the countryside. The photo is very candid and honest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkH_8R0oYNXHbIMwPBRGgIOKj_AUF0YdeBib-Y3XvZoJy0TCay_8u24QNg1SJtIiUvITVv-sHSSFypSiUjvQvb4B8C0NrTWzJmdBDhzlI61LB0QnNKVExtj6hV8exMyJPIkSvqKyPYkq7/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkH_8R0oYNXHbIMwPBRGgIOKj_AUF0YdeBib-Y3XvZoJy0TCay_8u24QNg1SJtIiUvITVv-sHSSFypSiUjvQvb4B8C0NrTWzJmdBDhzlI61LB0QnNKVExtj6hV8exMyJPIkSvqKyPYkq7/s1600/Pinakothek-der-Modern-016.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></div>
<br />
It was good to re-engage with art once more, Friday reminded me of why I was doing this degree and brought a feeling of euphoria in rediscovery.<br />
<br />
The day after was another art experience. Each year in Munich, artists in the Schwabing district open the doors to there workshops and studios, inviting the public to join them and see where they work rather than look at the final product. Heidi and I spent an enjoyable couple of hours wandering from studio to studio. After seeing the work in the gallery this experience further reinforced the sense of wanting to be an artist and a need to strat making my own work once more. Quite what is another story, but I feel I am getting back on track.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-1247544294173499502014-07-02T11:49:00.002+02:002014-07-31T11:22:00.637+02:00Assignment 5: Tutor ResponseI finally made it, sent my assignment to Simon on the 17th May, left for vacation on the 25th. My course time ran out on the 7th June, at which time I was sitting on a plane returning from the Maldives. This was cutting it too fine for me, but hopefully now my mid-course crisis is over so I can consider Level 2 complete and start turning my thoughts towards enrolling on Level 3.<br />
<br />
However, after the experience of hitting the time limit on this course I am not in a hurry to enroll on Level 3, I plan to have a breather over the summer and then embark on the final year in the Autumn. Summer is a very busy time for me work wise, so I do not want to overload again. There is still plenty to do, starting with my response to tutor feedback on the assignment and then preparing for assessment.<br />
<br />
This was not an easy assignment, in particular I struggled to develop a conceptual basis for presenting the images, working around German law and the increasing hostility of people towards photographers. My resolution of this problem by working with the law to describe a people without actually presenting the people felt risky. Perhaps the fact that I felt uneasy contributed to making this a better set than it would have been with a more conventional photo-documentary style focusing on people, their interaction and expression. The treatment also aligned with my own feeling of separation from the society I live within. I look at a world of structure not people, I rarely have time to interact, my foray's into the world of the street are generally a rush to grab some food and get back to the mountain of work I face each day. This resulted in a very personal view of the world I live in that at the same time looked distant, I am an observer not a participant.<br />
<br />
All in all I was quite concerned about how my tutor would see what it is that I have created. His opening statements suggested that I had made the right decision to go with my own interpretation of the brief:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It’s good to see the realisation of where your interests lie and if nothing else then this module will have been successful in this respect.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Your decision to go with the privacy laws and concentrate on making the absence of people a virtue in telling the story of Richard-Strasse is both sensible and successful.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You have taken the brief and made it your own. Your images observe and report on the place and done so in a way that goes beyond a straight recording of the physicality to draw attention to the character of the people that inhabit the place.</blockquote>
</blockquote>
There were a number of critical issues that Simon raised and I need to address. The first was captions. He was unsure whether the images needed captions or not. I had deliberately avoided the use of captions, trying to tie the images together with a written narrative.. In previous courses and assignments I have always added captions or technical notes to my photographs, this was the first time I have not done that. I still think this is the right decision, each photograph was chosen carefully to contain it's own message, adding a caption risks the viewer reading the text and not the photograph. However, the set still needs a narrative text to link the images together. In a magazine this might be an essay, in a gallery I could envisage a wall of large text telling the story of the street.<br />
<br />
Presentation was a key question that was posed several times in the comments and relates to the question of adding captions. When I was preparing the photos and the strip image I had given some thought to combining them, at least providing some sort of key that located the individual photographs within the strip. I concluded that this would not work well with the presentation as an assignment, however, in a gallery setting I think it would work well. Below is a rather rudimentary sketch of an exhibition space for the photographs:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBjPhx1jWR1tU5hjJUVwPgGkJVWjSagY3Z7xHn0luZpFKYLw_XVFZv9pt1xtxv2L39lgIMajlxyYpjwMdh6tYDcE1gDftBwUiBcjKm0XM5Kqu1qcHHYbQUykHYY4cLHAX5Ix5mYrZyDPH/s1600/Gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBjPhx1jWR1tU5hjJUVwPgGkJVWjSagY3Z7xHn0luZpFKYLw_XVFZv9pt1xtxv2L39lgIMajlxyYpjwMdh6tYDcE1gDftBwUiBcjKm0XM5Kqu1qcHHYbQUykHYY4cLHAX5Ix5mYrZyDPH/s1600/Gallery.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The viewer would enter the room and be faced by a wall opposite on which would be a textual narrative of the street and it's people containing a few images that relate to the development of the space, e.g. Google street view as used in my submission. Then on either side of the narrative the two walls could contain the "Street", the strip photo running along each side from North to South as you walk into the room, East on the left and West on the right. The individual photographs could then be located on the wall roughly at the position relative to the strip at which they were taken. For this to work I would need more than the 15 images used in my submission. If exhibited in the locale local people could then add there own photographs to the wall, adding in the people that are absent in my imagery. If they take the photo and exhibit it themselves, they bypass the legal issue. Perhaps a series of "selfies" taken using a polaroid available in the exhibit space which would then be attached to the wall where they live. <br />
<br />
This also brings me to the vexed subject of the strip photo and the fact that one image is inverted. I am not alone in this treatment, Ed Ruscha did the same, and I suspect for the same reason. On the strip the photos read from South to North, with the West side at the top and the East at the bottom. This enables the viewer to metaphorically walk along the photograph looking left and right. If I was not to invert the East side, then the photos would not align correctly. The alternate would be to have South to North on the top and North to South on the bottom, then the photos could be correctly aligned. However, in that case I think it might be better to have the photos as two separate objects, as there would be no spatial relation between the top and bottom. I have yet to resolve how I will print and display this image. The OCA specifically states no rolled art work, however, a scroll might be the logical way to present this. I am considering buying some continuous feed paper and creating a single very long image. This will keep me busy for a while.<br />
<br />
What pleased me most was a comment that this work showed the ongoing development of my own voice. This is a critical piece of feedback as I have felt that during Social Documentary that I have somewhat lost my way and my photographs no longer reflected my perspective on the world, rather a series of objects designed to meet a brief. That is not a problem in of itself, meeting a brief is key to a commercial approach to photography, however, I am doing this for the art not the money. My own voice is very critical to me. I want my photographs to reflect who I am (good and bad) and to be an outlet for creativity.<br />
<br />
I will need to carefully consider how to present this course for assessment, address the fact that I have not completed all the projects and also express what I have learnt and how that will inform my ongoing studies. To conclude, this has been the most satisfying of all the assignments I have undertaken for this course, because I chose to bend the rules ad take a risk with both presentation and content. That is a key lesson and one I will keep in mind...<br />
<br />
<br />Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-44830689065876510392014-07-02T09:32:00.001+02:002014-07-31T11:21:52.875+02:00Assignment 5: Submission PhotosUnlike other assignments, I did not write individually about each image. Instead, my submission document was written in the style of a narrative essay, each comment made to accompany a photograph. This reflected the fact that I wanted the images to work together as a whole and not be treated as individual objects. After all, the assignment name was "Photo Essay". Here is the final set as submitted<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrDQKYoUI4TYr2VsHcZTc4n1htiGLxz4or9R2tbdz20wduy8PRJeD7O5UYxLivFv4btgND4IeZTqH3-pek16NpikNYUA0bnEATuoNOEFoVAlsFU3mBI5skFkFtSgDajplS8mIb517ydIC/s1600/SD-A5-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrDQKYoUI4TYr2VsHcZTc4n1htiGLxz4or9R2tbdz20wduy8PRJeD7O5UYxLivFv4btgND4IeZTqH3-pek16NpikNYUA0bnEATuoNOEFoVAlsFU3mBI5skFkFtSgDajplS8mIb517ydIC/s1600/SD-A5-001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcndVKXN-stEosCy_f86r9Yxfvv-7s6t5aGK5Mh-2_abEevWUOq5Zc9MPmi5ou1BsiDhutBwEiawocdknantsyiCNYPYq8CVcI-mC9NmRmKKfX8EeNri2QsZIOo9_jVBeWGn4wluxYZ4Dr/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcndVKXN-stEosCy_f86r9Yxfvv-7s6t5aGK5Mh-2_abEevWUOq5Zc9MPmi5ou1BsiDhutBwEiawocdknantsyiCNYPYq8CVcI-mC9NmRmKKfX8EeNri2QsZIOo9_jVBeWGn4wluxYZ4Dr/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemTzK_1u-FaQaAHiSJ7WiiA7GkbiASwC-KAUZwzy6nYUFF1DqmY2JgCVuBcHkQaqDBkyptr3OhyphenhyphenGEvt3pk71xbxXCF5WW-QMk_CP3LPGMD5DJBleFvs6AyqWhM6iQ55FF82JLjVYqzzh8/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemTzK_1u-FaQaAHiSJ7WiiA7GkbiASwC-KAUZwzy6nYUFF1DqmY2JgCVuBcHkQaqDBkyptr3OhyphenhyphenGEvt3pk71xbxXCF5WW-QMk_CP3LPGMD5DJBleFvs6AyqWhM6iQ55FF82JLjVYqzzh8/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xtDPy9SEEDpftx_PP66ROboG1KCnaOlWBfRldV0oeMQ0USrQJqDYxD3RewcnOF5GGM4j8KZrn_yOBp_wn8bHWkpwsunLgkWsVMpsDmZlIJhcvrzPvhx4mh-0B2Ze1pxo23WN3yeGkePb/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xtDPy9SEEDpftx_PP66ROboG1KCnaOlWBfRldV0oeMQ0USrQJqDYxD3RewcnOF5GGM4j8KZrn_yOBp_wn8bHWkpwsunLgkWsVMpsDmZlIJhcvrzPvhx4mh-0B2Ze1pxo23WN3yeGkePb/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85tgGL_AKuln42dSwuL9bq52L4-vIvion6cHE0HIKQAsR3skRrdvPscZ4i6Cgso0HNjD0VuYTiFAAIHU2WUBKUYIJmjMzF27qtqCGqZVSBPCx9AnKYKz8zEiFU5O-2kwHhft_XjqI95zI/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85tgGL_AKuln42dSwuL9bq52L4-vIvion6cHE0HIKQAsR3skRrdvPscZ4i6Cgso0HNjD0VuYTiFAAIHU2WUBKUYIJmjMzF27qtqCGqZVSBPCx9AnKYKz8zEiFU5O-2kwHhft_XjqI95zI/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP1XvPQHwiGuRpSOeNjROWpI-uG2Fl0zjXvlhddMkyaA3Jx9oTtnSwM8Du_N9c5hW6LjAA47OaWM6XfcM9LgBCirvea6Uqi4bkljrBF5OGZoEqet2EVUIL3J5JKCNAYe9KAwz415z3qF-/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP1XvPQHwiGuRpSOeNjROWpI-uG2Fl0zjXvlhddMkyaA3Jx9oTtnSwM8Du_N9c5hW6LjAA47OaWM6XfcM9LgBCirvea6Uqi4bkljrBF5OGZoEqet2EVUIL3J5JKCNAYe9KAwz415z3qF-/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6VLTkKqNXSi-RkQe2UyDveMUoOYBEF50ujl52YQ_pXr217g4A2CU7LV0eT0Q-cX7XF9-5xylDsloheL_8QCW5Qj_NTiHk4pONz3fsn_CwibCd9HuIj8ujy8eur-_Oa4yB3adpCjlt090/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6VLTkKqNXSi-RkQe2UyDveMUoOYBEF50ujl52YQ_pXr217g4A2CU7LV0eT0Q-cX7XF9-5xylDsloheL_8QCW5Qj_NTiHk4pONz3fsn_CwibCd9HuIj8ujy8eur-_Oa4yB3adpCjlt090/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj6Ef6Fx0aD9pDpWrBhaCUuyXAn-shW0SHVQRuhID4x4MqeBqy1ZcmLop4vY6VQfK_hdC3z-N_7MMcq0u1z1BrtQJS_EYRL9wx-8MIBUskf_Ggxn4ANo7C7GOyzd8ug2cTlPfD4EhStjw/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj6Ef6Fx0aD9pDpWrBhaCUuyXAn-shW0SHVQRuhID4x4MqeBqy1ZcmLop4vY6VQfK_hdC3z-N_7MMcq0u1z1BrtQJS_EYRL9wx-8MIBUskf_Ggxn4ANo7C7GOyzd8ug2cTlPfD4EhStjw/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3uUaqJPmAqRvfvy6ZNgUYh8f1Qwe98ekpNZbcEaYj_8jCzghNZQAz-4xsjQ4l07Zy5PBjLlzjLWeWYbs3_czpiMORu8v9KaFvKg_8ytM-zWxH5hqGYaODdiBdVZrMYAveCyFRgdbksb8/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3uUaqJPmAqRvfvy6ZNgUYh8f1Qwe98ekpNZbcEaYj_8jCzghNZQAz-4xsjQ4l07Zy5PBjLlzjLWeWYbs3_czpiMORu8v9KaFvKg_8ytM-zWxH5hqGYaODdiBdVZrMYAveCyFRgdbksb8/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuSM1GbeTYHd2wuJ_e7-x5S0-u2PmRiKZY1jhoN-F4_2zZXoBUnde1rMeJ2zaRu_k3pmwVJhuYWkMWvw1KyKRw0NOBEXwYs_qCJAdQlGe6bICln2a4T07vpn3c0yGuovRp5L6fH4MOiB-/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuSM1GbeTYHd2wuJ_e7-x5S0-u2PmRiKZY1jhoN-F4_2zZXoBUnde1rMeJ2zaRu_k3pmwVJhuYWkMWvw1KyKRw0NOBEXwYs_qCJAdQlGe6bICln2a4T07vpn3c0yGuovRp5L6fH4MOiB-/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAI1T72fvRpLpy0RfqoQRAe7K6loE7UL1Ir51AbqCPRTpYIIDPvi9FV8S7T5gBLKXd8gy4678rOgZuMUQMzem7hfWyWBuNy09kMEpfCMR47qcg-mZ1ssLL3shFBZvIplOzF6y3w_7gYYR/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAI1T72fvRpLpy0RfqoQRAe7K6loE7UL1Ir51AbqCPRTpYIIDPvi9FV8S7T5gBLKXd8gy4678rOgZuMUQMzem7hfWyWBuNy09kMEpfCMR47qcg-mZ1ssLL3shFBZvIplOzF6y3w_7gYYR/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOJwltPFxMPYBvP1yCsgyLHuWCAyR5s-mhkh_sGVbl4hPkJzHs7wa-q-G2XSzRyiL-RML7jrO_16CUp7Yf0FTQV8vdPYYNzIUtx25SYMAKkIna3sok9HEPUg1y7fzeA8sfiFDet1lrckt/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOJwltPFxMPYBvP1yCsgyLHuWCAyR5s-mhkh_sGVbl4hPkJzHs7wa-q-G2XSzRyiL-RML7jrO_16CUp7Yf0FTQV8vdPYYNzIUtx25SYMAKkIna3sok9HEPUg1y7fzeA8sfiFDet1lrckt/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr0epTGYn9o1-B99pFPHoiybNQpqTbUJf3V6klih2fPwtfgPYOQbTZVFq6UC8TcMIYoDJtWvtgC8kJQjWdVL2xLPo77ctytuYuGW71oVY1Pp0Akg1aA62ZenUJGmX2qypUcxC-YUqSdlv/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr0epTGYn9o1-B99pFPHoiybNQpqTbUJf3V6klih2fPwtfgPYOQbTZVFq6UC8TcMIYoDJtWvtgC8kJQjWdVL2xLPo77ctytuYuGW71oVY1Pp0Akg1aA62ZenUJGmX2qypUcxC-YUqSdlv/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoS7KpcvFMsohTAKyIJRN2188Uj12Xd2xtfbCRiV2bQodcznkZ7hVVHcY0rNrwnrHeDTv3ZuI5uOHICQjOBdpTSpvMCOyZ2QsW_HqTHJ26kdaSyVVpXMd9Yf_Oyw7TwFtDXSHS9oyRsvJ/s1600/SD-A5-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoS7KpcvFMsohTAKyIJRN2188Uj12Xd2xtfbCRiV2bQodcznkZ7hVVHcY0rNrwnrHeDTv3ZuI5uOHICQjOBdpTSpvMCOyZ2QsW_HqTHJ26kdaSyVVpXMd9Yf_Oyw7TwFtDXSHS9oyRsvJ/s1600/SD-A5-014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiW1wD2Iv14Hv2gdwtirXDzyNLVC03jwY9W0saDOMUlhWuaqL2w0EdkwXpL_vPDhf-DawgTXm9GOW-HEe9nXP7hYD3Op6WCbYIndvj0PU1WYZ5xrwtATJSyUE8JBVlX8SgypQ73zXr0m3/s1600/SD-A5-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiW1wD2Iv14Hv2gdwtirXDzyNLVC03jwY9W0saDOMUlhWuaqL2w0EdkwXpL_vPDhf-DawgTXm9GOW-HEe9nXP7hYD3Op6WCbYIndvj0PU1WYZ5xrwtATJSyUE8JBVlX8SgypQ73zXr0m3/s1600/SD-A5-015.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-46496949206357889812014-07-02T09:27:00.001+02:002014-07-31T11:21:40.544+02:00Assingment 5: Submission<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Rather late, but here is my submission text for Assignment 5:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 years ago I
enrolled on this course following successful completion of the Level 2
Landscape module. I had a choice;
either Social Documentary or Progressing with Digital Photography. At the time the new Level 2 modules were yet
to be released and not wanting a gap in my studies I needed to make a decision
between the two existing options. I
discussed this at length with my tutor from Landscape and followed his very
firm advice that I would learn more from the Social Documentary course than
from PWDP.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The advice was
sound and I have learned a tremendous amount, but it has been hard, very hard! I am not a natural photographer of people, my
leaning is towards structure and abstraction rather than expression and emotion. I have shot weddings, and am a fair
portraitist, but there I have a degree of control and in effect it becomes a study
of the human landscape. I struggle with
spontaneous work, shooting strangers close up, ducking and diving through the
crowd. I can do it, but it takes a huge
effort of will. I prefer to spend time
looking and understanding, returning several times to create a picture that is
slowly taking shape in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am also a
solitary person, comfortable in my own company.
I enjoy going out with friends, but I am not a member of any clubs or
societies. My job in Hewlett Packard is
technically demanding and time consuming, 50-60 hour weeks are the norm. I work from home, start when I wake and often
finish an hour or two before I retire for the day. I have little time to socialize. I am not a member of society in the
conventional sense, I go my own way and do my own thing – that thing happens to
be photography. This means few
opportunities to engage with groups making a course that is people centric
harder to engage with than I expected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am
effectively left with street photography as my opportunity for photographing
people and here I have walked into the brick wall of German privacy law, simply
put street photography is illegal in Germany.
During my second and third assignments I danced around the problem
essentially ignoring the law. However,
the hostility I encounter has grown over time and recently I have decided that
it is not worth the increasing risk of violence or litigation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As a result, in
this assignment my subject is not people, rather, I am returning to my own
passion in photography: the urban landscape.
If it is no longer possible to photograph people I will investigate the
environment those people occupy, recording the signs that reflect on society
and describing the spaces that society builds for itself. My goal is to use photography to investigate
and illustrate modern German society. This
aligns to the final assignment in my Landscape course, which was a study of the
“Innenhof”, the hidden spaces inside apartment blocks normally only seen by the
people who live in the surrounding buildings:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<a href="http://sclarke-landscape.blogspot.de/2012/07/assignment-5-final-set.html"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://sclarke-landscape.blogspot.de/2012/07/assignment-5-final-set.html</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By bringing
Social Documentary to a close with a study paralleling my other Level 2 work I
feel I am creating a platform from which I can start to think about Level
3. My biggest learning from this course
is that I am not a people photographer, I am perhaps also not a landscape
photographer, but my definite leaning is towards the topology of modern life
rather than that life itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Privacy Law
and the impact on German Photography<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Modern Germany
has emerged from a difficult history, suffering totalitarian rule under both
National Socialist and Communist governments.
Both states pried deeply into the personal lives of their citizens
looking for dissent and meting out severe punishment for those it felt posed a
risk to the state. The twitch of a net
curtain was more than a joke., people’s lives could be destroyed by a nosy
neighbour with malicious intent. Partly
during the Nazi era, but extensively under communist rule, the photograph was
used as an instrument of oppression, the Stasi (Staatssicherheit - state
security) maintaining compromising images of people under suspicion. In East
Germany, files were maintained on 6 million out of a total population of 16
million, nearly 1 in 6 of the population acted as an informant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Understandably,
this has led the modern German state to adopt strict privacy laws. People are entitled to protect their person,
their reputation, and their image. The
right not to be photographed is a matter of law. Following is the law on the rights of people
to their own image:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">§ 22 Recht am eigenen Bilde <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bildnisse dürfen nur mit Einwilligung des
Abgebildeten verbreitet oder öffentlich zur Schau gestellt werden. Die
Einwilligung gilt im Zweifel als erteilt, wenn der Abgebildete dafür, daß er
sich abbilden ließ, eine Entlohnung erhielt. Nach dem Tode des Abgebildeten
bedarf es bis zum Ablaufe von 10 Jahren der Einwilligung der Angehörigen des
Abgebildeten. Angehörige im Sinne dieses Gesetzes sind der überlebende Ehegatte
oder Lebenspartner und die Kinder des Abgebildeten und, wenn weder ein Ehegatte
oder Lebenspartner noch Kinder vorhanden sind, die Eltern des Abgebildeten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">§ 23 Ausnahmen zu § 22<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(1) Ohne die nach § 22 erforderliche
Einwilligung dürfen verbreitet und zur Schau gestellt werden:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 85.05pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -14.15pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bildnisse aus dem
Bereiche der Zeitgeschichte;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 85.05pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -14.15pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bilder, auf denen die
Personen nur als Beiwerk neben einer Landschaft oder sonstigen Örtlichkeit
erscheinen;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 85.05pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -14.15pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bilder von
Versammlungen, Aufzügen und ähnlichen Vorgängen, an denen die dargestellten
Personen teilgenommen haben;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 85.05pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -14.15pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bildnisse, die nicht
auf Bestellung angefertigt sind, sofern die Verbreitung oder Schaustellung
einem höheren Interesse der Kunst dient.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(2) Die Befugnis erstreckt sich jedoch
nicht auf eine Verbreitung und Schaustellung, durch die ein berechtigtes
Interesse des Abgebildeten oder, falls dieser verstorben ist, seiner
Angehörigen verletzt wird.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And a mixture
of Google Translate and help from my wife, Heidi (not a literal translation,
but the meaning is correct):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">§ 22 Right to their own image<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Images may be put on public or widespread
display only with the consent of the person portrayed. If the person is paid
for their image, permission is assumed. For 10 years after the death of the
person portrayed, consent must be obtained from a relative. For purposes of
this Act, the surviving spouse, domestic partner and children of the person
portrayed must be consulted, or if neither a spouse, partner or children are
still present, the parents of the person portrayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">§ 23 Exceptions to § 22<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">( 1) Without the required consent , images
may be distributed and showcased if:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The images are from
the realm of contemporary history<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">People appear only as
an accessory in addition to a landscape or other location<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is a picture of a
meeting or similar event, where the depicted persons have participated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If a person paid for
the image to be made that image may be used in promotion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">( 2) Even if permission is granted by a
person since deceased, the family may still prevent publication if the
photographs compromise their reputation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whilst it is
not specifically illegal to photograph someone in a public space without their
permission it is considered extremely rude and intrusive. The net is that permission should be sought
before photographing someone, and must be obtained in writing if the photograph
is to be shared in any form or media.
The following Wiki page has a good summary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Country_specific_consent_requirements#Germany"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Country_specific_consent_requirements#Germany</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This has had a
manifest impact of modern German art photography, few if any street
photographers exist here. One such is
Siegfried Hansen (</span><a href="http://www.street-photography-hamburg.siegfried-hansen.de/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.street-photography-hamburg.siegfried-hansen.de/</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">); this is a
statement from his web site:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Siegfried
Hansen traces visual compositions from graphics and colours and creates „Street
Photography“ which main points are not humans and faces, but graphic
connections and formal relations. It shows the aesthetics of the coincidence in
a public area, which is full of surprises.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">His work was featured
in the recent Street Photography Now compilation of contemporary artists (P74, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Howarth & McLaren, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2010). The pictures included are people, but they
are blurs, their forms hinted at, faces very much obscured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
constraint is visible in the work of many German photographers. Candida Höfer’s
work explores Human Spaces, but there are rarely any humans present (Krüger,
2003). Thomas Struth made a series of
photographs in art galleries (Krusztnski et. al., 2010). The photographs taken in Russia and Spain
show people close up, gazing at an art work behind the camera. Those taken in Germany depict people as
distant objects or facing away from the camera.
Where people are the subject of a photograph it is as a gigantic portrait
where the physical size of the photograph changes the person into an object
(Ruff, 2012) or they are depicted as a densely packed swarm of people as
depicted by Andreas Gursky in his almost epic compositions (Galassi, 2001).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Without
permission a photograph of a persons face is valueless as an art object, it
cannot be reproduced, it cannot be shared, it is simply a potential source of
expensive litigation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Richard-Strauss
Strasse<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Instead of
fighting the law, I now choose to work with the law, but make that a part of my
work. As it is illegal to make
photographs of people, then I elect to absent them from my pictures, but make
that absence visible. This assignment is
a visual essay of modern German society through the signs and symbols that
represent the people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My subject is
a street. One block away from where I
live is Richard-Strauss Strasse, once the path of Bundesstraße 2 R also known
as the Mittlerer Ring, Munich’s inner ring road, the equivalent of Paris’
Peripherique.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQLdtxcgzQYdRQFVC6WviRCJx70rvCbfORH0QcTky1G9n3T3Ks1PqqsJ9_TYHw4gZRsUDfPlr9HJeC2O0fzwFCP3uQ4MuftvJaQLQVzylyZ36U4tI_cqEaTpF__7jylevImg8_JMYggyn/s1600/Richard+Strauss+Strasse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQLdtxcgzQYdRQFVC6WviRCJx70rvCbfORH0QcTky1G9n3T3Ks1PqqsJ9_TYHw4gZRsUDfPlr9HJeC2O0fzwFCP3uQ4MuftvJaQLQVzylyZ36U4tI_cqEaTpF__7jylevImg8_JMYggyn/s1600/Richard+Strauss+Strasse.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@48.1412505,11.6137815,222m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape href="https://www.google.com/maps/@48.1412505,11.6137815,222m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 435.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 456pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:fill o:detectmouseclick="t">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Shaun\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:fill></v:shape></span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shortly before
moving to our current address work began to displace the Mittlerer Ring about
10 meters downwards. For years we
endured the chaos and noise of a major construction project as the street was
converted from 6 lane highway to a leafy inner city street. However, it was worth it, since then the area
has changed, small shops began to appear, the buildings were renovated and a
new vibrant neighbourhood has emerged.
What used to be a grim dirty place to live is now a joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In a sense
this street is very representative of modern Germany, a society still in
transition, still figuring out what it is and where it is going, confident yet
full of angst, modern yet traditional. Richard-Strauss
Strasse is too long and for my purposes I have chosen to focus on the stretch
from Liszt Strasse in the South and Mühlbauer Strasse in the North, roughly
150m long (Yes, I live on the junction of Brahms and Liszt, a fact that greatly
amuses my English friends to the utter confusion of my German friends). This constraint simplifies the assignment,
but also makes it more difficult. I have
less visual material to work with, but more time to work with it. My job never goes away, making a study of
somewhere 5 minutes from home greatly increased the amount of time I could
spend actually taking photographs. The
challenge was to create something that worked as documentary, but was also
visually interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To add
context, this is a Google Street View image of the street during the
construction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gqAvug5SkH4Awo5PPzshLiNeDjRL8UEBGVz9oKWHCumir5hqkZ3XNtrDetryRbeQxc7y1aEQrt3-p4tAfOthiUu0wUkPH4hv33lZteQhaPsO3MFeNA-JcyvonTdbVB3Usv2f6ySJsc4f/s1600/Google+Street+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gqAvug5SkH4Awo5PPzshLiNeDjRL8UEBGVz9oKWHCumir5hqkZ3XNtrDetryRbeQxc7y1aEQrt3-p4tAfOthiUu0wUkPH4hv33lZteQhaPsO3MFeNA-JcyvonTdbVB3Usv2f6ySJsc4f/s1600/Google+Street+View.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 267pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 469.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Shaun\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Apart from
helping to illustrate the transition that has taken place this image (Looking
North about half way along the stretch I am studying) shows the sensitivity to
privacy in Germany. Legally there is no
issue in taking photographs of buildings from public spaces, however, Google
was forced to include an opt out in Street View to anyone who objected to their
residence being viewable in the application.
All over Germany these privacy screens appear in Google. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Photographs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In common with much of the work I have
done towards this course, my study of Richard-Strauss Strasse has evolved over
a long period of time. The germ of the
idea began two years ago when an exhibit of US photography was held at Munich’s
modern art museum, The Pinakothek der Moderne (</span><a href="http://sclarke-landscape.blogspot.de/2012/03/gallery-visit-pinakothek-der-moderne.html"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://sclarke-landscape.blogspot.de/2012/03/gallery-visit-pinakothek-der-moderne.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">). Amongst
the modern photographers represented was a first edition copy of Ed Ruscha’s “Every
Building on the Sunset Strip” a fold out with a composite photograph showing
every building along the street, published in 1966. Each side of the street was shown on the strip,
one appearing upside down to preserve the direction of the photographs. I found
this fascinating and looked for a copy I could own, lowest price was
$1,700. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A year later I decided to revisit this
idea and create my own strip photograph, of Richard-Strauss Strasse. The renovation had resulted in a two lane
road replacing the previous 6, meaning that there was plenty of space on either
side of the street for a wide sidewalk which with typical German efficiency ran
exactly parallel to the buildings. By
placing my heels on the edge of the pavement and shooting at a constant focal
length I was able to maintain the magnification of the buildings and aspect of
the buildings. Each side comprises 24
individual photographs. I have not tried
to create a photomerge as Andreas Gursky did with his image of the apartment
blocks in Montparnasse, I have adopted more the approach of Ed Ruscha,
accepting discontinuities in the photographs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<v:shape alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOhNA-1gvJvxyDLRj68BBWO8cROfY7DNt_cTPRY_TR0u6g-6Ggm2yckKoSq_PlDJFkl7HXwy0HC-Xom_J5aOcjUZOIc3LwN5G2Zk9XX5dMFuegtHaYHxCEa6-VoYjrB7FaE2EtdLi9406/s1600/Richard-Strauss-Pano-small.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 43.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 494.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="Richard-Strauss-Pano-small" src="file:///C:\Users\Shaun\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This photograph is designed to ask the
viewer to talk a metaphorical walk along the street, to experience the space as
do the people who live there. To cross
the street the picture must be inverted, requiring action from the viewer to
change their view. This photo captures a
moment in time, the weather is warm but overcast, signs point to a forthcoming
election, a few shops are vacant, building work is ongoing, people are going
about their business. This is a simple
portrait of a street, no judgment, simply observation. It stands as a record of a place at a
time. Google Street View with Google.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A year after taking the photographs I
took another look, refined them a little and did a test print on a laser
printer. I was happy with the result and
decided to make this the basis of my final assignment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhMTtg8MtfC67RKv5ONu-KsbPEZMKEBqbEN_I-rhI1s1SsuAKfGko8Aw0uOnT7CYPtRmlxH39MAy5kSrT-E2aV2mr7izTm94nv_MgpTwubiOLaw0UvSbM5uHkQVNUYZRTRXSWUCVyvR6I/s1600/SD-A5-Montage-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhMTtg8MtfC67RKv5ONu-KsbPEZMKEBqbEN_I-rhI1s1SsuAKfGko8Aw0uOnT7CYPtRmlxH39MAy5kSrT-E2aV2mr7izTm94nv_MgpTwubiOLaw0UvSbM5uHkQVNUYZRTRXSWUCVyvR6I/s1600/SD-A5-Montage-001.jpg" height="122" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<v:shape alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCwamzNVgmfmudbmLT6slwLgSHaqbt0nsjbihcyYqEBMGTzeuKqDHrU8WtEaZdH1oy04IWbvfvviW8dSaoBgg3gCno_7s8Ll_BVkPp6Guildn3J_n_3x0FWcQ2pnQOw5TBn3tKgdeNHyQ/s1600/SD-A5-Montage-001.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 151.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 494.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="SD-A5-Montage-001" src="file:///C:\Users\Shaun\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image004.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For the past
two months I have been taking an hour here and there to return to the street
and start building a set of more detailed images that illustrate on or the
other aspects of German society. Some
are details, others landscape shots taken from an alternate angle to the very
geometric approach taken to the strip photographs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The assignment
brief did not specify the number of photographs, I have chosen those that work
for me, leading to an additional 15 over and above the 48 photographs in the
composite. I started trying to
incorporate people and managed to obtain a few good images, but it was not
working; this is not a busy place, there was nowhere to hide among a crowd,
every photograph I took was clearly visible to the person being
photographed. I adopted small discrete
micro 4/3 mirrorless cameras but was still too conspicuous. I had to rethink and that is when I adopted
the approach of eliminating the people from the frame. This supplemented the geographic constraint,
further limiting the range of subjects I could choose. I limited the areas I shot in to those
immediately adjacent to the street, using a simple rule that wherever I took a
photograph I must be able to still see the street. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have
returned to colour, I consider my experiment with B&W to be a success,
however, I am far happier working with a more complete palette. Colour is
important to this set, in particular the greenness of the urban landscape is a
key indicator of social attitudes towards the environment. To that end I have increased the brightness
of the Green and Yellow in the photographs as well as reducing the blue, adding
a little colour contrast. Otherwise I
have tried to be careful with the application of contrast and sharpening. To add continuity to the pictures all retain
the 4:3 aspect ratio of the camera that I used and all are in portrait, they
should be thought of as a series of slides in a drum projector.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Apart from
what to include the sequence was not an easy decision and one I am still not
totally happy with. The photographs are
contextually linked but there is not linear narrative and so no immediately
obvious order for the photographs. The
sequence basically starts with where people live, moves to where they shop,
looks at the signs of regeneration in the area and then gradually starts to add
people back into the frame, first through posters then finally an end shot that
shows real people, but walking away from the camera, their identities still
private. A key shot is the very first,
the names on the apartment door bells, illustrating the social diversity of
Germany, of the 12 names, 5 are clearly not German in origin. This is a diversified community at ease with
itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Germany in
2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So what does
my photo essay reveal about the Germany of 2014 and the people that live
there? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Richard-Strauss
Strasse is not a wealthy street, the apartment blocks, although recently
renovated show their age when looked at close up, a nearby building has 1942 on
the wall above the door. The people here
do not own their properties, they generally rent as do Germans all over. However, there is a sense of pride; it is a
tidy place, it is clean. There is a
little graffiti, but it is prominent by its rarity. Living in a flat provides limited outdoor
space, however, that space is well maintained, balconies become small gardens
and the green surrounding the flats is well maintained with provision for
sitting and enjoying the fresh air; even if the tendency towards modernity can
provide slightly odd looking garden furniture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Along the
street several shops can be found, on the East side a large entirely organic
supermarket, Basic, occupies a third of the street. Next door Garibaldi a wine merchant
supplements it’s income selling a glass of wine to a few customers at outdoor
seating. On the West side are mostly
small businesses that include a traditional seamstress, an office furniture
shop, and computer component retailer.
Supplementing the shops is a hairdresser, nail parlour and fitness
studio. At one end just across the
street a fruit and vegetable stall sells fresh produce during the summer months
just opposite the steps to the subway station.
The organic supermarket points to a belief in eating quality food, fresh
fruit and vegetables are valued, it is not all Sauerkraut and Wurst. Germans do not shop once a week for
everything they need, they buy a little often ensuring that they have fresh food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At the South
West corner stands the Hüttenwirt a tiny corner pub selling the best beer and Schnitzel
in the area. I rented the whole place
for my 50<sup>th</sup> Birthday last December.
On the North West corner a new Italian café has opened making their own
ice cream. Although this is a low rent
neighbourhood, it is one that values quality and convenience. The supermarkets have little or no parking,
if you want to shop bring a rucksack.
Times are changing, though, every so often a large white van from Rewe
Online trundles down the sidewalk to deliver an internet load of food to
someone, advertising delivery until 10pm, 2 hours later than the shops can open
by law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The lack of
parking for the retail businesses does not hide the fact that Germany is a car
obsessed society. Careful scrutiny will
reveal that most of the cars are made in Germany, people believe in buying
German wherever possible. On the other
hand everywhere you look there are bicycles, cars are for long distances, a few
kilometres travel is a bike ride not a car journey. Using a bike to transport furniture is not
deemed odd, although a bed might be taking that a little far. Garibaldi has cheekily suggested that people
can park on the pavement when picking up wine, their sign offering a rare
example of a German play on words, Einfahrt (entrance) has been supplement with
a W. The fact that the W is in brackets
suggests an insecurity in even this meagre attempt at humour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The street
does not have an Apotheke (chemist), surprising in a society obsessed to the
point of hypochondria about its health.
Sitting in a draft is almost a form of suicide to hear people talk. This absence is corrected by a helpful sign
pointing to a nearby Apotheke on Barbaross Strasse (another oddity, given the
history of the word). There is an
Apotheke every 200-300m in the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Although most
of the post build renovation is nearly complete, building continues and is
evidenced by the presence of a bright blue Portaloo, perched on a rather
precarious slant (the mind boggles).
These blue plastic boxes are all over the city, as far as I can tell
there was no major turn down in building here, I suspect the government
invested in public works to keep people in jobs and maintain crucial skills
during the recession. Almost opposite
across the street one of the shops vacant a year ago is now an Estate Agent. Estate Agents are rare in Germany, the very
presence of this office is a visible sign of the gradual move upmarket of the
neighbourhood. If you look closely,
though, it is temporary, the sign is attached not placed and no attempt has
been made to tidy up the shop front, I feel as if they are still unsure of the
market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amongst all
the modernity and change a poster provides a counterbalance, 3 typical Bavarian
men in Lederhosen sit up against a bar.
The language is Bayerische, not German, a dialect few northerners can
understand. The poster points to the tie to tradition, but its placement also
says something about Germany. All along
the street similar utility boxes, probably for electricity or telecoms, have a
space for a poster. These posters are
always for cultural events, never advertising products – fly posting of
concerts does not happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is election
season, in fact it almost always is an election period for something, today it
is the Euro elections, a while ago the city mayor, last year the Bundestag. I
find it rather refreshing that Marxist-Leninism is still alive and well in a
modern wealthy society. Germany is a
pluralist society when it comes to politics, all shades are present and their
views are upheld by society, even the Neo-fascists right to demonstrate is granted,
if not popular. Contrasting with the reds a more typical poster presents Dr.
Gabriele Weishäupl wearing a traditional Dirndl and jewellery that is clearly
targeting the middle class middle aged.
The use of her title on a poster also hints at an element of German
society that stubbornly clings on, a very formal approach to addressing one
another, built into the language with the familiar du and formal Sie for
“you”. Most people in their workplace
still use Herr and Frau to refer to one another. I sometimes feel like I have stepped into Grace
Brothers when I visit a department store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Altogether I
think this is a society truly at ease with itself, comfortable in its
prosperity, desiring to get along with its neighbours. A little formal, perhaps, and certainly
jealous of its privacy, but a genuinely good place to live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Learning<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In this
assignment I have brought together everything I have learned so far in my
studies with the OCA. I cannot point to
a specific learning point other than the following.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
assignment brought about an epiphany, the realization that; 1. I dislike
photographing strangers, and 2. that I was going to get punched if I kept on
trying. However, rather than stress over this I have embraced it and included
it within my approach to the photography for this assignment. Social documentary is a study of society not
necessarily individual people. I have
tried to create a portrait of a people using my camera, but without actually
including those people. This is a record
of a place at a time. It risks being
banal, I am sure that some of the photographs are not stunning examples of the
art, but collectively they yield the story of a people in a place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bringing
together the thoughts processes that informed my other level 2 course with
those from Social Documentary I think I have established a good place from
which to turn my mind towards the final year studies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bibliography<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Galassi, P.
(2001) <i>Andreas Gursky</i>, New York: The
Museum of Modern Art<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Howarth S.
and McLaren S. (2010), <i>Street Photography
Now</i>, London: Thames and Hudson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Krüger, M.
(2003) <i>Candida Höfer A Monograph</i>,
London: Thames & Hudson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Krusztnski A.,
Bezzola T. amd Lingwood J.(2010), <i>Thomas
Struth Photographs 1978-2010</i>, New York: The Monacelli Press<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ruff, T.
(2012), <i>‘Thomas Ruff’ exhibition, Munich: Haus der Kunst.</i> 17 Feb – 20 May<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-74403767000626891732014-05-14T18:33:00.001+02:002014-05-14T18:33:20.438+02:00Assignment 5: First SetA key step in moving towards completion of an Assignment is to assemble the first set of possible photographs and pin them up for contemplation. My pin board is a 30" monitor, but the process is the same. I look at the set several times a day adding and subtracting, changing the processing a little, and even heading out to retake the photograph if I feel it is necessary. I am actually pretty happy with what I have now and think I am starting to build a photo essay of Richard-Strauss Strasse. 11 photographs is not a novel, more an editorial, so the essay will be short and perhaps simple, but interesting and hopefully challenging.<br />
<br />
I have also road tested a number of the images on the Flickr student forum, which must be done with care, however, I take an interested response there for a good sign that an image is working at some level. I am also very grateful for a quick dialog with Clive that basically concluded that like it or not now is time to commit and finalize this assignment. Another useful comment was advice from a fellow student to first of all get on with it (thanks Pete), but also to keep the same aspect ratio on the photographs which will drive a greater sense of narrative flow than continually changing. I agree and with that this set is becoming a big departure from my former practice of almost arbitrary cropping coupled with colour rather than mono.<br />
<br />
Today, I also managed to do a little more photography. A couple of potential images needed a rework, a wider angle lens was needed so I pulled my 7-14mm (14-28mm in real money) out of the drawer and revisited a couple of sites. This was also a welcome relief from a very tough workload at the moment. I started work this morning at 5am, stress was keeping me awake, so I just got up a got on with it. Better to deal with the problem than fret over it. Walking with camera in hand and a mission in mind is an antidote to most things.<br />
<br />
So here are is my working set of 19 possibles:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCozxQNe_XGpWW8SceWCLSQcJzYNaVL8ZbAk3Qay51YTLd3FbJVXvq715VM5kt6YObYOZ0jTp7V7EHryNPzCKSDV1v9R5vNf3vjJY_oEFRnb9-_tQ6YWu70T3RsXsDzSO0LmO0SyZdUcP/s1600/SD-A5-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCozxQNe_XGpWW8SceWCLSQcJzYNaVL8ZbAk3Qay51YTLd3FbJVXvq715VM5kt6YObYOZ0jTp7V7EHryNPzCKSDV1v9R5vNf3vjJY_oEFRnb9-_tQ6YWu70T3RsXsDzSO0LmO0SyZdUcP/s1600/SD-A5-001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Technically this is not such a good image, I struggle to balance both sides of the photograph, however, I think it is very telling. I chose this door bell box at random, then looked at the names. Out of the 12, at least 5 are non-German. This points to the multi-ethnic make up of the street and Munich in General. The pieces of paper also point to low rent, smarter places have nice little brass plaques.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1eUT5G5_tHnujomfUPEqB5FnTfSD16t7mOae5KalImN05jd6C9QVjWaModeC0tv7tWgXqHIaLoGuTbZAgkrSQXDeogMYLAYR4XmBuR60HBPW2tptGGZk7gsyhhXdE2eng8G1FWq4kV9f/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1eUT5G5_tHnujomfUPEqB5FnTfSD16t7mOae5KalImN05jd6C9QVjWaModeC0tv7tWgXqHIaLoGuTbZAgkrSQXDeogMYLAYR4XmBuR60HBPW2tptGGZk7gsyhhXdE2eng8G1FWq4kV9f/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I struggle a little with what this is supposed to say, but I like it as an image, the scooter hints at a younger mobile population with a sense of fun. The dour doorway hints again at a lower rent area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp_6LaA-UcKXJMWLfKnsd9JD80RQUTeCJ0ey3w8SlViiGUTXIudfXrYpGNGuNLDlx-EJRtOxjX3DsbetdKCgEabNwmbjNAljXIWItAEQnbt4sFs-flTlmK7NVxmbCvrgB7gY0LB3DkSk4/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp_6LaA-UcKXJMWLfKnsd9JD80RQUTeCJ0ey3w8SlViiGUTXIudfXrYpGNGuNLDlx-EJRtOxjX3DsbetdKCgEabNwmbjNAljXIWItAEQnbt4sFs-flTlmK7NVxmbCvrgB7gY0LB3DkSk4/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Just around the corner on the side of one apartment block, this photo shows how people make their tiny balconies into a small garden, we all need space and air. I think this points to the sense of place people have and the need to mark a place as their own<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpbt2zHdBJv_NjfqQAd4iR0ttCHFCJJdzXMEoGtbRGUL8YSPwP5mDIahkpExs_IlgbN0s-scRlHm3uw8QuhJXeD95w_0ntXks-1hqg9SlWIFxS3-MtZF7fasYRShXgVdQc_nXhjEw0DdU/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpbt2zHdBJv_NjfqQAd4iR0ttCHFCJJdzXMEoGtbRGUL8YSPwP5mDIahkpExs_IlgbN0s-scRlHm3uw8QuhJXeD95w_0ntXks-1hqg9SlWIFxS3-MtZF7fasYRShXgVdQc_nXhjEw0DdU/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
My wide angle permitted a different look to some photographs, this is one I reworked today. The strange bench points to a community with creativity, the building behind, well glass and steel, very German.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIQGbcTUFq8o4hJr0XkNsxC4z4PkhmVoyr2BHUu-pRLbHBHrRamMkQey_hPavRmbVlpsz4Y2X3vQ2JyDF7Ve90ouV835rW53z-euVijDUlKda5QW3RVPSLarHlRkp3wwxFJYaSWjHMkYp/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIQGbcTUFq8o4hJr0XkNsxC4z4PkhmVoyr2BHUu-pRLbHBHrRamMkQey_hPavRmbVlpsz4Y2X3vQ2JyDF7Ve90ouV835rW53z-euVijDUlKda5QW3RVPSLarHlRkp3wwxFJYaSWjHMkYp/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Another wide angle rework of an image I had previously taken. I want to look behind the facades in my strip photo, to show more detail of where people live. The building is very striking and alone would be interesting but no more. The Apotheke sign in the foreground is important as it shows how organized life is here and also suggests a slightly hypochondriac mentality, there are chemists everywhere here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvPvnJsbu8s0mWy7qweg0IMx3OD0ZLLxbVgG51z3t_OXqfKMeNYeXBydmwSGMXJ77CRj5FvmX2xBGapKDjAz_qjkf1NbJqWLFGNsB-02X4nqyGJPKJE54p6uCHrx6wx0Twb_lbEmQkvrA/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvPvnJsbu8s0mWy7qweg0IMx3OD0ZLLxbVgG51z3t_OXqfKMeNYeXBydmwSGMXJ77CRj5FvmX2xBGapKDjAz_qjkf1NbJqWLFGNsB-02X4nqyGJPKJE54p6uCHrx6wx0Twb_lbEmQkvrA/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
This juxtaposes disorder with order, a tiny blot on an otherwise pristine world. I think this photo might be important to break the orderliness of other photos. The problem is that it is very much like the strip images.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaONQ9LExntvThHvNyII5BGjEgrJGjOmIF1DOq2TOORA65rKZClKOz1byoPO7UqcuABEeG7_acZnjHotnsT-AfDJfZa0F72wqk_fhv7zqP8rezJb-XPOFd0miy4_6N2tBhIQObYQyZh5w/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaONQ9LExntvThHvNyII5BGjEgrJGjOmIF1DOq2TOORA65rKZClKOz1byoPO7UqcuABEeG7_acZnjHotnsT-AfDJfZa0F72wqk_fhv7zqP8rezJb-XPOFd0miy4_6N2tBhIQObYQyZh5w/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Non-negotiable, this simply makes me laugh, I keep thinking off what would happen if it really toppled. Ick. These little blue portaloos are everywhere here, they sprout whenever some building work is beginning, they are a direct sign of wealth and perhaps the need to continually update the quality of the buildings that make up the street<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsoEXYP41Pc9ZdzpzULPhO_XCd9J5eLojc5YPsP6AC1_82Uqd9QdfJ2ahoTvz2eJfmzuZoeVCe7EmGVRqst5blLMyAIH9G3z42QsZKStFchc1LOVZFM5JRakfQjs2pRuUFYh6I7mcX10X/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsoEXYP41Pc9ZdzpzULPhO_XCd9J5eLojc5YPsP6AC1_82Uqd9QdfJ2ahoTvz2eJfmzuZoeVCe7EmGVRqst5blLMyAIH9G3z42QsZKStFchc1LOVZFM5JRakfQjs2pRuUFYh6I7mcX10X/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Another sign of the times is this estate agent. This was an empty office a year ago. Estate agents are very uncommon here, to see one on a main street is very unusual. The temporary nature of the sign and lack of any refurbishment of the building suggest that this is an opportunistic and temporary presence, but it does reflect the gradual upmarket move of the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ4V042cz4jY84UaM6X0Z9D60MrVBmKHK5NA1gqS3fwok-SxpMvCbJZycYYE5sF0-7gpNN4PwUWV4exiQf5EiWh8u8m8IC-qMYRNHIzKBB6RVa_CHVt1dbZrZJ4ztwmEpobselUrDG6mI/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ4V042cz4jY84UaM6X0Z9D60MrVBmKHK5NA1gqS3fwok-SxpMvCbJZycYYE5sF0-7gpNN4PwUWV4exiQf5EiWh8u8m8IC-qMYRNHIzKBB6RVa_CHVt1dbZrZJ4ztwmEpobselUrDG6mI/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
German word for Shark is Hai. I am a diver, this amuses me, but otherwise is a rather dull picture. What is more telling is that the full work would be Hair, Germans increasingly turn to English for words to make the dull sexy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti6NVx-PCETz4ZzsQRd8YwvakcF8cu_tL9a09jluAc6QTw8zPLOU4WiUQ25DbJkXzCz9zsBce-QfVMV3_JadSEH0A_bxtAhqXeXU12JgY9oKxjnI62Ahg_sV74OIf3wVJGGBEPUFf19LL/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti6NVx-PCETz4ZzsQRd8YwvakcF8cu_tL9a09jluAc6QTw8zPLOU4WiUQ25DbJkXzCz9zsBce-QfVMV3_JadSEH0A_bxtAhqXeXU12JgY9oKxjnI62Ahg_sV74OIf3wVJGGBEPUFf19LL/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Better, than the last one, this has a few potential meanings. The first is that they left the dog on its own outside, no one would ever steal a dog and no dog here would be badly behaved neough not to be left alone for a while. Most supermarkets support a bunch of bored looking dogs waiting patiently for their human to finish the shopping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelbLXkTbNuELqJIjBXy3z8JgIctfeITl7vPvhhJmVMTzmJrvMHpWHLfKCdgYQrWldzjtUcugMxOpLBRWJk-JjqcM3dXjimOyzQuth4sNntZm7KqOKYE3D0QD8705nBkQXXVf9SChZLR6q/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelbLXkTbNuELqJIjBXy3z8JgIctfeITl7vPvhhJmVMTzmJrvMHpWHLfKCdgYQrWldzjtUcugMxOpLBRWJk-JjqcM3dXjimOyzQuth4sNntZm7KqOKYE3D0QD8705nBkQXXVf9SChZLR6q/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
One of my thoughts for this set is to use photographs of people in place of people. Imagery is everywhere, advertising thrusts faces at us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQI3cNcE5MZkpZsOBCaNM__5Xn7vq9rV9VJ3rq_b9DxLnpsVUrKfO1mm27ugE7td9XTS78fbPDJ4vd1a7rohr8VnP0Rl6gxcj7yxN1MzMp13mDln5sBcNTCrCr7hiPt1MZ6Wfwe3XXU-0/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQI3cNcE5MZkpZsOBCaNM__5Xn7vq9rV9VJ3rq_b9DxLnpsVUrKfO1mm27ugE7td9XTS78fbPDJ4vd1a7rohr8VnP0Rl6gxcj7yxN1MzMp13mDln5sBcNTCrCr7hiPt1MZ6Wfwe3XXU-0/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Another sign, this time an advert for a Bavarian group, tradition is alive and well here, supporting a rather slapstick comedic genre. Fly posting is very illegal and quite rare, instead utilities often place a poster container on their various access points and sell the space for advertising. Mostly for cultural events.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV9rU3ZlDtO-qw9zqu9NisfTLPd1Fb9WmZeM9CC9EebHdAdQbEgeIKZK7eObnJMli-mqcuHrs6T7cFLb2iTbGMUn4eFiquVgzgnKozmMIlKP6bPntoLhElWpflXpaWYUOXVUVJWuTikpm/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV9rU3ZlDtO-qw9zqu9NisfTLPd1Fb9WmZeM9CC9EebHdAdQbEgeIKZK7eObnJMli-mqcuHrs6T7cFLb2iTbGMUn4eFiquVgzgnKozmMIlKP6bPntoLhElWpflXpaWYUOXVUVJWuTikpm/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Fun play on words, but one done nervously. Einfahrt (entrance) has been subverted with a W to make it a Weinfahrt, but they pulled their punches and used brackets to make sure no one was confused. A keeper I think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjHzV2T2b2o6PAGoPpqLMn-pvpKFZ40i1MEpsCqOCR-RPaZaISihF_h3bkkZyQo19AnJ2zezKr5lz5uO8McspEAxFfTpf2QPn7UuwMYWc2fW1ftbXFdVuswiPrTTRpSBmdqGQ_I2Y8gbL/s1600/SD-A5-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjHzV2T2b2o6PAGoPpqLMn-pvpKFZ40i1MEpsCqOCR-RPaZaISihF_h3bkkZyQo19AnJ2zezKr5lz5uO8McspEAxFfTpf2QPn7UuwMYWc2fW1ftbXFdVuswiPrTTRpSBmdqGQ_I2Y8gbL/s1600/SD-A5-014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Doubt that I will keep this, but it is an interesting symbol of change. Germans don't do a weekly shop, they buy a little food 2 or 3 times a week, freshness is highly valued, especially bread. The result is that we have far more but smaller supermarkets. This is a real change, Internet grocery shopping with delivery to the door, a real change for this country. The shops all close at 8 here, but deliveries are permitted until 10 - unheard of!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmaM2g-LXnFZe5Rwj3oL5QuGSqb-laTY0rm52Zznjy4Ej2TNFVp4CNb6owUzqBadno7kpHV5OpmGeUb7SWe1qs3UqvuASbK0THzdlv5mLxSviAdbBhythvMVBSOZ0QRxs8lRZbD_TC74S/s1600/SD-A5-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmaM2g-LXnFZe5Rwj3oL5QuGSqb-laTY0rm52Zznjy4Ej2TNFVp4CNb6owUzqBadno7kpHV5OpmGeUb7SWe1qs3UqvuASbK0THzdlv5mLxSviAdbBhythvMVBSOZ0QRxs8lRZbD_TC74S/s1600/SD-A5-015.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Another keeper, Marxist-Leninism in a modern market economy, great. Or perhaps simply that the EU elections bring out all flavours of extreme politics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwW64Fss65377HKq0FCXnFlWtHrPK1jDQDFCwpuJKnp1NT1StB2yVMnpppWGCckStfnMBSkixDEmECDh3cqm6L1nY9v7GftgFphBbZHQ7bx96MCKxMIVbs_Oxrc7kZVvb47E7O_Xpyylz/s1600/SD-A5-016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwW64Fss65377HKq0FCXnFlWtHrPK1jDQDFCwpuJKnp1NT1StB2yVMnpppWGCckStfnMBSkixDEmECDh3cqm6L1nY9v7GftgFphBbZHQ7bx96MCKxMIVbs_Oxrc7kZVvb47E7O_Xpyylz/s1600/SD-A5-016.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Alternatively there is the appeal of the highly traditional<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG0gxG7_FXZibdjC6Hs8VKj2fHGgG_uKGaYQCVqvjI4_cO7TJ92lnCDHHtO0x2Pt7pc_iD1HKL00tuxnFaWBxoZHYF8jvKPdLaL5AazZ49qlIIKC9xI174W6gXg_Va6gs_V2KVvkgVOJs/s1600/SD-A5-017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG0gxG7_FXZibdjC6Hs8VKj2fHGgG_uKGaYQCVqvjI4_cO7TJ92lnCDHHtO0x2Pt7pc_iD1HKL00tuxnFaWBxoZHYF8jvKPdLaL5AazZ49qlIIKC9xI174W6gXg_Va6gs_V2KVvkgVOJs/s1600/SD-A5-017.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
One question that I must answer soon is whether to actually include people or not. So far people are absent. Legally the issue is with obtaining prior permission to show a face that is prominent in an image. Someone who is incidental to a landscape photograph is OK, as is the back of someone's head. The only German Street photographer that I know is Siegfried Hansen, the people in his images are always somehow obscured. I need to think about this, but if I do allow people into the photos, this is a one for inclusion, it carries many messages about health.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vW0zTNraVntWKTem9TkjmQX8OGFZmRx__slHYspXWJp5Cyd98Ze6Q_pX-56cnlBWaln4E6TuwilwCMF4QxLLucHYV3CafhZqIvcnvJ9IexzXaq0kETlpAsNrSk2oNhCqp90u4kvQp-PN/s1600/SD-A5-018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vW0zTNraVntWKTem9TkjmQX8OGFZmRx__slHYspXWJp5Cyd98Ze6Q_pX-56cnlBWaln4E6TuwilwCMF4QxLLucHYV3CafhZqIvcnvJ9IexzXaq0kETlpAsNrSk2oNhCqp90u4kvQp-PN/s1600/SD-A5-018.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This is also a little fun, showing a little more of the structure of the street and also the German desire to be green manifesting in transporting a bed on a bicycle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalq7VE0nGUUyPWXMtLOabiuaJ0VK1GBIZAHgloFn-ho8wUZtEluwUgxMswjuuhJeuoybBT7xctq6MG0Sw5PwW8teUSnfI5cnqC9oH2lJCLyGV8Z41ebM4dRFd8UGjmIJ2lHejfHOvtZ3Q/s1600/SD-A5-019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalq7VE0nGUUyPWXMtLOabiuaJ0VK1GBIZAHgloFn-ho8wUZtEluwUgxMswjuuhJeuoybBT7xctq6MG0Sw5PwW8teUSnfI5cnqC9oH2lJCLyGV8Z41ebM4dRFd8UGjmIJ2lHejfHOvtZ3Q/s1600/SD-A5-019.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This photographs, might be marginal as we can see her face, but it is very small. Not sure about the graphical quality of this shot,but the cigarette in each hand points to a very german vice.<br />
<br />
Well there we go, a first stab at narrowing down to a manageable set from which to develop my assignment submission. 2 more days to go before I spend Saturday writing up my submission notes and sending in this assignment. Then I will do that very Bavarian thing and enjoy a liter mug of beer or two and a large piece of a pig.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-22536682776175693912014-05-12T19:17:00.001+02:002014-05-12T19:17:31.087+02:00Assignment 5: EpiphanyFinally! For the past few weeks I have been working on this assignment without really understanding the end point. I was creating photographs with a linking theme, but slacking a way to tie them together that meant something to me. Without that I risk a muddled statement at best, pictorial drivel at worst.<br />
<br />
First the definition of Epiphany from Wiktionary<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>A manifestation or appearance of a divine or superhuman being.</li>
<li>An illuminating realization or discovery, often resulting in a personal feeling of elation, awe, or wonder.</li>
<li>(Christianity) Season or time of the Christian church year from the Epiphany feast day to Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (See Epiphany).</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
Number 1 is very unlikely to apply to me unless you count seeing a man dressed as Spiderman in the department store the other day. Number 3 is long gone, even the special beer is no longer available. That leaves Number 3. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Following is the German law for photographing people:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Recht am eigenen Bilde</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Bildnisse dürfen nur mit Einwilligung des Abgebildeten verbreitet oder öffentlich zur Schau gestellt werden. Die Einwilligung gilt im Zweifel als erteilt, wenn der Abgebildete dafür, daß er sich abbilden ließ, eine Entlohnung erhielt. Nach dem Tode des Abgebildeten bedarf es bis zum Ablaufe von 10 Jahren der Einwilligung der Angehörigen des Abgebildeten. Angehörige im Sinne dieses Gesetzes sind der überlebende Ehegatte oder Lebenspartner und die Kinder des Abgebildeten und, wenn weder ein Ehegatte oder Lebenspartner noch Kinder vorhanden sind, die Eltern des Abgebildeten.<br />§ 23<br />Ausnahmen zu § 22<br />(1) Ohne die nach § 22 erforderliche Einwilligung dürfen verbreitet und zur Schau gestellt werden:<br />1. Bildnisse aus dem Bereiche der Zeitgeschichte;<br />2. Bilder, auf denen die Personen nur als Beiwerk neben einer Landschaft oder sonstigen Örtlichkeit erscheinen;<br />3. Bilder von Versammlungen, Aufzügen und ähnlichen Vorgängen, an denen die dargestellten Personen teilgenommen haben;<br />4. Bildnisse, die nicht auf Bestellung angefertigt sind, sofern die Verbreitung oder Schaustellung einem höheren Interesse der Kunst dient.<br />(2) Die Befugnis erstreckt sich jedoch nicht auf eine Verbreitung und Schaustellung, durch die ein berechtigtes Interesse des Abgebildeten oder, falls dieser verstorben ist, seiner Angehörigen verletzt wird.</blockquote>
<div>
And a mixture of Google Translate and help from my wife, Heidi (not a literal translation, but the meaning is correct):</div>
<blockquote>
<b>Right to their own image</b><br />Images may be put on public or widespread display only with the consent of the person portrayed. If the person is paid for their image, permission is assumed. For 10 years after the death of the person portrayed, consent must be obtained from a relative. For purposes of this Act, the surviving spouse, domestic partner and children of the person portrayed must be consulted, or if neither a spouse, partner or children are still present, the parents of the person portrayed.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Exceptions<br />( 1) Without the required consent , images may be distributed and showcased if:</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ol>
<li>The images are from the realm of contemporary history</li>
<li>People appear only as an accessory in addition to a landscape or other location</li>
<li>It is a picture of a meeting or similar event, where the depicted persons have participated</li>
<li>If a person paid for the image to be made that image may be used in promotion</li>
</ol>
( 2) Even if permission is granted by a person since deceased, the family may still prevent publication if the photographs compromise their reputation.</blockquote>
The net is that in Germany it is illegal to share a photograph of a person without their written consent. I also understand that it is illegal to even take a photograph of a person without their permission. A quick Google brought up plenty of cases of violence towards the casual photographer. I have been rather casual with these constraints, but it is getting harder. I am noticing a progressive increase in hostility and am really pretty fed up with it. <br />
<br />
Hence the Epiphany! Instead of fighting the law, let's go with the law, but make that a part of my work. As it is is illegal to make photographs of people, then absent people from my photographs, but make that absence very visible in the set. I will tell the story of Richard-Strauss Strasse entirely through the signs and symbols that represent the people that live and visit there. This will sadly mean dropping some photographs that do have people in them, but it will create a more coherent set of images and a statement of sorts about privacy and it's impact on artistic expression.<br />
<br />
In the mean time I have been out and about with my camera once again this time with this thought in mind<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx03fwsKKHKEqTn6EHHfDd5C-y-EEJ2zxRYRkGjJo-dmVBMeruIcWBEggv914XQJwfIQnq1T_ylmW6mmzgCjvLH6v6xl_Pz_C7h_AuPS2HDTeszjVK_dUqK6IPiLNXpbl4NW28mhdo1kjP/s1600/Sd-A5-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx03fwsKKHKEqTn6EHHfDd5C-y-EEJ2zxRYRkGjJo-dmVBMeruIcWBEggv914XQJwfIQnq1T_ylmW6mmzgCjvLH6v6xl_Pz_C7h_AuPS2HDTeszjVK_dUqK6IPiLNXpbl4NW28mhdo1kjP/s1600/Sd-A5-001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOixK-A06gPdUJMgAkM8LS28xO3-9oJ1yX5hWdGtNYK7gr-V9cTrzMhiedvMiUb5zQlKWAWUF-SWm_qJXu4MlwR7voMo6k95EA252idtcHj8rk3b0GZD5s9bYorJ9GXyEO4iMD6-Gg4D7u/s1600/Sd-A5-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOixK-A06gPdUJMgAkM8LS28xO3-9oJ1yX5hWdGtNYK7gr-V9cTrzMhiedvMiUb5zQlKWAWUF-SWm_qJXu4MlwR7voMo6k95EA252idtcHj8rk3b0GZD5s9bYorJ9GXyEO4iMD6-Gg4D7u/s1600/Sd-A5-002.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdhJq_6PkDt3WpKWrDyATeGauMKdi0adr0SPAoMMLu3oYkK5Uq7yJ_oAL3Y6zV3vfoThECA3UVsZmNSxzgPHJhHrMzGiXEDVu0mK_PgaHJJiZ1j7iPrBZfmeY-ol8do5Irfu3Y7F9IKXs/s1600/Sd-A5-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdhJq_6PkDt3WpKWrDyATeGauMKdi0adr0SPAoMMLu3oYkK5Uq7yJ_oAL3Y6zV3vfoThECA3UVsZmNSxzgPHJhHrMzGiXEDVu0mK_PgaHJJiZ1j7iPrBZfmeY-ol8do5Irfu3Y7F9IKXs/s1600/Sd-A5-003.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJEG7iPSOl6IfOg1elt_5fUsQH8SVgOLFmF9pBzsWdsHp-eP3Zq2CJmmcaDA8JU8naVZwHFGI4uMC5v2KzncUVJ_dY-sbIhfsz0SO1VmlTSFHNLnNxImIlQXUSyv8VDyBjFoG6s9jXZSI/s1600/Sd-A5-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJEG7iPSOl6IfOg1elt_5fUsQH8SVgOLFmF9pBzsWdsHp-eP3Zq2CJmmcaDA8JU8naVZwHFGI4uMC5v2KzncUVJ_dY-sbIhfsz0SO1VmlTSFHNLnNxImIlQXUSyv8VDyBjFoG6s9jXZSI/s1600/Sd-A5-004.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB5otyf3GJT7vCPUzrsmFdCuTF1KNmJPLdi_JNfyFjv0glDZlPJQLedbaAiihfFcmFtOX4q6cFLcmmp2ywX2rDl4mJUrFJVK2g6Bhh4N3xrFgbITv6thKRsLE_f7ANGm0ir8w7jNCabi4/s1600/Sd-A5-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB5otyf3GJT7vCPUzrsmFdCuTF1KNmJPLdi_JNfyFjv0glDZlPJQLedbaAiihfFcmFtOX4q6cFLcmmp2ywX2rDl4mJUrFJVK2g6Bhh4N3xrFgbITv6thKRsLE_f7ANGm0ir8w7jNCabi4/s1600/Sd-A5-005.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5SZdnygu3L45IRjPXJYi6Mx1BThUNo6NlpMbfyhUzP-HeDEe_eFVL3_ODf3-K6E1TFaFwGeJ06PFYOCet0YVmA6UFsaRT9VddBWG5eUINSztsFuO-TfbPDthUlc3xm3TGV67jC75Tm4A/s1600/Sd-A5-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5SZdnygu3L45IRjPXJYi6Mx1BThUNo6NlpMbfyhUzP-HeDEe_eFVL3_ODf3-K6E1TFaFwGeJ06PFYOCet0YVmA6UFsaRT9VddBWG5eUINSztsFuO-TfbPDthUlc3xm3TGV67jC75Tm4A/s1600/Sd-A5-006.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KhLzDk4RZCA1_N1TPTJPvuiC_CRwsj0sVDtWZnFgfmfcD-ZQHpHXIs28lXPuS-JAEUNsEC2ABzhCK6pIjhOQWK3G9-Pd5WRhzcC9CL8mfKEA5RR0z1o7Phn0aSb_D9wyH0tY10KAa61_/s1600/Sd-A5-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KhLzDk4RZCA1_N1TPTJPvuiC_CRwsj0sVDtWZnFgfmfcD-ZQHpHXIs28lXPuS-JAEUNsEC2ABzhCK6pIjhOQWK3G9-Pd5WRhzcC9CL8mfKEA5RR0z1o7Phn0aSb_D9wyH0tY10KAa61_/s1600/Sd-A5-007.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAQxJrpYOpR1UC9tyFTd_unvE7zAhnt-MJEvB9ko2iK4RKjC-IW_Pq9kHMpn1CS5PAOzv3UbZ2VSc1kfwkAKf_ubHn3bfLzYzhdBXfjpJOUtgW5wtcNbrtGGT9R9ZMBX9mY5sFNCPn5Qi/s1600/Sd-A5-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAQxJrpYOpR1UC9tyFTd_unvE7zAhnt-MJEvB9ko2iK4RKjC-IW_Pq9kHMpn1CS5PAOzv3UbZ2VSc1kfwkAKf_ubHn3bfLzYzhdBXfjpJOUtgW5wtcNbrtGGT9R9ZMBX9mY5sFNCPn5Qi/s1600/Sd-A5-008.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJPgmbeslPFlXFIP4N2lrCKZrIuEVzyahBC-hbwc00MiUAXqRHabjor9gdZfTceAHYW0-rx268uonLAniBe_t0mHtHMuLM23IRmIUcJCMCxv2Hj2OWN8_biavBsVBZQyDlGpVU8DpcKIm/s1600/Sd-A5-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJPgmbeslPFlXFIP4N2lrCKZrIuEVzyahBC-hbwc00MiUAXqRHabjor9gdZfTceAHYW0-rx268uonLAniBe_t0mHtHMuLM23IRmIUcJCMCxv2Hj2OWN8_biavBsVBZQyDlGpVU8DpcKIm/s1600/Sd-A5-009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyDCfeQIK0Y83aPPCpJCY5rOqoXCFuLQOSJ3z-_o4Rf2cRkO0sgjnuVmgwQqLbhrxMfB_C2HiF9h0HThd-QbtXNQkJR5sMs1b5LBYUAZW-adgJUaEpEvJNGDT7DTP54wdWTW0RbrSFiYF/s1600/Sd-A5-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyDCfeQIK0Y83aPPCpJCY5rOqoXCFuLQOSJ3z-_o4Rf2cRkO0sgjnuVmgwQqLbhrxMfB_C2HiF9h0HThd-QbtXNQkJR5sMs1b5LBYUAZW-adgJUaEpEvJNGDT7DTP54wdWTW0RbrSFiYF/s1600/Sd-A5-010.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFIKjKRvq5FUWsan5KgR04g3uH4UdIJTa91I-naHRPSiIBlXg5ifYPw0BHGZgeDvAbi5h4oAxVUCw5cZeDFeJqYHoD4LT-Ew0iHTQ4EOrILyCnBIdl98lQdtEFdncWwRbUENqCq7m1IN_/s1600/Sd-A5-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFIKjKRvq5FUWsan5KgR04g3uH4UdIJTa91I-naHRPSiIBlXg5ifYPw0BHGZgeDvAbi5h4oAxVUCw5cZeDFeJqYHoD4LT-Ew0iHTQ4EOrILyCnBIdl98lQdtEFdncWwRbUENqCq7m1IN_/s1600/Sd-A5-011.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmZd1O1kP8IbGtNtKRsBTON4s5X4xVIuHyB4XfM9XP_PPoutKmm9YKAVyIz-nAhlX9I4m2Y_MSdohS88oQboRqWy1C7a6mX2ZfxfvlmPK5URDhavy2be9NOKuQ8b6wc0F97R03cbDDrb8/s1600/Sd-A5-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmZd1O1kP8IbGtNtKRsBTON4s5X4xVIuHyB4XfM9XP_PPoutKmm9YKAVyIz-nAhlX9I4m2Y_MSdohS88oQboRqWy1C7a6mX2ZfxfvlmPK5URDhavy2be9NOKuQ8b6wc0F97R03cbDDrb8/s1600/Sd-A5-012.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLJOhDD6GIpfypDCdBQyM1XHA7Wt0Ts4jDxKBGjvMARbZP2nfjn-DvABUEQcoudFPrCjaGLDn79BomBoFW98A9kfPTWEYp8oHWYs5McfIgvf5lP3eDWFynTZHWBU4S1f1wdvwBkgxExbn/s1600/Sd-A5-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLJOhDD6GIpfypDCdBQyM1XHA7Wt0Ts4jDxKBGjvMARbZP2nfjn-DvABUEQcoudFPrCjaGLDn79BomBoFW98A9kfPTWEYp8oHWYs5McfIgvf5lP3eDWFynTZHWBU4S1f1wdvwBkgxExbn/s1600/Sd-A5-013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVzFoXJm7hXi4P2pJlGfyWRJsy2ydF3aJyuG9MQZkO7q_6eZhq7VM6rHx9lHIJkRAGGMizt6SKNZpsQrvpsYWyN59ABi8oRFCF85i470MKQ3YH7PoouGfaQ4jKSF59SBBDRZq32AETW-E/s1600/Sd-A5-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVzFoXJm7hXi4P2pJlGfyWRJsy2ydF3aJyuG9MQZkO7q_6eZhq7VM6rHx9lHIJkRAGGMizt6SKNZpsQrvpsYWyN59ABi8oRFCF85i470MKQ3YH7PoouGfaQ4jKSF59SBBDRZq32AETW-E/s1600/Sd-A5-014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I find this type of photography suits my mind set and sense of place in the world. I am a bit of a loner, comfortable in my own company. I enjoy going out with friends, but I am not a member of any clubs or societies, well not beyond the OCA community! This course has pushed so hard on the idea of people as the only subject for social documentary and I have really struggled with this. Now I am back to Social Landscape, pretty much where I left off my Landscape course with the study of <a href="http://www.sclarke-landscape.blogspot.de/2012/07/assignment-5-final-set.html">Innenhof</a>.<br />
<br />
Social Documentary has been a largely negative experience,but one that has taught me a lot. Learning about your strengths and likes requires first an understanding of weakness and dislike. I now know where my interest in photography lies and it aligns with what I can do here in Germany. Perhaps this is why most famous German photographers create imagery on a grand scale, the intimate is basically illegal...<br />
<br />
Next step will be to assemble a first set of 11 photographs to accompany my street views.<br />
<br />
GETTING THERE!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-3464085563951886902014-05-10T08:32:00.004+02:002014-05-10T08:32:55.079+02:00Assignment 5: Getting ThereNot 100% sure I am really getting there, but I am making progress, getting out every day or so with my camera. The overall idea of what I am trying to create is settling into place, a portrait of a street, exploring what it means to be German in 2014 and what signs and symbols tell us about society. The style is landscape, but detailed landscape. I am very much back where I wanted to be when I finished Landscape. Work has picked up again, lurching from crisis to crisis, which is not really helping. I seem to be in a permanent state of exhaustion which is not conducive to creative thought.<br />
<br />
I also got the dreaded letter from the OCA this week informing me that my course time is nearing an end, that I must complete by 6 June, or in my case 18 May. As it is the 10 May today, that means I am getting towards the end of this Assignment, whether I am ready or not. I am still a little bruised by the lack of understanding and flexibility shown by the OCA, but I am not going to change things now. I still get the odd, "Screw It" thought, but rapidly squash that idea, I want this degree and I hope soon that I can start enjoying my photography once more, 2 years of this course has been a misery.<br />
<br />
This blog entry is really just a checkpoint on the photos I have been taking and a way for me to look at each critically and comment on them - it is a way of filtering towards the final set.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPDJI6xvmNNIXnCO2DHJOhmHCDgXSPD2fnQXFRaqYSPM_bPnajrY_20FFN0kyHglfVZc4dN28jaXQNQiaD4ED1iu0igZqDbKjMksKF9uOa6n_C5J1j9A09kxWvzf-h318lAgY0j5W_WtR/s1600/SD-A5-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPDJI6xvmNNIXnCO2DHJOhmHCDgXSPD2fnQXFRaqYSPM_bPnajrY_20FFN0kyHglfVZc4dN28jaXQNQiaD4ED1iu0igZqDbKjMksKF9uOa6n_C5J1j9A09kxWvzf-h318lAgY0j5W_WtR/s1600/SD-A5-001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This one amuses me, even the children here are deeply suspicious of photographers. I am not focusing on people for this assignment, however, this image has some charm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMa0kwpS-HLhcFu39ztfLNpsayn3YWxEx2jQdAoClEum_31woBeiy3uQMLwv-s297Li7OBLHB_17C73bbjDVCcaQbMaXl3yBUUxn-OcXvy6oPiZujeZyJEqifj-E8nkHC60ZQ1IwIXuG8/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMa0kwpS-HLhcFu39ztfLNpsayn3YWxEx2jQdAoClEum_31woBeiy3uQMLwv-s297Li7OBLHB_17C73bbjDVCcaQbMaXl3yBUUxn-OcXvy6oPiZujeZyJEqifj-E8nkHC60ZQ1IwIXuG8/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I am always looking for highly ordered, structured scenes that conform to my way of looking at the world. This is one. It illustrates the tidiness of German street furniture, however, this is looking out from my chosen street so I should not really include it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc7BbAhVolojHtHJkLSdmpGdFG2xXkr1Jf7DT9BrvMvXXR9xv83coA-GXSWWvgAGurLPuYZ8aTUj8TRu31dYoRXFjU2aF3VxbKWmB4nXHCDJsOyxyyIkyLJwc3wpOQwmfWSB5t-H84los/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc7BbAhVolojHtHJkLSdmpGdFG2xXkr1Jf7DT9BrvMvXXR9xv83coA-GXSWWvgAGurLPuYZ8aTUj8TRu31dYoRXFjU2aF3VxbKWmB4nXHCDJsOyxyyIkyLJwc3wpOQwmfWSB5t-H84los/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Not sure, here. A detail and an interesting one about a local flea market, but I think too simple even for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOwYNQ6Ge0qGDwODhCHVUvBMwyt9baAc9MnutvtP7SUUxQBnyD7g1iBzvXnUTZ75WKeZizeXhj4AcEW2HDmLc251ONSqD6pg_8DaviphqVqKV7WNspIF02_JwQu6gPqEaq7v_br47NHsj/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOwYNQ6Ge0qGDwODhCHVUvBMwyt9baAc9MnutvtP7SUUxQBnyD7g1iBzvXnUTZ75WKeZizeXhj4AcEW2HDmLc251ONSqD6pg_8DaviphqVqKV7WNspIF02_JwQu6gPqEaq7v_br47NHsj/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Another shot I have been working with. I am trying to find a way to combine the word Wein (wine) on the side of the building. It would have been nice to have some people sitting there, but then again, that proably would have prevented me from taking the photograph.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sD5OzCTbP_M_yQu4mIhU9_hToKfoEXTAAR5VOkQXmKBMMIDSeeP1XEUHnOoeN9HGjKtQy-9XTI12vAGLRz-nJo-mtPuGT5cSfCnIfLRu5Bq-YvKsw4mTe9c3Jv-BUz_Q5Eau_g-iKI27/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sD5OzCTbP_M_yQu4mIhU9_hToKfoEXTAAR5VOkQXmKBMMIDSeeP1XEUHnOoeN9HGjKtQy-9XTI12vAGLRz-nJo-mtPuGT5cSfCnIfLRu5Bq-YvKsw4mTe9c3Jv-BUz_Q5Eau_g-iKI27/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This is a look into the Innenhof of one of the apartment blocks lining the street. The formed concrete is quite reminiscent of WW2 German structures, very brutal but functional.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVqsvYdxdm46EgZbsjSUheM9Sz0pk3CVPiBpp451Uv07CZ-nExcR3gLH3oaipU5TgYnBhXycSQwaLBAbpzC28YGli05kaRnnEoGCN9zqFLtj7QUgl5CriiHQVZNCE132oB1pc9SiFZwMC/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVqsvYdxdm46EgZbsjSUheM9Sz0pk3CVPiBpp451Uv07CZ-nExcR3gLH3oaipU5TgYnBhXycSQwaLBAbpzC28YGli05kaRnnEoGCN9zqFLtj7QUgl5CriiHQVZNCE132oB1pc9SiFZwMC/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Signs in a window can say a lot about the locale. The problem here is that the day was too bright, I need to return when there are fewer reflections. This has potential, although I have another similar shot that include s a house number that I think is stronger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVnI1JoGY3esfzBc8tGeN18wDCDvUMr6xsiVBttryTamSooT8ap2TVjsguLzkru4VLj27U46ANGfSR3JmfATnfqMMcBfY01qRxf47hhkk28UCPzPCrDhBuPYPKgntIIfEBdQni4HYKQT8/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVnI1JoGY3esfzBc8tGeN18wDCDvUMr6xsiVBttryTamSooT8ap2TVjsguLzkru4VLj27U46ANGfSR3JmfATnfqMMcBfY01qRxf47hhkk28UCPzPCrDhBuPYPKgntIIfEBdQni4HYKQT8/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Happy Days - liquid lunch. The omnipresent bicycle brings an extra dimension of fitness to the shot of two rather middle aged overweight men.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxRBDOqlHDgiT69CuCAylT3iuvO2WiHQ2KrOe9lNkn66QHMXfkpnYx4dIV2bkPH4PaykwLJuCH9RqOeOhDR5kQM0ky5bwXJREBcLST-dhLaS2Q5KIDplHikXCI30BbFLNVdD9gyfI7Nec/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxRBDOqlHDgiT69CuCAylT3iuvO2WiHQ2KrOe9lNkn66QHMXfkpnYx4dIV2bkPH4PaykwLJuCH9RqOeOhDR5kQM0ky5bwXJREBcLST-dhLaS2Q5KIDplHikXCI30BbFLNVdD9gyfI7Nec/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
A play on words, Einfahrt (Entrance) has been subverted into Weinfahrt. The sign points to the parking for the Garibaldi Wine wholesaler. Another small detail, perhaps poiting to the fact that humor is not unknown in Germany, contrary to many stereotypes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMpfjYOrV_BMpakYGlM0pNpN1HCN3zexPywpXUNL3OAmzSxAfn1GbBzMY8daAPApKkSul-likuNOmJLcrfjuhMTP01pevlyKbxP6l_u14-HoZhozspf_FR7Z7lqjek8xZsdhfVQFcR5Uf/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMpfjYOrV_BMpakYGlM0pNpN1HCN3zexPywpXUNL3OAmzSxAfn1GbBzMY8daAPApKkSul-likuNOmJLcrfjuhMTP01pevlyKbxP6l_u14-HoZhozspf_FR7Z7lqjek8xZsdhfVQFcR5Uf/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I have been experimenting with a variety of long shots of the street, this one using a telephoto for compression. I will use such a shot to define the structure of the street, but also to show how insanely Green everything is. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicif_riDR_Hg6MpEoW-lqgBTfcqS_yRtZcx2OKOzUa4MFd0kkJSud_qsVCtkQU9Lq6vIvwXdbBNQRze1EoOfWVYqHk_Fyc3W2DSfZWjIEdFIVY1PPEqaokNiypKeumef4oXsNsYL1b7GXI/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicif_riDR_Hg6MpEoW-lqgBTfcqS_yRtZcx2OKOzUa4MFd0kkJSud_qsVCtkQU9Lq6vIvwXdbBNQRze1EoOfWVYqHk_Fyc3W2DSfZWjIEdFIVY1PPEqaokNiypKeumef4oXsNsYL1b7GXI/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
A close up of the Graffiti I included in my last post. I think I prefer the wider shot, it makes a better statement, of the tiny blot in an otherwise pristine landscape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe0zhnYeDvNYqkyi0Rv1pN6wY9ab3jrvvqZVNlw_GzG1m7GUIFm-7DqpaqXOY3P7AxEmrVnhPZR82UNhxJg5FxcAfbLTGaW1244yCpXVsVarOEfAQjzQ5Ck63AdPFizmlMWruW5MVYcqh/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe0zhnYeDvNYqkyi0Rv1pN6wY9ab3jrvvqZVNlw_GzG1m7GUIFm-7DqpaqXOY3P7AxEmrVnhPZR82UNhxJg5FxcAfbLTGaW1244yCpXVsVarOEfAQjzQ5Ck63AdPFizmlMWruW5MVYcqh/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Maybe a slight jibe at the fact that not all is perfect, I would not want to use a chemical loo anyway, but especially not one that looks like it is about to topple. This may also serve as an illustration of the continued development of the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQBFvXYIVisZinlvjOoiVhUgNQ3HpAfHM5QgcoLd01ldczTUYz5f1uJKYj0FMtOcluOogXjf-Apsp81kTEg6Jw_xHQYjM0_0mvot1ssbCbEuw4kb6IqYE8Og2WrMct9opGMfJ8bLjQhuT/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQBFvXYIVisZinlvjOoiVhUgNQ3HpAfHM5QgcoLd01ldczTUYz5f1uJKYj0FMtOcluOogXjf-Apsp81kTEg6Jw_xHQYjM0_0mvot1ssbCbEuw4kb6IqYE8Og2WrMct9opGMfJ8bLjQhuT/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HjfigYdHWpzoGTBLlnAFtoiVlYhnK_u0-ARHHPeEwlyp7Odm7_mO1SH32kzS8cQ_RAzmhawCvI_jSyZeYdAAq7DrYhbduOIzMYvYuMjAVm9CfzuxeNfTW10Q5LhNEqqfuG-pfJUZ5bQi/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HjfigYdHWpzoGTBLlnAFtoiVlYhnK_u0-ARHHPeEwlyp7Odm7_mO1SH32kzS8cQ_RAzmhawCvI_jSyZeYdAAq7DrYhbduOIzMYvYuMjAVm9CfzuxeNfTW10Q5LhNEqqfuG-pfJUZ5bQi/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The previous two images are variations on a theme. Most German neighbourhoods will have a fruit and veg stall placed conveniently near the exit from the tube station or a major junction. With this shot I am trying to combine the bicycles with the fruit stall to carry the healthy living message which sharply contrasts with the beer and sausages image of Munich. People here are very active, very concious of their health, but also still enjoy beer and sausages.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZJDNjit8b4yrBX-EHM2KPxxk4ISUhGwX3BJCUrIMwFvilvnK0QiuE9kfg0GmBoXvj_4OQcuLuZ60GvF8gDLhML5rVxNFM8eq4WZlo4H17vmjx_oembFGI-72N21BZ5WONCbtVeCOsb-I/s1600/SD-A5-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZJDNjit8b4yrBX-EHM2KPxxk4ISUhGwX3BJCUrIMwFvilvnK0QiuE9kfg0GmBoXvj_4OQcuLuZ60GvF8gDLhML5rVxNFM8eq4WZlo4H17vmjx_oembFGI-72N21BZ5WONCbtVeCOsb-I/s1600/SD-A5-014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Perhaps a contrast with the previous image, this Pizza delivery car points to the continual rise of convenience food. Germans like good food, but are very much not a nation of cooks. Eating out is cheap, but so is home delivery. I also like the casual use of the sidewalk as a road.<br />
<br />
I don't have an overall message here, other than that I am making progress, assembling a set of images that will be strong enough for the assignment, well they must be. 7 days to go, tick tock, tick tock!Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-76957454252775161662014-05-04T16:14:00.000+02:002014-05-04T16:14:06.944+02:00Assignment 5: Landscape ElementsNow that I have decided to work this more from a social landscape perspective, I have spent a little time exploring the street and thinking about how the shape and position of things could help to build the narrative of the set. This has not been easy and I am starting to worry that the subject simply might not be visually interesting enough. Fellow students have been very positive about the strip photo, and I think this is a good element, however, I am concerned about the rest. I cannot stress over this too much as the clock is ticking now.<br />
<br />
I am also starting to think about a possible fall back should this simply be rejected. Part of the problem with my deadline is that in 3 weeks I head out on vacation, scuba diving again. I have used underwater photographs already in both TAOP and DPP, however, in neither case did I really consider the process of diving and all it entails, from a diver's perspective, but also from those who work in the dive base. I need a couple of weeks vacation, but perhaps a mission will be fun. I could see how a visual essay on diving could work, so maybe I have some insurance.<br />
<br />
In any case back to the current assignment. In the following shots I have been trying to explore how a photograph can say something about German society. In particular, during the last year or so a number of new shops have appeared on the street, Body Kult, Naturheilpraxis, and an Immobilienburo. All say a little about German society. Body Kult has a couple of messages, first of all the contiued use of English to make things sound more modern (go figure) and the cult of fitness that makes the average German a good deal fitter than other citizenry of the world (my observation only). Body Kult, is, however, one of those faddish things where they claim to be able to get you fit with 20 minutes of electro-therapy a week. The NAturheilpraxis is the exact opposite, a purveyor of alternative natural medicines, something taken very seriously in Germany. Finally the slow creep of the state agent has arrived. Estate Agent offices are rare here, but growing in numbers, as people gradually shift from renting towards buying. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbAhNrorhZROcgrlab-Z8Umo_-ORsAO1bnYmeHdWVU7AAYKRS7DKbs6Hvh5hppS2uPlw7wr1deewfIKkzkF53PEnMEr9bCOyfbCGTVpc0AJSZKbRFnqsvlzRaMvdFUAp6C3JBLPHjSwtq/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbAhNrorhZROcgrlab-Z8Umo_-ORsAO1bnYmeHdWVU7AAYKRS7DKbs6Hvh5hppS2uPlw7wr1deewfIKkzkF53PEnMEr9bCOyfbCGTVpc0AJSZKbRFnqsvlzRaMvdFUAp6C3JBLPHjSwtq/s1600/SD-A5-002.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-7DQrSbUHFSaVOUGCcXXaMOpWLwj2ZBux1kh3Hsvuh36JXAzyVR6YStPR_ffKSiCikTNXtTHtOdxFbx0177pQPCsfJzgmbFC06gXdHROpkk91SuR68dStJEAkt_micOUVbABm65xm0W9/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-7DQrSbUHFSaVOUGCcXXaMOpWLwj2ZBux1kh3Hsvuh36JXAzyVR6YStPR_ffKSiCikTNXtTHtOdxFbx0177pQPCsfJzgmbFC06gXdHROpkk91SuR68dStJEAkt_micOUVbABm65xm0W9/s1600/SD-A5-003.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5KiKVjeGQW2HIbUyZYJ6CcvuWSam-RWXju-uTgPWW_zAkyF76XfXFyl7DXdqTA_yIpI2T9DZItTPhWTppXI_aSDZ47nGWNOeBY4XjltPANuhFXQW1UAdQVUI3yNk_muvWMLxhbu2xuth/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5KiKVjeGQW2HIbUyZYJ6CcvuWSam-RWXju-uTgPWW_zAkyF76XfXFyl7DXdqTA_yIpI2T9DZItTPhWTppXI_aSDZ47nGWNOeBY4XjltPANuhFXQW1UAdQVUI3yNk_muvWMLxhbu2xuth/s1600/SD-A5-004.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Each of these photos says something about Germany, but none is particularly interesting. But maybe that is the point, this is an essay, not a glamour shoot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FXVO-5g0j_RINv6CHqMy-xKG5PyZTIX3CX3MiqsDxT6_wNYoI0Fc7dlkWnH5s6gWqxeeBrbzxtX8_kfCVTN2615Sk6wIhEnXdjwjKZ2fkhYDbVIsBVu5dCvHf2GNbTEWqCMVq-cY2W6k/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FXVO-5g0j_RINv6CHqMy-xKG5PyZTIX3CX3MiqsDxT6_wNYoI0Fc7dlkWnH5s6gWqxeeBrbzxtX8_kfCVTN2615Sk6wIhEnXdjwjKZ2fkhYDbVIsBVu5dCvHf2GNbTEWqCMVq-cY2W6k/s1600/SD-A5-005.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Straying slightly away from the immediate confines of the street, this shot is just across the road looking back to my section of Richard-Strauss Strasse. I may rework this to use a tele rather than a wide angle, to better emphasize the fruit stall. The message here is again fitness, German's cycle a lot and use public transport. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S7BCAGpwMGN-NBDsFs7oc_Fml7heeV5bRb9tkZkMq0lPdPsRa6rW8NgIjPWIY2-IFyK55FPT6iluLYcRfvLeiCS0b9hT1L8RdM-x4aChnjBhkoo3vNhqVSNdrXezDFe0F0TbJ_XxCYNt/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S7BCAGpwMGN-NBDsFs7oc_Fml7heeV5bRb9tkZkMq0lPdPsRa6rW8NgIjPWIY2-IFyK55FPT6iluLYcRfvLeiCS0b9hT1L8RdM-x4aChnjBhkoo3vNhqVSNdrXezDFe0F0TbJ_XxCYNt/s1600/SD-A5-006.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACVblRuykRPydjCFkWiM0eVaAf0F87IvgOkQY2MefAnevy-uRqC6PwYVgzC3i8ageEaCBSZ8BuW40jZ3jFP_W68goQDSAUgz6QHfzkjV6_TWKW8mn6aRjj3JEL3b4N7rbkFqm5Jv9vviu/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACVblRuykRPydjCFkWiM0eVaAf0F87IvgOkQY2MefAnevy-uRqC6PwYVgzC3i8ageEaCBSZ8BuW40jZ3jFP_W68goQDSAUgz6QHfzkjV6_TWKW8mn6aRjj3JEL3b4N7rbkFqm5Jv9vviu/s1600/SD-A5-007.jpg" height="400" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
The above two shots are details that highlight elements of German society. Michaerl Jackson is very much missed, but also this shows how small adverts for cultural events are found all over. This type of advert is never for a product, always for an event. The second shot shows typical door furniture. All house numbers in Germany use the same blue plaque, by law. The plaque tells you what street you are on and the arrow tells you which way the numbers are ascending, very ordered, very practical. The smaller sign explains who owns the building and how to contact them should you be interested in renting locally. Details like these say quite a lot about how people live here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0joUzwPUZe4WcwtH-jFldRC4Rqj2CEdAxFfiSSiC6wTvDuGCm00WzU3MaZjqN0tM_reAzd5Raqejc_mGgSBrIYHyjIqP3w9I-Bb6L3fZirdoUvl5Tub-WpGyQMo-tGv0349_QaIDENUC/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0joUzwPUZe4WcwtH-jFldRC4Rqj2CEdAxFfiSSiC6wTvDuGCm00WzU3MaZjqN0tM_reAzd5Raqejc_mGgSBrIYHyjIqP3w9I-Bb6L3fZirdoUvl5Tub-WpGyQMo-tGv0349_QaIDENUC/s1600/SD-A5-008.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TXwwHucQfrVbhhyphenhyphenMpZIlEWju-QOKzHcW4J7Vm30mBT5mB8pr-g1oTYnTdv_3U1HIGkvYO_JHTdI-CgCagfEBAvjrl2mgBXwNZ1VSRbGqAGPwdBFguETPyKu7tJAbOdy5aN5RTRfxgf7H/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TXwwHucQfrVbhhyphenhyphenMpZIlEWju-QOKzHcW4J7Vm30mBT5mB8pr-g1oTYnTdv_3U1HIGkvYO_JHTdI-CgCagfEBAvjrl2mgBXwNZ1VSRbGqAGPwdBFguETPyKu7tJAbOdy5aN5RTRfxgf7H/s1600/SD-A5-009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHNVDQiLXEQro_5kEQtx374kBdWv92r5s6JbPhPSz5CtKSERqj76XJin5ZtvWREDJCqGJD_Y7LvFBX1Pk0jyCfhm5NHcL2RaJKFfULZoxF2vj34zYlfFn9azEkB17U6_KoxBeupl7S1p3/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHNVDQiLXEQro_5kEQtx374kBdWv92r5s6JbPhPSz5CtKSERqj76XJin5ZtvWREDJCqGJD_Y7LvFBX1Pk0jyCfhm5NHcL2RaJKFfULZoxF2vj34zYlfFn9azEkB17U6_KoxBeupl7S1p3/s1600/SD-A5-010.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuuhFkljRLm1Iei_YGtJJSIHTekCsbd2NcBIZE4nCeUDXMaM49oM6kyCbyP9I7DpPfWUFdRBnt6fyE5a8qgRXzGwROLGSGS82ImkMsXLDag_Y9toGSbdi-ZNLBgdH4naBaOwZu4LrDWif/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuuhFkljRLm1Iei_YGtJJSIHTekCsbd2NcBIZE4nCeUDXMaM49oM6kyCbyP9I7DpPfWUFdRBnt6fyE5a8qgRXzGwROLGSGS82ImkMsXLDag_Y9toGSbdi-ZNLBgdH4naBaOwZu4LrDWif/s1600/SD-A5-011.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also spent some time in the side streets immediately adjoining my strip. I am looking for images that lead the story along. Building work is continually done to improve the property, landlords have a duty and also a practical need to maintain rental property at the highest quality. It would be very strange to find run down rental property here. The world around is also very green, plants are continually being added and gardens are an integral part of shared rented accommodation. Even where there is no garden, people try to make one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nSGO_rtBOIA8u8bocgo3i6EXplaH9us34MskCAcJokXVQ-LH5BzCjNQgbAmUHikJrZYteB4VcFExSe-Y6G-JZghQhHBciwqNQkz1sivXMOw8m_9YwRSDa41e4NDR5AWve2aJfdutOghB/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nSGO_rtBOIA8u8bocgo3i6EXplaH9us34MskCAcJokXVQ-LH5BzCjNQgbAmUHikJrZYteB4VcFExSe-Y6G-JZghQhHBciwqNQkz1sivXMOw8m_9YwRSDa41e4NDR5AWve2aJfdutOghB/s1600/SD-A5-012.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Vandalism is rare, but does happen, this little example about all I have seen locally.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZPWDfhyphenhyphenTyQWY_TtL_r7qmTTOwIIq5d1UdH2gKJ3_rQpUY9CZiqgPe9fHwPSVtoS2q_Swgqebtk2adrrOL51bTg920cSkdzRQzK4pF4S7myDi0G3YstXVOlI1XjCmKzKRLeGH0vS-qQx9/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZPWDfhyphenhyphenTyQWY_TtL_r7qmTTOwIIq5d1UdH2gKJ3_rQpUY9CZiqgPe9fHwPSVtoS2q_Swgqebtk2adrrOL51bTg920cSkdzRQzK4pF4S7myDi0G3YstXVOlI1XjCmKzKRLeGH0vS-qQx9/s1600/SD-A5-013.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Not sure about this one, but this van is a sign of the times as Germans begin to adopt the internet for shopping, even grocery shopping. The irony is that they deliver until 10pm, 2 hours later than the shops are themselves legally permitted to operate.<br />
<br />
I have odd feelings about these photos, I am struggling to understand if they are good enough. They are very simple, very basic, but together I feel a story is beggining to form, which is the point of the set.<br />
<br />
I am giving myself until next weekend, to complete the set. I will try and get out to shoot every day this coming week and then work on the submission next weekend, I will then have one extra weekend to mull over things before submitting. Maybe my diving idea is better, but my time runs out before I get back from the vacation, so in the end I think I am comitted now.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-37082497747575088622014-04-27T15:14:00.001+02:002014-04-27T15:14:39.114+02:00Assignment 5: Out and About with CameraI have still only completed a little work for Assignment 5, well excepting the 8 foot long photo I printed last week. As discussed in my last post I have made a decision to step back and away from people as the subject and start thinking in terms of the social landscape. I am not succeeding at any level as a people photographer and think it is time to move on and think about where I am going overall.<br />
<br />
When I think back on the courses I have completed thus far, People-and-Place and Landscape were the standouts, I enjoyed the subjects and the process. Social Documentary has for me been a nightmare, I dislike the over-emphasis on people as the only subject and cannot find an angle that let's my own views come out in my work. I have lost any spark of me. Assignment 4 was disappointing, good learning, but clearly a suggestion that I am not getting along with the course direction<br />
<br />
So I now make the decision to reverse direction and return to the comfort of landscape, but I hope using this as a way to document society. On Saturday I got out with my camera and started once again the process of documenting Richard-Strauss Strasse:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC03QwnoTc80yy7rdCyu1M_82DQOByPv1kLigwYMzN3jXri3dAyWNrwC-C0A8JUCH2BvJR6K4GFbfuM1oXXDxyKkpmA8pcy1uOJ-NMQMyLHlqcZS_H8yhs-2pT1JxSxrHt9a7tes3GXW-h/s1600/SD-A5--002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC03QwnoTc80yy7rdCyu1M_82DQOByPv1kLigwYMzN3jXri3dAyWNrwC-C0A8JUCH2BvJR6K4GFbfuM1oXXDxyKkpmA8pcy1uOJ-NMQMyLHlqcZS_H8yhs-2pT1JxSxrHt9a7tes3GXW-h/s1600/SD-A5--002.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This first image is still very much street, hang around for long enough and something strange will come along, in this case a bed on a bike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAgmxdP9ETvNZAyqGbAROYG3fOiy1h5d13un5verOGlKestmg5j4ybeyX1q_HZ8d_9E6DfuvPfnQf2iOhIqwoICi2_QyjzUDqeyi3j1UIt_Sb7FFmONi8lYYHwHBLllCKRd1dLlVBzcAl/s1600/SD-A5--003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAgmxdP9ETvNZAyqGbAROYG3fOiy1h5d13un5verOGlKestmg5j4ybeyX1q_HZ8d_9E6DfuvPfnQf2iOhIqwoICi2_QyjzUDqeyi3j1UIt_Sb7FFmONi8lYYHwHBLllCKRd1dLlVBzcAl/s1600/SD-A5--003.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
However, I prefer this view. The reflection is a problem in the first shot, but not fatal. This shot, brings out more, the bike is part of a larger scene, the photo serves to define the structure of the street, but also illustrates that personal transport, i.e. bikes are central to our way of life here. This photo has a green message.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JAhLNmjFlMpWGVHcYACLZlx9EzrFApneirdeC2E0-qPiAR3q29xvVIlJhP-FFBjAKVzKNBA0vGh_8sAzCAaAnyad-sCzMaz0Zs-Zndn21xBr-6kGFnWlZ77Jr7663d3UShKj0W1RHjXZ/s1600/SD-A5--004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JAhLNmjFlMpWGVHcYACLZlx9EzrFApneirdeC2E0-qPiAR3q29xvVIlJhP-FFBjAKVzKNBA0vGh_8sAzCAaAnyad-sCzMaz0Zs-Zndn21xBr-6kGFnWlZ77Jr7663d3UShKj0W1RHjXZ/s1600/SD-A5--004.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHwJp3eSHeaSTIkxkqkqMxZbWFTAvJJmaHeFiLOLTTDi1RkmljdOtji92S445vC7S2YcXIFtg2rrvw4RrD2b5cDkvDJtmv6yD6ng6ZCMMdEyAwPNfuop9weCPQ95uHhChPPGZAdeJN6Ja/s1600/SD-A5--005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHwJp3eSHeaSTIkxkqkqMxZbWFTAvJJmaHeFiLOLTTDi1RkmljdOtji92S445vC7S2YcXIFtg2rrvw4RrD2b5cDkvDJtmv6yD6ng6ZCMMdEyAwPNfuop9weCPQ95uHhChPPGZAdeJN6Ja/s1600/SD-A5--005.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
It is election time once again,in fact it is always one election or another, either the city council, the Bundestag, or the EU. Anyway, this amused me. The UK has Mr Farage and his little band of proto-fascists. Germany tried that, it didn't work out well. Oddly, neither did communism, yet Karl-Marz and Lenin are still potent political symbols. I think I prefer the close up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7_MbxuMSTP5BXaR7Ag7bz2v5Fl4fHdN_RPHcM3dVo4dcV8YVEMGY3pRmJJPTzYTE3M8vmD9l7UiYzn2n8LC4Ue1qYsAb8hCcg56vv_K10mPLCffbI_gwi7DPzqkECk5j7RFY5kRePPfu/s1600/SD-A5--006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7_MbxuMSTP5BXaR7Ag7bz2v5Fl4fHdN_RPHcM3dVo4dcV8YVEMGY3pRmJJPTzYTE3M8vmD9l7UiYzn2n8LC4Ue1qYsAb8hCcg56vv_K10mPLCffbI_gwi7DPzqkECk5j7RFY5kRePPfu/s1600/SD-A5--006.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This is another landscape shot, too similar to the bed, but showing the careful layout of the street environment and the care to make the world green. personally, I get more about Germany from this photograph than any personal close up could ever deliver. To me this kind of shot is documentary, it documents a place in time and one day might be a valuable record. The risk, of course, is that it is a record shot and then so what.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfUhR0v4ODAZoWNiKMm9ipEfCJT4yE9iTJqEzG2pyt_QpTPbaV6EnwoJ3_F7jKeg2-oin6R_1k0I_QtTk4z8mDYGKS5WQatScjv20NUfxUlJQawOIMgrTVwH3B8s-XBjWccaxzUN0MRdE/s1600/SD-A5--007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfUhR0v4ODAZoWNiKMm9ipEfCJT4yE9iTJqEzG2pyt_QpTPbaV6EnwoJ3_F7jKeg2-oin6R_1k0I_QtTk4z8mDYGKS5WQatScjv20NUfxUlJQawOIMgrTVwH3B8s-XBjWccaxzUN0MRdE/s1600/SD-A5--007.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Contradictions. This is a Bio supermarket, everything has been produced at the highest ethical level, natural and non-poluting, expect of course for the lump of BMW that is used to go shopping for these natrual producst.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtheNr-ZSGcI_IqGCv9hlttVkV88wHtqkc0ws-ewj51Bw31ZLvM2-ZMl7uTJ4YIiw22Pk_qzVDmOKngRD9G0tcUYld14B8k33Ex44WAiZjJxf44dyRewz-bwe4xc3aCf-cIXfPZNQ2UXI/s1600/SD-A5--008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtheNr-ZSGcI_IqGCv9hlttVkV88wHtqkc0ws-ewj51Bw31ZLvM2-ZMl7uTJ4YIiw22Pk_qzVDmOKngRD9G0tcUYld14B8k33Ex44WAiZjJxf44dyRewz-bwe4xc3aCf-cIXfPZNQ2UXI/s1600/SD-A5--008.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
It is beer festival season again, this time the Spring Beer Festival, one of three 2 week long festivals that occupy the calendar. The festivals bring out the traditional, although slightly jazzed up in this case. each year there is a colour fashion for Dirndls, Pink was last year, Green is in this year. Not sure if this is a good photo or not, but it does say a lot about German society.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghglZWZqpWr0qR77BorOr1nq8az1Prz4QlWlkbTEpG054t8ZS_aSv-YYqAsddTj39BnE7PERJY88iifxuNsgbakvgetVOCgzEu0ELODyJcIPFTeDqe1FQfHZD79Z9uwWgwe2PHmisCHS_a/s1600/SD-A5--009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghglZWZqpWr0qR77BorOr1nq8az1Prz4QlWlkbTEpG054t8ZS_aSv-YYqAsddTj39BnE7PERJY88iifxuNsgbakvgetVOCgzEu0ELODyJcIPFTeDqe1FQfHZD79Z9uwWgwe2PHmisCHS_a/s1600/SD-A5--009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Cute...<br />
<br />
My problem is going to be the essay element, making the photographs hang together. I am not telling a temporal story, I am trying to paint a picture of a culture. I understand that as an essay, I hope my tutor does too?<br />
<br />
Anyway, clock is ticking I now have 3 weeks left to finish this...Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-80501252527498090132014-04-27T14:32:00.001+02:002014-04-27T14:32:50.971+02:00Assignment 4: Tutor FeedbackHmmmm....<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I think that you have made a good effort to produce a portrait of Munchen. You have decided not to follow slavishly Frank’s style in favour of developing your own. This is a stiffer more formal style that perhaps suits the subject well, but I feel that while you have good technical skills that have developed during the project and have produced a good set of images, you have concentrated on images of things - the rather stereo-typical portrayal of different types of people - rather than produced images that convey feelings; feelings about the people of Munich or the feelings, emotions that the people have and their situation. This is the biggest difference between your work and that of Frank’s Americans."</blockquote>
Damned with faint praise! And fair comment, but one that I struggle to respond to. I have a growing realization that in my heart I am a landscape photographer, or rather someone who seeks meaning through the photography of things rather than people. The images are stiff and formally composed, but I am rather stiff and formal. My work is as a business analyst, I spend my days collating data and trying to establish trends and discover opportunity. I am very much not a people person, well not without some help. I think this reflects in my photography. Unless I am specifically invited to engage with my subjects through a formal request such as a wedding or an event, I am not comfortable getting into people's faces. I can do this, but it is not a part of my person.<br />
<br />
In another comment Simon makes the following observation:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You have used your visual skills well to work within the ‘no photography on the street’ culture of Munich. The set presents a somewhat distant, detached observer’s view - rather like the ‘outsider’ viewpoint that Frank has in the Americans. I’m not sure if this was a reflection of your discomfort of working close up to people or a matter of necessity given the prevailing attitude to photography in the street. Whichever, you might want to think about working on your skills in a more close up environment using a wide angle lens and getting in close. This will present quite a different feel to your images and involve much more engagement with your subjects."</blockquote>
Sadly a little of both. At events I am happy to work in close, especially when dealing with someone who is in effect modeling for me, but on the street, no! There is a very good reason that I have alluded to before that there is no street photography in Germany. It is illegal! And what is more people know it is. I took the following photograph yesterday, nothing special just working some ideas around Assignment 5. However, the reaction of the man is very obvious, he saw the camera. I can only take photographs of people if they are genuinely unaware of the camera and remain that way. Even posting this image now and the others on my blog means I have in effect broken the law. It makes for a very difficult challenge in working this specific course. I am nervous about this, I am invading people's personal space in a manner that Germans find extremely intrusive and even aggressive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Irh7TVjIuoEg8YuM-GaOeepvSJNBg1mmNzSzq5sdXWw06RpRc8C38J-S-7ckbrrZdHb6cmkP9u0xaOVZoQkOqHqx252Qwhbcwkofxx_0h3sFXyJqTPQHv-WP_lJLrPD45HD1B40BaYSb/s1600/SD-A5-Problem-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Irh7TVjIuoEg8YuM-GaOeepvSJNBg1mmNzSzq5sdXWw06RpRc8C38J-S-7ckbrrZdHb6cmkP9u0xaOVZoQkOqHqx252Qwhbcwkofxx_0h3sFXyJqTPQHv-WP_lJLrPD45HD1B40BaYSb/s1600/SD-A5-Problem-001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Overall, there was no challenge to any of the photographs and I do think that I have met the brief acceptably, just not in as emotionally engaging a manner as I could have done. Frank was indeed much closer to his subjects and certainly less risk averse than I am. The odd thing about this is that I enjoy street photography, and in a different country might make this more part of my work, however, I simply cannot in Germany. I fee that I have stretched things as far as I can before getting into serious trouble, either a violent reaction or the Police.<br />
<br />
Technically the photos were fine this time and I did learn a lot from Simon's input on assignment 2 in terms of the crop and the framing. The B&W conversions worked well. In terms of image quality or rather quality of outcome, I succeeded, but the comment was clear that perhaps the images are too refined too sharp, they lack any emotion. Again I buy this and accept my limitations. Finally on the topic of creativity, there is some good feedback<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You have obviously given a lot of thought, time and effort to this portrayal of the people of Munich. Your images have an air of subtlety in their rendition of such a varied mix - I like the book ending images with their inclusion of “Munchen”, the deft humour of the “no photography” signs in ‘artist’, the timing of ‘transvestite’ with the broom making contact with the hand adding depth to the image beyond the more obvious allusion to the differences between the protagonists in the image."</blockquote>
However, the final paragraph again hints at the lack of engagement<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Your work seems to be more a drawing of a stereotypical image of the ‘types of Munchener’ rather more in the way that Di Corcia does in his staged imagery. So a question for you is consider is how much you want your style to become consciously an amalgam of the styles of Frank and others like Di Corcia."</blockquote>
Simon also suggests that I look at Cindy Sherman, Jeff Wall and Gregory Crewsden, ironic as I got a similar comment from a previous tutor when doing People and Place. Guess I am in a certain grove, for good or bad.<br />
<br />
Unlike the previous 2 photographic assignments, where there was substantial commentary around each image, there was no suggestion to change or replace any of the images in this set. I will take that as a sign that I was not so far from the mark, at least in the sense of presenting a set of cohesive well thought out photographs.<br />
<br />
I am now left with the final question, what do I learn from this assignment and where next. I guess the most obvious learning point is that I am not a people person and that photography of humanity is not for me, I started this course with trepidation about whether it was the right thing to do. This assignment reinforced the conclusion that it was the right thing to do, but the learning is negative rather than positive. I can do this, but my heart is not in it. Thinking back on Landscape and the commitment I made to that course, I just do not get the same vibe here. Landscape was a pure joy and continual learning process and a feeling of self expression that I have never achieved in any other work I have done, including my Ph.D. in Physics. I did this course on the advice of my tutor for Landscape, he felt I needed to broaden my experience and that the alternate, PWDP would not teach me much that I do not already know. The advice was sound, but it has been a painful process.<br />
<br />
I now need to make a decision about the final assignment. I think the suggestion that I should get closer and more personal with my subjects is not going to happen. I plan the opposite, to go with my intuition and step away from the person and consider the environment, i.e. to work the final assignment as an exercise in Social Landscape, to take what I have learned from Social Documentary and Landscape and combine them in a single piece of work that investigates the German street.<br />
<br />
What I colclude is that the version of Social Documentary favored by this course, i.e. studies of people, is not my idea of how society should be documented. This person centric view seems more orientated towards documenting the human experience of society, versus a document of society. I am more interested in how environment shapes or reflects society rather than how people shape society - that is what makes me a Landscape photographer rather than a social photographer.<br />
<br />Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-6450308099488239172014-04-19T15:48:00.002+02:002014-04-19T15:52:24.878+02:00Assignment 5: Down to WorkNow that Assignment 4 is safely submitted I can move onto the final chapter in this course. No feedback yet for the last assignment, but time is pressing and I cannot wait. AS the OCA refused to grant me an extension I am under pressure to finish by 7th June, which as a result of a planned vacation is effectively the 18th May. I must admit I am pretty unhappy at the decision, I completed the first 4 courses in 3 years, not the 6 allowed, so was hoping for some lenience, especially given the trauma of a close family death and extreme overwork resulting in illness. Ah well, this is not meant to be easy!<br />
<br />
So I have in essence 4 weeks to develop and complete this assignment. I have the basics, location and concept. I now need to develop these thoughts. My first task has been to revisit the East-West photographs I created last year and process them into something close to what I plan to submit. I have essentially done what Ed Ruscha did with the Sunset Strip in 1966 and photographed both sides of Richard Strauss Strasse in completeness (well a block of it). Originally I formatted them as a pair of film strips each side on one A4 page - not very interesting. I have now spent some time and montaged the photographs in Photoshop into two single lines of photos, with the East side on the top of the page and the West side below (as Ed Ruscha did with the sunset strip). This can only work with one side of the street upside down, otherwise the photos are out of order on one side:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOhNA-1gvJvxyDLRj68BBWO8cROfY7DNt_cTPRY_TR0u6g-6Ggm2yckKoSq_PlDJFkl7HXwy0HC-Xom_J5aOcjUZOIc3LwN5G2Zk9XX5dMFuegtHaYHxCEa6-VoYjrB7FaE2EtdLi9406/s1600/Richard-Strauss-Pano-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOhNA-1gvJvxyDLRj68BBWO8cROfY7DNt_cTPRY_TR0u6g-6Ggm2yckKoSq_PlDJFkl7HXwy0HC-Xom_J5aOcjUZOIc3LwN5G2Zk9XX5dMFuegtHaYHxCEa6-VoYjrB7FaE2EtdLi9406/s1600/Richard-Strauss-Pano-small.jpg" height="57" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I formatted the images so that there were 3 photos per A4 page on the top and then on the bottom. This is a test print using a laser printer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCwamzNVgmfmudbmLT6slwLgSHaqbt0nsjbihcyYqEBMGTzeuKqDHrU8WtEaZdH1oy04IWbvfvviW8dSaoBgg3gCno_7s8Ll_BVkPp6Guildn3J_n_3x0FWcQ2pnQOw5TBn3tKgdeNHyQ/s1600/SD-A5-Montage-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCwamzNVgmfmudbmLT6slwLgSHaqbt0nsjbihcyYqEBMGTzeuKqDHrU8WtEaZdH1oy04IWbvfvviW8dSaoBgg3gCno_7s8Ll_BVkPp6Guildn3J_n_3x0FWcQ2pnQOw5TBn3tKgdeNHyQ/s1600/SD-A5-Montage-001.jpg" height="200" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For the final version I will use photopaper which will lend some stiffness as well as improved quality. The biggest challenge will be joining the pages in a way that does not look tacky. I cannot print as a single strip so must join the pages somehow. I am guessing I need a flexible cloth based tape for this.<br />
<br />
Individually the pages look like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZfiPv6fnV0Vfir651SE-d_xbrh9PQFb9dFdy7ykVHstllOEInd6HqoW3RZeWSlamohz51rUYdIqroVJD9sAL-5SbcEkHxtBWO50bt_IkDrfXwluDhCLmJvt8rUXu1Vw0RTLTd8sOaovM/s1600/Richard-Strauss-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZfiPv6fnV0Vfir651SE-d_xbrh9PQFb9dFdy7ykVHstllOEInd6HqoW3RZeWSlamohz51rUYdIqroVJD9sAL-5SbcEkHxtBWO50bt_IkDrfXwluDhCLmJvt8rUXu1Vw0RTLTd8sOaovM/s1600/Richard-Strauss-1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGqtvrtBgiv2fXGjzTXboOr5lNVqk7RH62geVhxzEVJax5O8xWwrUhr30Gm3H8ovuHN7bR_lvKVVVQ41tNIaS1TV1Oq8X9n5SQu8UBCERTgj7kXWh9ma-mlfz0ytSYkR0QqI7dS6fkpkZ/s1600/Richard-Strauss-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGqtvrtBgiv2fXGjzTXboOr5lNVqk7RH62geVhxzEVJax5O8xWwrUhr30Gm3H8ovuHN7bR_lvKVVVQ41tNIaS1TV1Oq8X9n5SQu8UBCERTgj7kXWh9ma-mlfz0ytSYkR0QqI7dS6fkpkZ/s1600/Richard-Strauss-2.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj522cr1zxo7_yyUy8FP2VJBpyQDE5VKlIMt3Pw3t4NoodzspeHYslrxCAZ5jhFkGXactJeZgzx_lsg37MWMectafciR09ummfCBXqcC_e0xS43ypV5cmufOAQ1uw-s9dda5b2PswTQ2xxM/s1600/Richard-Strauss-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj522cr1zxo7_yyUy8FP2VJBpyQDE5VKlIMt3Pw3t4NoodzspeHYslrxCAZ5jhFkGXactJeZgzx_lsg37MWMectafciR09ummfCBXqcC_e0xS43ypV5cmufOAQ1uw-s9dda5b2PswTQ2xxM/s1600/Richard-Strauss-3.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAYd5OH7UlzN374gBlQ0iuyDpeVlcGutF2x1hUMx_42JNTxy222_bWZNwb3M-1LFVNxQGh9_7F_lQrGu2t5rrQrEJjb-EtQaoCsc4-pfAbqyIANUuYZPi6VpHNb2rXVhoz82-ohiKdo8z/s1600/Richard-Strauss-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAYd5OH7UlzN374gBlQ0iuyDpeVlcGutF2x1hUMx_42JNTxy222_bWZNwb3M-1LFVNxQGh9_7F_lQrGu2t5rrQrEJjb-EtQaoCsc4-pfAbqyIANUuYZPi6VpHNb2rXVhoz82-ohiKdo8z/s1600/Richard-Strauss-4.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2R2FHPYCm6407XhtL9MHPY4bEt8d0duC4hcqqfYeYCbm2LuAkYy3FP8UDT6an_lzpIUW2UFtMA-W0NOd_AIH-hdkcO7c_GIl4bh8gsvRYJsLT0Nuc6PcxaifdKmXs2ZT39WTql83YyalN/s1600/Richard-Strauss-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2R2FHPYCm6407XhtL9MHPY4bEt8d0duC4hcqqfYeYCbm2LuAkYy3FP8UDT6an_lzpIUW2UFtMA-W0NOd_AIH-hdkcO7c_GIl4bh8gsvRYJsLT0Nuc6PcxaifdKmXs2ZT39WTql83YyalN/s1600/Richard-Strauss-5.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi1MfRW8376wG08mukpYh7Axxc3BYIq0w8iP2GQi5tnRslNYAoycjz3WTlDqStcBQ5yfRzdLxtgmdCx2r8vTACip2QbdNAjuYwjrwQQD-p_wT6Mis81xBpfFKwfH0A03qaGk1X83E1PsN/s1600/Richard-Strauss-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi1MfRW8376wG08mukpYh7Axxc3BYIq0w8iP2GQi5tnRslNYAoycjz3WTlDqStcBQ5yfRzdLxtgmdCx2r8vTACip2QbdNAjuYwjrwQQD-p_wT6Mis81xBpfFKwfH0A03qaGk1X83E1PsN/s1600/Richard-Strauss-6.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBSR-nYMVo7tKwzNpSjHo52c0P5TOIOU0ZAI2sxrpsOp_UojHfFfyQIrMmp3taPIheyTIDGjWP8IssTXFilSQmwfelNz0zRq4_PetpT-8tuvFsVhVs81jW9_QUlL5N5sDfRZvr1kMLkgF/s1600/Richard-Strauss-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBSR-nYMVo7tKwzNpSjHo52c0P5TOIOU0ZAI2sxrpsOp_UojHfFfyQIrMmp3taPIheyTIDGjWP8IssTXFilSQmwfelNz0zRq4_PetpT-8tuvFsVhVs81jW9_QUlL5N5sDfRZvr1kMLkgF/s1600/Richard-Strauss-7.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5Wwq36FI_arVe9-PN7T6LEbKkeTEXZZRO-3Z4_gyaUFUoI5b6ROHtkwmxGn8PIgJQScMhXQ05BSusX8ploiCizt8aCi2LN_o66pExKBKgqSCtNYCs1t-ssgMrUtpqczVsw84LyHldSd0/s1600/Richard-Strauss-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5Wwq36FI_arVe9-PN7T6LEbKkeTEXZZRO-3Z4_gyaUFUoI5b6ROHtkwmxGn8PIgJQScMhXQ05BSusX8ploiCizt8aCi2LN_o66pExKBKgqSCtNYCs1t-ssgMrUtpqczVsw84LyHldSd0/s1600/Richard-Strauss-8.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These photographs set the stage for the study, they define the topography of the environment and now I need to look deeper at the people and the symbols that are contained within.<br />
<br />
My goal is to capture the essence of Germany in 2014, through the mundane and the ordinary. What are the signifiers that tell the story of modern Germany, who are the people, what motivates them, and so on. This is not going to be easy, creating a compelling narrative will be a challenge, as will balancing the photographs of people against the objects that I find. One thing is for sure, I am heartily fed up with taking photographs of people. This whole course has focused on the human form as the object that defines social documentary - I rebel, I have had enough. I want to look at society also through the shape of the environment we inhabit and the things that we place into that space. I will include people, there are plenty in the above strip. But not too many, enough is enough.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-35733439955007262492014-04-06T15:04:00.001+02:002014-04-06T15:04:43.716+02:00Assignment 4: SubmissionFinally!<br />
<br />
Back on the rails after a long drought. Cannot believe that it is over 18 months since I last submitted a group of photographs for comment as part of an assignment. Guess we all have highs and lows, creative blocks, whatever, but this has been long and drawn out. Too Long!<br />
<br />
Sending my photos to Simon was cathartic, a release of pent up energy. However, I have to admit that I am more than nervous about his response, the long break has left me very unsure of myself and concerned that what critical sense I had might have left me. A few days and I will know.<br />
<br />
In any case here is the submission<br />
<br />
<b>Introduction</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
At the beginning of this course I made several decisions that would have a long term impact on my progression and what I created. One was that Robert Frank would be the subject of my essay and thus my “in the style of”. I also determined to pursue a long term study of the people of Munich, creating a progressive portrait of the inhabitants of the city. The goal would be a book, “Die Münchener”, a parallel to “The Americans”. However, when working on assignment 2 I got myself into a difficult place creating another book, “Fest”. I invested too much time and energy in book design and too little on the actual assignment. Subsequently, I learned a lot about book design, but turned in an assignment that could have been far better with additional work. I learned a valuable lesson and that was to focus on the brief and not on my personal take on what I wanted to do. I still plan to produce Die Münchener, but later and in response to this assignment and my tutor’s feedback, not as a precursor.<br />
<br />
This assignment took even more time than I anticipated, 22 months have passed since I first took photographs that contributed to this submission, my original plan was to submit this assignment in Spring 2013, not 2014. 2013 became a lost year, one in which I made little or no progress on the course; the combination of a close family bereavement and severe overwork left no energy for study. There is good and bad in this. I lost momentum and interest in the world of photography, but I gained time to think and re-assess both my interests and my commitment. Entering 2014 I feel re-energized and ready to re-engage with my studies, I hope that comes out in this assignment. These are the first photographs I have submitted for comment in nearly 18 months, have I moved forward or sunk back?. <br />
<br />
During those intervening months I did not stop taking photographs, I kept taking pictures of the city and it’s people, sometimes landscape, sometimes street, exploring different styles, even playing with medium format film. I always had an idea of what I wanted to achieve, but not quite how I was going to achieve it. I tried to be open to whatever I found, traveling to different locations in the city and it’s surroundings, capturing whatever interested me. This broad approach to imaging Munich created issues later in the process, but enabled me to sustain the project over time. The greatest issue was what to present, how to capture the essence of a population in 12 photographs. Clearly such a goal was impossible, hence I have tried to present 12 images that reflect upon my experience of the city, but at the same time echo the work of Robert Frank and his study of the Americans.<br />
<br />
Munich is an eclectic place, left leaning, social democrat in it’s politics, yet surrounded by the traditionally conservative Bavarian countryside. It is wealthy, there is little or no poverty, jobs abound, being unemployed is on the whole a personal decision. Although expensive by German standards it is not when compared to other comparable global cities. It is a centre for finance, but balances that with a strong manufacturing base, BMW has its home here. The cities bishop became a Pope, yet it has one of the most progressive gay communities in Europe. The people of Munich are open minded, hardworking, full of humour and can afford to have a good time. This assignment takes a look at those people and tries to capture something of the diversity of this amazing place I call home.<br />
<br />
<b>In the Style of</b><br />
<br />
A key problem I had to resolve was what “In the Style of” meant and in particular how I was going to interpret the brief. I have struggled with this since I started the course and although I have come to a view and one that informs my photography, I do wonder if this is what the designer of the course had in mind.<br />
<br />
I have decided not to copy Frank’s visual style. I don't own a 1950's B&W film Leica and if I did I still would not use it for this work, nor do I want to replicate this in software. I am in the process of developing my own visual style and at present that is clean sharp and ordered, very different to Frank. I am not sure I would benefit by going against that at this stage in my development as a photographer.<br />
<br />
However, Frank is a great influence on me and my work, but more in the sense of his subject choice and methods. What I am trying to do in this assignment is to channel Frank's way of looking at the world, using my camera to ask questions and capture the zeitgeist of Munich. I have taken time over the assignment, paralleling Frank's months on the road, to develop ideas and narratives over time, not a few weekends. I have tried to present within each photograph an individual narrative, each should ask questions of the reader and hopefully contain the occasional surprise. Frank excelled at single image narratives. I am also looking for a little humour and social commentary, again something that Frank brought to his work.<br />
<br />
To add context to the set I am also drawing a little on a German photographer, August Sander, each photo is an illustration of a "type" of Münchener. The goal is not a complete typography, but a set of 12 individual photographs, each examining a different aspect of what it is to be a citizen of Munich. <br />
<br />
<b>Process</b><br />
<br />
The extended time for this study resulted in a lot of photographs, roughly 2-3,000 taken over 30 or more separate days. I edited as I went, after each shoot examining the “Digital” contact sheet on my screen and selecting those that I thought had some merit. This resulted in a pool of 230 photographs that I then further refined to a final set of 48. These I printed onto plain paper enabling me to get away from the computer screen and look at them as physical objects. At all times I dipped back into the complete volume of photos, pulling images in and out as my thoughts evolved. <br />
<br />
Getting this down to 12 was hard, it always is with assignments, but this time particularly challenging as I had been working on the photographs for such a long time. A problem I have is a tendency to develop favourites, photographs that for any reason I become attached to. I lose objectivity and can end up rejecting more effective images to keep these in the set. At this stage I share my thoughts with friends and fellow students to try and see if any of the final set do not work for any reason. <br />
<br />
Once I had a working set of 12 I remained open to change, but at that stage started to think about how each photograph should look as a finished object. From the beginning the decision was to work in B&W, not necessarily to parallel Frank, but because I wanted to explore the world in this medium and chose to use this assignment for that. Once that decision was made I was pretty much committed because it influenced what I shot, how I shot it and what photos I selected after each shoot. I have looked at the final set as colour images, some work, many do not.<br />
<br />
I am quite heavy handed in developing my images, liking string contrast images. I have consciously tried to dial that down with this set, looking for a smoother tonality and thinking ahead to creating final prints. I make very few local adjustments to images, preferring the standard tool set in Lightroom to that offered by Photoshop. The biggest processing decision was in how I cropped each photograph. I have not standardized the aspect ratios, choosing whatever works for each individual image. This risks disjoint between the images, however, there is no intent for a linear narrative; each photograph should present a standalone statement. That said, sequencing is still important, the photos will be read in the order I submit them, so some care was needed. The sequencing of images in The Americans is much commented on and is an essential element of the structure of the work. With only 12 photographs establishing rhythm or patterns was not possible, and I did not permit sequencing to influence image choice. However, the sequence chosen is deliberate.<br />
<br />
<b>Learning</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
What did I learn from this assignment? Patience and Stamina! Well, those were the two qualities I needed to keep going. I have struggled badly with this assignment, in part due to external factors, but also down to my own prevarication and unwillingness to call it a day and finish the process. There is a risk that the time taken might lead to a disjoint in the images, I have tried to avoid this, but am still concerned. I think I fell into that classic art trap of never being able to call something complete. Indeed this is not complete, in a sense it never can be, but a set of 12 photographs had to be selected and presented.<br />
<br />
I learned a lot about camera handling and the activity of street photography. I used small cameras throughout, either fixed lens compacts or mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In this sense I did borrow from Frank choosing discreet cameras that limited the attention that I drew. I found that cameras with fold out screens that could be used at waist level made me more or less invisible. I also discovered that a cheery smile diffused most people’s look of concern about being photographed. In short, my confidence rose considerably.<br />
<br />
Most of all this was a lesson in developing an inquiring mind, looking at the mundane to find the marvellous, using a camera to tell the story of the people of a city. I hope that together these photographs ask questions bit also reveal something about the people of Munich in a way that Frank’s photographs revealed 1950s America.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBKUF0bFEe1klZx7CeVi_uIE5kB5EXQ6mzRyWqXzaRtYON0PRAuHWQW1ZKRVKQmenxcsFQehaPuSt8vGUY661_wmDovLw77uOOIR-LoPifDKg3NctgRun83jYxJiuMPbjGlhp6Xa_GbRj/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBKUF0bFEe1klZx7CeVi_uIE5kB5EXQ6mzRyWqXzaRtYON0PRAuHWQW1ZKRVKQmenxcsFQehaPuSt8vGUY661_wmDovLw77uOOIR-LoPifDKg3NctgRun83jYxJiuMPbjGlhp6Xa_GbRj/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Artist</b>: The first and last photographs in this set are very different, but both contain the word München and bookend the set. Within a few of the photographs in the set I have tried to include direct or indirect references to the city. <br />
<br />
This is an artist at a craft fair held once a year in the city centre. The city is frequently taken over for fairs or demonstrations, most weekends there is some activity. The city supports freedom of expression and art is central to the core values of the people. Photography is not always so welcome.<br />
<br />
The photo contains a very clear indication not to take photographs and hints at the struggle of engaging in street photography in a country that places huge value on privacy. It is not perfect, when shooting a lady crossed in front of me, her handbag is still in the frame. I could crop closer, but wanted to completely include the lady in her chair.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu9tSrPcI1QfDRIOE0njz2Y6CmIOv81vXVf9H52BF1mHfZCbrAUaldHVLBOilYeObTZVbhWHfW66BaWOMWI-WFh3UIHP0gB2eL_hrf5yRZvZkfrnoUh0bO0JNtAgESy9x-ukQrjyNnx9B/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu9tSrPcI1QfDRIOE0njz2Y6CmIOv81vXVf9H52BF1mHfZCbrAUaldHVLBOilYeObTZVbhWHfW66BaWOMWI-WFh3UIHP0gB2eL_hrf5yRZvZkfrnoUh0bO0JNtAgESy9x-ukQrjyNnx9B/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Worker</b>: This is another photograph that obliquely hints at the city. When buildings are being renovated or replaced the hoardings frequently contain large scale photographs of what will be revealed when the work is complete. The worker in question is taking a break for that essential of modern life, sending or receiving a text message. Once it would have been a cup of coffee or a beer break with colleagues, now we retreat to the solitude of electronic communication.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02tmJcqEiY9d3SOLJHX8OJ8gIWa-0ZONzQrRzILjFLt2CieKVfw66FAiJx2pD2rvW0jA4lNU2HMk4KW8PMAXgVnEN1jmXyKQLUtm8KQzbs26XMgJATsf-IxugtUYGnsHLftEx72zdOyT5/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02tmJcqEiY9d3SOLJHX8OJ8gIWa-0ZONzQrRzILjFLt2CieKVfw66FAiJx2pD2rvW0jA4lNU2HMk4KW8PMAXgVnEN1jmXyKQLUtm8KQzbs26XMgJATsf-IxugtUYGnsHLftEx72zdOyT5/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Shopper</b>: I struggled with the crop of this photo, undecided about the left hand window that is very partially revealed. However, with the window in place the photograph takes on the impression of a series of stills from a movie, a moment in time captured as part of a continuum. The photograph illustrates the cleanliness of a Munich grocery shop, and the people in the queue occupy themselves with phones and even a newspaper. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpStijU66gPHQkIRpOaSlaVTIzkZjvVSy8T2d6NCgnvf2MrYyssPlN-ODeTQ5utFJJCLoAp8_7Z3Lbwv6uxWEu4SOxux3wiVP-sCVLUfaOkjl8_tsJ3DgpHRWQ6_MZ18UooET_uzzT0mf/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpStijU66gPHQkIRpOaSlaVTIzkZjvVSy8T2d6NCgnvf2MrYyssPlN-ODeTQ5utFJJCLoAp8_7Z3Lbwv6uxWEu4SOxux3wiVP-sCVLUfaOkjl8_tsJ3DgpHRWQ6_MZ18UooET_uzzT0mf/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Penner</b>: A Penner is the local word for a tramp, not necessarily a homeless man, but a down and out, usually alcoholic person who hangs around the city centre. He has been collecting bottles to return for their “Pfand” or deposit. Tourists rarely realize that 25 cents of the cost of their coke is the bottle which can be returned once empty. For every 10 or so bottles he collects he can earn enough for another beer, his current bottle sits next to him. The kiosk to the left will handle the transaction meaning he can maintain his perch in the winter sun.<br />
<br />
In this photo the flag is that of Bavaria and contains the arms of the state, again a reference to where we are. I had to lighten the man’s face as the low winter sun was really casting deep shadows. I could have moved in closer to drive more of a portrait view, however, this is meant to place him in a place, the photo is about the Penner, but it is also about where he is. I am reluctant to chase down “The Other” in my photography, but many of Munich’s Penners are a part of society and tolerated, well to a point.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYos9s0WTnVL6a5HJkm5svLyZoeAaAIfteowokV88IIz5M0TgVc6SoXwc9Xn_68Z4A-hOWAOKZ2t9_MTymE0T39GF-F31ve_6porHYdmwiXyE7xA_YnIuyENG2tZ0qamksv-XvhddwWU7K/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYos9s0WTnVL6a5HJkm5svLyZoeAaAIfteowokV88IIz5M0TgVc6SoXwc9Xn_68Z4A-hOWAOKZ2t9_MTymE0T39GF-F31ve_6porHYdmwiXyE7xA_YnIuyENG2tZ0qamksv-XvhddwWU7K/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Pensioner</b>: Clearly the elderly lady is not the subject of this photo, but she does create an odd juxtaposition with the immense Buddha in the background, “Made in Dresden”. What that is about, I really have no idea. I have cropped the photo to emphasize the position of the Buddha. I hope this photo has a sense of humour within it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTaA5nn16QRDqLEEGL12F_nBMOG1RxHTvQ1hn6JdLOQkxSNbR3JXphS2vr80mIzX4f1mIV4YcepMkqR_GWiz_4KTAKuFWSs3O0p4Q4dKuFbujjQ7nOQ8s8vZ9LiPn9QgLWfdSXdfblgyB/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTaA5nn16QRDqLEEGL12F_nBMOG1RxHTvQ1hn6JdLOQkxSNbR3JXphS2vr80mIzX4f1mIV4YcepMkqR_GWiz_4KTAKuFWSs3O0p4Q4dKuFbujjQ7nOQ8s8vZ9LiPn9QgLWfdSXdfblgyB/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Lover</b>: Street photography is often simply a matter of luck, although I do wonder if the couple saw me composing the photo and decided to help me out, they laughed as they walked past me, all smiles. My plan was a photo of the Tambosi café to the right a famous Munich spot to sit in the sun and engage in people watching, note that all seats face forwards. I waited for someone to occupy the left foreground to add balance, then got lucky. I have cropped the very heavy shadow on the right of the original photograph. The shadows are stronger than I would have liked, however, this was taken in February and that was the light.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG0CxHBjG5iw6GrgiDpyMd7KPedd9UyXFUoebtRHbTQPbZ9_Y99jXyZX4DZdCMfQVCEBFZ8MuM4W4FEfUIv7GwMuVT28xsIo2XN0El70PPAMgPAPulY6dMVsCWoDsfWSTmp3jR_KDsF7c/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG0CxHBjG5iw6GrgiDpyMd7KPedd9UyXFUoebtRHbTQPbZ9_Y99jXyZX4DZdCMfQVCEBFZ8MuM4W4FEfUIv7GwMuVT28xsIo2XN0El70PPAMgPAPulY6dMVsCWoDsfWSTmp3jR_KDsF7c/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Photographer</b>: I think like many photographers I am fascinated by imaging the act of making a photograph. This was taken during the annual Christopher Street parade, the photographer was looking for couples to create portraits of. I think this speaks of Munich’s eccentricity and tolerance of alternative lifestyles. There is also the confluence of tradition and counter culture, the lederhosen of the photographer and one subject are fiercely traditional, contrasting with the perhaps more stereotypical leather pants of the right most man.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBS1Y8uaZ1eha0-amG6fUH9uh3iVWTRSKyZr8MSAXTm06PKC69xVjNhcAg0pAT5GGWPIX0yl6vpIVztYghoI3VDqyZHotpxnMlklLnSrc8PArOuPpLjjwTIeaR52agNOOetB_UWuJzWn-/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBS1Y8uaZ1eha0-amG6fUH9uh3iVWTRSKyZr8MSAXTm06PKC69xVjNhcAg0pAT5GGWPIX0yl6vpIVztYghoI3VDqyZHotpxnMlklLnSrc8PArOuPpLjjwTIeaR52agNOOetB_UWuJzWn-/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Transvestite</b>: I questioned whether I should include two photographs of visibly gay men in my set, however, I think the two photographs act as a contrast. The first illustrates acceptance, the second bemusement and perhaps hostility. There is a risk in any set of photographs of focusing on the unusual, however that is often the source for interesting photographs.<br />
<br />
The cleaning crew stand in stark contrast to the two guys walking past them. I think I got the focus about right, enough background blur to make the couple stand out. I would have liked a little space above the subjects head, but this was taken with a fixed focal length lens and there was not enough space to manoeuver. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h48y3ZvXhf8Ks047hRrkWwX22qSRC4d6T96ac0kcdm6FXy4uCgyNd0SMh2FG-mTo3NaVBwuUdaA67JbFeAl2xoFX4mPd80S_ywECDWDrD0iZs3Oo0ZznvzoSmDwNoMPvgwtROD8K4mNc/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h48y3ZvXhf8Ks047hRrkWwX22qSRC4d6T96ac0kcdm6FXy4uCgyNd0SMh2FG-mTo3NaVBwuUdaA67JbFeAl2xoFX4mPd80S_ywECDWDrD0iZs3Oo0ZznvzoSmDwNoMPvgwtROD8K4mNc/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Protestor</b>: This is the only out and out portrait in the set and as such is a simpler photograph than many of the others, however, it still asks questions. Although clearly a man with attitude to my eyes he still looks somehow vulnerable among the black clad heavy guys around him.<br />
<br />
I took this at the annual protest against the NATO security conference held in Munich every year. I stalked him for a while with a tele trying to frame him against the arch behind. This is one of the photographs that loses something in B&W, his hair is almost the same orange as the 4 lights beside him, providing a better balanced image in colour. However, I think is still works in B&W.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y7Tdnut6oDE0UDdHEVodl-MedN-YI-zooLJl48WVxR9IpHuZPaZHo082ZRkCJ2lY3VVrNDGPP4HEAz4JKNU0QddZo_NZapDUvwrtJlvKBChyphenhypheniynqn0KNGdH2v7h0X56q7j56UpZ91Zeb/s1600/SD-AS4-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y7Tdnut6oDE0UDdHEVodl-MedN-YI-zooLJl48WVxR9IpHuZPaZHo082ZRkCJ2lY3VVrNDGPP4HEAz4JKNU0QddZo_NZapDUvwrtJlvKBChyphenhypheniynqn0KNGdH2v7h0X56q7j56UpZ91Zeb/s1600/SD-AS4-010.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Cop</b>: The NATO conference also brings a heavy police presence, literally thousands of cops are deployed across the city in riot gear. This group was defending a rather smart shopping arcade, a potential target for the anarchists protesting. Life went on as usual, the police smiled, people chatted with them, they were present but not really in the way. <br />
<br />
They are also pretty OK about being photographed, this is one of many that I took. I have chosen this view as it offered the best sense of the strangeness of heavily armed police lining the streets of the city. By omitting their faces it perhaps raises the sense of threat a little, reducing them to instruments of the state not people.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktvRMssEkcnz1MB0wNL-Yjpr_6Yu1q5wgonUw19SgONrEeILHdmmmDc4YC-NDMHsizL7VDbWkkmV6isg1j5gseXfE0X4DWZ1gKyioknqamC7swB595-ZroHq5hSzsqvQGNLeR8KC2Te80/s1600/SD-AS4-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktvRMssEkcnz1MB0wNL-Yjpr_6Yu1q5wgonUw19SgONrEeILHdmmmDc4YC-NDMHsizL7VDbWkkmV6isg1j5gseXfE0X4DWZ1gKyioknqamC7swB595-ZroHq5hSzsqvQGNLeR8KC2Te80/s1600/SD-AS4-011.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Musician</b>: A long standing tradition on “Christihimmelfahrt” (ascension day) and also father’s day in Germany. Brass bands accompany processions to church. The bands then go to the beer garden and provided they continue to play, beer will be on the house. This photograph offers a contrast to some of the others, illustrating that whilst tolerant and progressive, Munich also values tradition, especially when that aligns to beer drinking.<br />
<br />
Although liberal, Munich is still deeply Catholic at its core. The city manages to balance these two values.<br />
<br />
Taken with a 35mm equivalent lens this is a rare close up. I am becoming more comfortable with street photography, but still tend to shoot from a distance, although that is in part driven by a desire to include the landscape around the subject to add context.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVro_JApReDZLN4hpgidkFNlD5z6W2YdzpRs9xUxHX_6bymHG9GiEf5niAvM6F-G6iRDSFetGdQSCRWBW6rNUOUFYS2xZ7XTZPJkz8bnTspqesLwl-Nje9_dflqJar2aCGgnvLebHxVvj/s1600/SD-AS4-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVro_JApReDZLN4hpgidkFNlD5z6W2YdzpRs9xUxHX_6bymHG9GiEf5niAvM6F-G6iRDSFetGdQSCRWBW6rNUOUFYS2xZ7XTZPJkz8bnTspqesLwl-Nje9_dflqJar2aCGgnvLebHxVvj/s1600/SD-AS4-012.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Fan</b>: <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">My final photograph
is the raw emotion of victory, Bayern Munich had just won the Champions League
and with it a treble. There is a lot of emotion around the football team and
the city is very proud of its achievements, fans are as fanatical as anywhere.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">This
was also a lucky shot, I was as caught up as they were, having spent the
evening out on the streets watching the game on outdoor screens and consuming a
fair amount of beer. Perhaps being a
participant and not simply a photographer meant that I was a part of the crowd
and not a voyeur. This definitely
benefits from B&W, the colour image has serious colour problems.</span>Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-60532515056340251902014-03-21T12:22:00.003+01:002014-03-21T12:23:23.320+01:00Assignment 4: Contact SheetsI have now been shooting this assignment for nearly 2 years. It has been an on and off exercise, but one I have sustained throughout the course. I have taken roughly 2-3,000 photographs over 30 or more separate days out with my camera. It is now time to put the camera down and start the process of converting this body of photographs into a coherent set that can be submitted for the assignment.<br />
<br />
My first task has been to finalize the conceptual basis of the assignment. <br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>I am not going to try to copy Frank's visual style, I don't own a 1950's B&W film based Leica and if I did I still would not use it for this. I have my own developing visual style and want to progress with that. I have adopted a clean sharp style and admit that this is very different to Frank.</li>
<li>I am sticking with B&W. It has been a distinct goal of this course to explore the medium and see whether it works for me. It does and suits this subject very well. The fact that Frank used B&W is not a part of this decision, indeed that would be a reason to shoot colour. Another advantage is that I used 5 different cameras during this assignment, all digital and all with subtly different colour handling. B&W will a visually more coherent set of photographs</li>
<li>I am trying to channel Frank's way of looking at the world, using my camera to ask questions and capture the strange or the marvelous. </li>
<li>I have taken time over the assignment, again paralleling Frank's months on the road. However, I don't have the ability to consider all of Germany as my subject so have constrained my scope to the people of Munich</li>
<li>I have tried to capture within the photographs a complex narrative, each should ask questions of the reader and hopefully contain a few surprises. Frank excelled at asking questions within a single image.</li>
<li>To add a little context I am drawing a little on a German photographer, August Sander, each photo should be a "type" of Munchener. However, I am adopting a rather loose definition, not one tied to profession, perhaps more to stage of life, such as child or OAP, or activity, shopper, drinker, or position in life, wealthy, poor, etc. To a degree I will match this to the final set of selected images, but it will help drive that selection.</li>
<li>I am not standardizing my aspect ratios, I choose whatever works for the image. This will create disjoint between the images, however, their is no linear narrative, each image is a stand alone statement. However, sequencing is still important, and so I need to be a little careful. Frank drove certain themes in the Americans, even if they were hard to follow as a novice photographer.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Applying these concepts to the body of photographs I have taken over the last couple of years, I have refined down to 48 individual photographs that I think are strong enough to submit. Working down to 12 is not going to be easy. To assist that process I have created 4 "contact sheets" each with 12 photographs. I will now take these to the garden with a couple of red and green marker pens. Hopefully the result will be 12 photographs. My challenge is that some of these photographs have become favorites due to visual content and whilst they might be funny or striking they do not contain the narrative element I am looking for. A good example is the following</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgOq9gQ3M0i3nhLFSn2Rbf9ciYj64K4heWpR51Q4lJ0oJstJ_Vm73ASKDwG7idjd008yLyt234yhpQTCU52zbLpdLVwrkS2CMjcRUdru3ip6SeOCO-W_Gc5mFvbWV63ITkB8C8xW0FWsA/s1600/SD-A4-Thoughts-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgOq9gQ3M0i3nhLFSn2Rbf9ciYj64K4heWpR51Q4lJ0oJstJ_Vm73ASKDwG7idjd008yLyt234yhpQTCU52zbLpdLVwrkS2CMjcRUdru3ip6SeOCO-W_Gc5mFvbWV63ITkB8C8xW0FWsA/s1600/SD-A4-Thoughts-010.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love this photograph, it makes me smile, but is it really strong enough, I don't think so. It is a good photograph, but it is simply what it is, it does not really ask any questions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My challenge now is to find 12 photographs that speak of Munich and reveal something of the fabric of society in which we live. I am, however, also resolved to create a book from this study, a book that will definitely include the photographer with his proper pose and hat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKk16G45w9J2fU4IR02gs5leUWNdrHSpLdaZC6bDpOxSqC58FnaRscgluGbHy2CwXaO8kVV3K9Aeu6ochJlTi2BLZvzKeG7j9-I_4tyi19-Dp7qFPBqttpXxiPB7AK3j83C3Zr5DAg_NQ/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKk16G45w9J2fU4IR02gs5leUWNdrHSpLdaZC6bDpOxSqC58FnaRscgluGbHy2CwXaO8kVV3K9Aeu6ochJlTi2BLZvzKeG7j9-I_4tyi19-Dp7qFPBqttpXxiPB7AK3j83C3Zr5DAg_NQ/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-1.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_qycGTmY5STbc4OrBHI5GuPc6gWhlilCPL3M_e9LB5jRHvxo7ub-KWI77YjV6OnpBDbzMe1nJuT2ejD3LfNlCiSo6pl3Te1by1omCsLGTIkXOKVV9pWXPOJGVlPDtTrhBky58GuEUKr-/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_qycGTmY5STbc4OrBHI5GuPc6gWhlilCPL3M_e9LB5jRHvxo7ub-KWI77YjV6OnpBDbzMe1nJuT2ejD3LfNlCiSo6pl3Te1by1omCsLGTIkXOKVV9pWXPOJGVlPDtTrhBky58GuEUKr-/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-2.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTdTBEzNioX8t619dERBXGl4ZTY63Q994s4oO3SwZMWpK2Jg4KLHpCJCtTVdcnFKYZbXQdiv21vDfseK2DDSWn9Biyy8P9e0Z6436sIghX0TWFf5l9Sjez9SRyVvHh9Ey6xXmiMNllo-u/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTdTBEzNioX8t619dERBXGl4ZTY63Q994s4oO3SwZMWpK2Jg4KLHpCJCtTVdcnFKYZbXQdiv21vDfseK2DDSWn9Biyy8P9e0Z6436sIghX0TWFf5l9Sjez9SRyVvHh9Ey6xXmiMNllo-u/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-3.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_pFfWpkQO2ZXn4Kx77CLEe3-lnHTfUgjot4YxsvLyijy55N6dSJq2SjgXi9VearapH5cgkSMDfQTsCflaV4Kv0omoMKa9-enTXKjGbxYge0xsmRvjcGYjy5ta26C5fmplDgprd5lUP_M/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_pFfWpkQO2ZXn4Kx77CLEe3-lnHTfUgjot4YxsvLyijy55N6dSJq2SjgXi9VearapH5cgkSMDfQTsCflaV4Kv0omoMKa9-enTXKjGbxYge0xsmRvjcGYjy5ta26C5fmplDgprd5lUP_M/s1600/SD-A4-Contact+Sheet-4.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-50064101329982465682014-03-01T12:19:00.004+01:002014-03-01T12:19:43.692+01:00Assignment 4: GlockenbachviertalAssignment 4 is proving to be a good thing for my photography, once a week I now make a point of getting out and about in the city to take photographs. Each time I try to explore a different district or theme. I guess I am trying to place myself in Frank's shoes, exploring the world around me, open to whatever comes along, my goal being to document a sense of what is Munich and who are her people. I am treating Munich as a clock, starting at the hours, roughly 2-3 km from the city and then making my way towards the center. I live at 2 o'clock, two weeks ago in Schwabing I was at 12. Last weekend I was in the Glockenbachviertal, an area of Munich associated with the gay and creative arts communities; 7 o'clock.<br />
<br />
This is an area that needs more exploration, last weekend was cursory, but that was the point to explore not to examine. In terms of the current assignment this was not so successful a day, the photos I found were more concerned with landscape than people, although as a part of this study landscape is important in helping to define the context that surrounds and influences the people.<br />
<br />
This is a photo that would mean little to anyone not living in a city where cycling is a primary form of transport. These are trolleys that attach to the back of bikes into which shopping, pets, or as designed children can be placed. Kids love them, I must admit they look lethal to me. Anyway this line of parked trolleys is suggestive of the waiting for the sun, winter is still dominant. Not so interesting other than as a record shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC-yt_stLG834I5lT9JX3TW_yGp2ha8ehU2kk10Jy1UGXyLYbkMjCotMPbVcOlPCeuAG4jisJ6TpG_rFCR8UxYATc6zbdF6eNZPVPEs8XZXDLLnW3GfSzhfnpj7TwBr0kY1xkNyZ6otyX/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC-yt_stLG834I5lT9JX3TW_yGp2ha8ehU2kk10Jy1UGXyLYbkMjCotMPbVcOlPCeuAG4jisJ6TpG_rFCR8UxYATc6zbdF6eNZPVPEs8XZXDLLnW3GfSzhfnpj7TwBr0kY1xkNyZ6otyX/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Very typical residential area, high gates and security in a part of town that whilst very fashionable is also rough at the edges. This appealed to me because of the structure, the parallel lines and the depth. It does not contribute much to the current assignment, but does say something about Munich.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrKo5CwcF-K-eDQsriT11Cxu01WqWuMWSc9EZ8XjZKwxWuhmllQq7kESrlOUJ7F_ISaxpDfz-fe7oUmABHhQ1838ootN4Rm9qd3SvnE7GOx-kzAq-tUQg8HLsxXVJydpa5E94sE9tWChe/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrKo5CwcF-K-eDQsriT11Cxu01WqWuMWSc9EZ8XjZKwxWuhmllQq7kESrlOUJ7F_ISaxpDfz-fe7oUmABHhQ1838ootN4Rm9qd3SvnE7GOx-kzAq-tUQg8HLsxXVJydpa5E94sE9tWChe/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
At risk of a study of "The Other" I found the juxtaposition of the poster and the shop interesting - it suggests to me that the lifestyle portrayed on the right is the subject of scrutiny. I like this image because it says something about the city, there is an open acceptance and even embrace of alternative lifestyles. Munich is a very liberal and progressive city embedded in the culturally conservative state and deeply catholic state of Bavaria. There is a balance operating here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eatzp9Gcod2U29a5uL6_I-gQ51bLFHS2nCcqUjLnOOr4FZwL8x3wnXEsE9TmJ31FEMlCEMMVtm-6qAdKdVJd-KH2O87AMtyXm6x_F-JsCTOCOl5gAlBezJ5jn4Jo833gg-R83Trknuwo/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eatzp9Gcod2U29a5uL6_I-gQ51bLFHS2nCcqUjLnOOr4FZwL8x3wnXEsE9TmJ31FEMlCEMMVtm-6qAdKdVJd-KH2O87AMtyXm6x_F-JsCTOCOl5gAlBezJ5jn4Jo833gg-R83Trknuwo/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
More landscape, this time an anything goes men only gay club. Again there is a risk of negative comment here, but somehow it does look seedy and uninviting. Maybe that is the purpose, keep away those who do not approve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1-d4_PiOd3U-HyLU-MSrTP9qOvymyhNca_7ovXsem5m320VgkDfIjYCMBInME3yRVawUW7U2HLxtk00SMxxpBU2NO-dKRjKtcbPkALsCqmiF18UEf7iMYmG_n1_PZQqUwWxRkESMU2SF/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1-d4_PiOd3U-HyLU-MSrTP9qOvymyhNca_7ovXsem5m320VgkDfIjYCMBInME3yRVawUW7U2HLxtk00SMxxpBU2NO-dKRjKtcbPkALsCqmiF18UEf7iMYmG_n1_PZQqUwWxRkESMU2SF/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
No idea what this was all about. The mattress is made of bronze and draped over a low wall in front of a chapel. I think the statue is representative of the down and outs who hang out in the adjoining cemetery, however, why there is a half burnt new testament next to it is a mystery. Perhaps this works as a metaphor for the uneasy truce between religion and unconventional lifestyles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgA2kb5LPzp-ciCFqJPj9JLhXAeUTLC82tVlSfhBe4wgpx_eIxtfQ2_56GHzHDvDjqptpn6i6KW51B2jZwCN5hURYJNr5a1Q3JWMqchaXBtT7yrgUajxflAXgsn0TwjpmnvwUDnSowbwR/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgA2kb5LPzp-ciCFqJPj9JLhXAeUTLC82tVlSfhBe4wgpx_eIxtfQ2_56GHzHDvDjqptpn6i6KW51B2jZwCN5hURYJNr5a1Q3JWMqchaXBtT7yrgUajxflAXgsn0TwjpmnvwUDnSowbwR/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gothic photographs of graveyards are a cliche, but an often visually interesting one. This is one of the oldest cemeteries in Munich, many of the graves are decaying the writing on them slowly fading. The grave furniture is massive and clearly a major investment in the preservation of memory, an investment that is slowly failing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB_DHlqJs0hIJQNDnbdUQNeK26wPo55IGQX4KdhyphenhyphenEjCW9gok-Ymmq4QfCLksiCHgkcolBT3JKmeFqTYDWcCBPmt5iDzUQ1Kf8-loKIzpc_lVo-vlHJN6kXm6V6iYIRv50uDpj56xagCy-/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB_DHlqJs0hIJQNDnbdUQNeK26wPo55IGQX4KdhyphenhyphenEjCW9gok-Ymmq4QfCLksiCHgkcolBT3JKmeFqTYDWcCBPmt5iDzUQ1Kf8-loKIzpc_lVo-vlHJN6kXm6V6iYIRv50uDpj56xagCy-/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
OK, this is odd, but again a comment on the city. This shop is not an antique gallery, the suit of armor is new and intended to be used. In the UK we have a number of different groups who get together and re-enact history, normally as conflict. The English civil war is a big one, but the Napoleonic wars and WW2 are popular. Re-enacting recent warfare is not an option in Munich, wearing a Nazi uniform here is not an embarrassment committed by the rich and stupid, it is a route to prison. Thus people with a yen for history and wearing costume gravitate towards the high medieval period. This is their shop!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXqh_caZuusnrKEVrT4qaHqzf6LDK34UKIfYvG2ON5OW7znVUPm3-9BQ8Z7cpy3gl4cibcvxPmbU-QWjqAsJQNZTfWx_Tau0Sh_jbnmyrPQgkA7e1a7hcW3EYamaZvXk6LeLW_r1ZBjk6/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXqh_caZuusnrKEVrT4qaHqzf6LDK34UKIfYvG2ON5OW7znVUPm3-9BQ8Z7cpy3gl4cibcvxPmbU-QWjqAsJQNZTfWx_Tau0Sh_jbnmyrPQgkA7e1a7hcW3EYamaZvXk6LeLW_r1ZBjk6/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I like people in rows and lines. This would work as part of a bigger study, but not in this one, however, I like the structure. It simply does not say very much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHtxe0mE78yc3-vKZzRvPrDgNmwwuRUcYZMCC6vnbsLkkT1T-VV8XC8FCgwErDVeZ-9W2kKfNi0je4jKI6RMCk1qmSiRvRvjNzXoPLBozdP3VFnkEo5XmwdyjUFeQ2FTetsUG_3exj59k/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHtxe0mE78yc3-vKZzRvPrDgNmwwuRUcYZMCC6vnbsLkkT1T-VV8XC8FCgwErDVeZ-9W2kKfNi0je4jKI6RMCk1qmSiRvRvjNzXoPLBozdP3VFnkEo5XmwdyjUFeQ2FTetsUG_3exj59k/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, this one is better. There is an ambiguity in the scene created by the plastic window on the tent that obscures the inside. Might work better in the evening, when the light inside would lift some of the gloom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOWYHQmYqpHTk_8MllnYTlOaG0W-imsH511eVypgzGKWsDjpqn0CcUWO3ydZ_-TNpY4f9pBe5WRK19y97n2cSw3qz-GTgOxo3Uaj7sqQASvlLrtYKu-lCEs92AnqFlpUli4Z3FaNtTrgc/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOWYHQmYqpHTk_8MllnYTlOaG0W-imsH511eVypgzGKWsDjpqn0CcUWO3ydZ_-TNpY4f9pBe5WRK19y97n2cSw3qz-GTgOxo3Uaj7sqQASvlLrtYKu-lCEs92AnqFlpUli4Z3FaNtTrgc/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another people in rows type of photo, but a better one. There is depth and some animation in this image, plus the contrast of the man drinking alone against the crowded and more convivial background.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfsq5R_vI_C-6miw1hz32SkYHUVAXJIaLW14bY-f3H0DrFFRoAvCyrZHMsu5Bm_UHM-YXVhyphenhyphen1NAme8KF3MAJo8gMgwqREipjOfokSvuooLqZzxZkS9DGu9iWj8p3hkLwOT3CBhlFW6j5H/s1600/SD-AS4-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfsq5R_vI_C-6miw1hz32SkYHUVAXJIaLW14bY-f3H0DrFFRoAvCyrZHMsu5Bm_UHM-YXVhyphenhyphen1NAme8KF3MAJo8gMgwqREipjOfokSvuooLqZzxZkS9DGu9iWj8p3hkLwOT3CBhlFW6j5H/s1600/SD-AS4-010.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Grrrr.... Landscape as social comment. This used to be a wonderful old beer keller, wooden carving, painted walls, surly but efficient staff, inexpensive but marvelously filling food, and a good glass of beer. Now it is a hole in the ground that will become a new gastronomic experience. GRRRRR<br />
<br />
This frustrates me and many other people in Munich. They will preserve the curtain wall at the front offering the new building a facade of age, but inside all will be new and more expensive. It truly is a symbol of commercial pressure winning over tradition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmBqCGve3E9immYp463TVHrDtO46A8Q5uDdTmWs3ocp04W_HfhZqDDcAeO0iB-jgroeQk0yFYC3LQ71KfzXyMiq0bLwqAR0UrK7ApoE6fBSzJ7o86RuIijLOmxfT1tVXkdRj4_z90Nrkx/s1600/SD-AS4-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmBqCGve3E9immYp463TVHrDtO46A8Q5uDdTmWs3ocp04W_HfhZqDDcAeO0iB-jgroeQk0yFYC3LQ71KfzXyMiq0bLwqAR0UrK7ApoE6fBSzJ7o86RuIijLOmxfT1tVXkdRj4_z90Nrkx/s1600/SD-AS4-011.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
I finish this set with the weekend demo, this time against the Venezuelan government. Every Saturday someone gets a permit to make noise and have their time to protest. I thought these people to be more sincere than most, they cared about their message and were happy to be photographed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NvBbbwvIF3Z5mdrLGZQ3kDs03vvVQvcDUljUviIpu2sqBohxlGHXlya6ZQgwT1CgLlApX1ayBWuWOLkx3YHpwsCh5rbwYXbYB6xk8i9bmxwSn2zBLMfj_S9CtCrb6bJuiOjz_uwMYOzl/s1600/SD-AS4-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NvBbbwvIF3Z5mdrLGZQ3kDs03vvVQvcDUljUviIpu2sqBohxlGHXlya6ZQgwT1CgLlApX1ayBWuWOLkx3YHpwsCh5rbwYXbYB6xk8i9bmxwSn2zBLMfj_S9CtCrb6bJuiOjz_uwMYOzl/s1600/SD-AS4-012.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In the response to my essay my tutor made the following comment:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In your blog you refer to images in Frank’s style. What many seem to lack is his immersion in the topic - look back at his study of the Welsh miner! Look again at how you remark on his use of focus to be in the middle distance with material closer to the lens being blurred. This adds depth and brings the viewer in. You work seems pin sharp through out and very ordered in terms of uprights and horizontals. Frank’s work was much more fluid. Look again!</blockquote>
This comment is well meaning and informative, but I have a problem. My goal with this assignment is to explore Frank's world view, his methods and his way of presenting his work. What I am trying to avoid is to copy his visual style. Perhaps I am wrong in this, but my goal at present is to further develop my own style, a style that is precise and clean. I do not think I would gain very much by imitation. What I want to learn about is context and narrative, to try and imbue Frank's complexity of vision within a single photograph. I may reject photos that are visually compelling if they do not tell a story that requires some thought on the part of the viewer. This was Frank's powerful contribution to photography in the The Americans and is something I need to explore in my won work.<br />
<br />Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-29482342997506417992014-03-01T11:04:00.001+01:002014-03-01T11:04:44.513+01:00Assignment 3: Tutor FeedbackThe feedback on my critical essay was mixed, not bad, but not great either. I am OK with that as this piece of work was a re-connection with my studies after a long absence and as such was something of a new beginning. The feedback was excellent in content and the advice given something that I will take to heart as I move towards the completion of this course.<br />
<br />
To begin, all was not bad:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Your submission not only succeeds and meets the brief well, but also addresses an aspect of Robert Frank and his work that is more unusual, relevant to your own work and made more interesting as a result."</blockquote>
The essay had done what I wanted it to do, to explore an aspect of Robert Frank outside the usual analysis of "The Americans". It also connected to my own work.<br />
<br />
However, there were a number of flaws in the essay, some of which I was aware of when I submitted the work and chose to ignore. The first and most critical comment is that the essay is overly personal and that the introduction and conclusion are too lengthy. There was a reason for this. I was struggling to reconnect to my work and had just stepped back from a decision to abandon the course and the OCA altogether. I very deliberately used this essay as a way to connect my work and personal experience of photography to Robert Frank and his development as a young artist.<br />
<br />
This made for a rather uncontroversial and reflective account of Frank's work which whilst intended, maybe did not make for such interesting reading. An interesting comment was that my essay at 2,850 words was overly long, hmmm, advice I have had is the word count should exclude the bibliography and +- 10% is OK. The essay was 2,572 words by my reckoning. However, there is a good point here, I struggled to get my message into the requisite number of words, this meant that I could not dig deeper into certain elements of Frank. My tutor called out the following areas to address more:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>The influence of Brandt and Tuggener - I had much more material prepared on this topic, how Frank met the Taciturn Brandt who said nearly nothing to him, how Tuggener influenced Frank in the direction of social comment through photography and design.</li>
<li>Evans - Whole books have been written about the relationship between these two men.</li>
</ol>
<div>
I guess, I could have made more of the critical aspect by reigning back my own introspection, but that would have missed the point of the essay. This was never intended to be a study of Robert Frank, but an analysis of what I am doing with my own work and where I am going.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One very apt comment referenced my conclusion:</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A better ending would be to re-focus your points by de-personalising them; answer the question I pose in the revised title. You could summarise why you think Frank’s developmental journey is significant ; not only for himself, but also to others: the defiance of convention, the need to tie in with the Zeitgeist, benefactors etc.</blockquote>
By tying the essay to me, I did not consider how Frank influenced others that followed and how his work changed photography, but then again, that could only be done with extensive reference to The Americans, so perhaps I had limited chance given the topic of the essay.<br />
<br />
A parting comment was a critique of my blog and it's lack of direction. Sure, I agree, in the last year I have been all over the place, but that reflects my inner struggle to get back into the course, but also disenchantment with the Social Documentary course framework. Now that I am focused on purely the assignments, rather than the technique obsessed projects I hope my blog is beginning to have greater direction and cohesion. The biggest hole in my work at the moment, is any academic reading or critical assessment of others work. Two years ago, whilst on the Landscape course I was deep in this kind of material, for a period of roughly 4 years all I had read were critical texts and histories, I think I burned out a little on this material. I need to get back into this, read a little more and most of all look at the work of others.<br />
<br />
In conclusion the essay did what it said on the packet, maybe no great contribution to academic writing, but it did get me back to thinking about photography and most of all actually taking photographs!Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-16550085199270495512014-02-22T12:08:00.001+01:002014-02-22T12:12:00.116+01:00Assignment 4: City and ParkMy current challenge with this assignment is finding the correct context within which to present the photographs that I am developing. The subject has always been clear, the people of Munich, the problem I am grappling with is how to bring that into a framework that will capture the essence of Robert Frank's influence on my work. I learned during the Landscape course that the objective is not to simply copy my chosen influencer's style but to channel their work through mine. What can I learn from Robert Frank that helps with the development of my own visual style.<br />
<br />
I think I have made it pretty clear that I am not comfortable in the photography of people, I prefer things, landscape, structures, stuff that can be solved using a camera. The reason I am doing this course is because I do not like it, this is a stronger learning experience because I am struggling with it. The problem with that statement is that my visual style conflicts with the demands of social documentary. I continually look for precision in my work, I like high contrast and strongly defined photographs. Frank was very different, his images are often "hazy" and the subject obscured - they require a reading. He reacted rapidly to situations, took a photo and moved on, I like to linger and try to work out what it is I want to say with a photo.<br />
<br />
Where this brings me is the challenge of finding a linking theme to this assignment and then tying it back to Frank. A while ago I rejected the idea of creating my own "The Americans", but styling it "Die Muenchener", a study of the people of my city. I find myself drifting back to this idea, but in a shorter form, 12 photographs that illustrate the people of the city. There is a risk in such an approach of creating an August Sanders does Robert Frank. My goal is not a typography, what I want to create is a social statement about the people of Munich, each photograph revealing different aspects of the city that go beyond a set of interesting photos of people. They need to speak of the social issues, politics, and concerns of the people, perhaps subtly, perhaps overtly. The influence of Frank is the twofold, first his approach to creating the photographs, an extended study imply exploring and photographing stuff that interests me. The second is the comment, the statement made by the photographs on what I see around me, they need to contain within them a narrative. One of my challenges is that I look for simplicity in my imagery, I try solve the geometry of what I observe, that might not be the correct approach for photographs that need a complex internal narrative. <br />
<br />
Visually I have chosen B&W for these photographs. This is not inspired by Frank, but is a personal response to the material I am creating, I simply find that mono works better for these subjects. I initially considered completing the whole course in mono as a learning experience, that is no longer my goal and for sure assignment 5 will be colour. <br />
<br />
Since reconnecting with this course I have once more picked up my camera on a regular basis, trying to get out every weekend and take a few photographs. The last two weekends were no different. We continue to enjoy a warm sunny and very dry winter, in my 20 years in Munich this is the first winter that has not been characterized by fierce cold and heavy snow. Last weekend the temperature in the shade hot 17 degrees, people were sunbathing in swim suits, on the 15th February, Mad! I captured some interesting images, one or two that have possibles written on them, others that simply said something to me. All are a study of the people of Munich and I hope all say something.<br />
<br />
Heading into twon I took the bus to Muenchener Freiheit, just north of the city center, giving me a good 2km walk into the city. I sat on the back seat and looked down along the interior. I think this is too complex visually, but it is a record of a space that many ordinary people find themselves in and the girl to the right working away at her smart phone is very characteristic of modern life. Not a keeper, but it interests me and might be part of a wider study.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnYeOLNqMI5_NtQCj5LYj9gJUCxzCicPCtjWLQaBeC_cVUmm_bsG4cjqf7PtmZ4S3ve19w5eauKxOvshAQ5cqxhWTq9AlCG__HoaVeqHdEloUx0kJAAe5XV2o9QpmFPVhGQRgwDFLnDAe/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnYeOLNqMI5_NtQCj5LYj9gJUCxzCicPCtjWLQaBeC_cVUmm_bsG4cjqf7PtmZ4S3ve19w5eauKxOvshAQ5cqxhWTq9AlCG__HoaVeqHdEloUx0kJAAe5XV2o9QpmFPVhGQRgwDFLnDAe/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Getting closer to the city I passed the Tambosi cafe, a great sun trap and well they simply obliged. Like this a lot, it contains many elements of city culture and has a dynamic created by the kissing couple.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yGHzxIiypF2C5LFry7wtbvPTk0kvE2eP36xX0ZY5zGs18F9IazbmANfwo5s3BJtxliDK7UWLqnRo83X1Kz_ZZVEXh4dk8Hm3ONQypLtvx4ARr7zxJgYYOMbTOK45WT0sYYSoWBq_k27h/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yGHzxIiypF2C5LFry7wtbvPTk0kvE2eP36xX0ZY5zGs18F9IazbmANfwo5s3BJtxliDK7UWLqnRo83X1Kz_ZZVEXh4dk8Hm3ONQypLtvx4ARr7zxJgYYOMbTOK45WT0sYYSoWBq_k27h/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A group of tourists, possibly exchange students camp out in the center of Odeons Platz, Americans I think (German students wouldn't hang out here, it is not cool). This is a photo better defined by its structure than its narrative, so not very strong. There would need to be more movement to make it work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOALRLhOYG_B78d7UflPcdSR0SjiCh3yQznql9FBylMWr6GDSdQE-APsX6WSYH-SF2v3F3e2-zWYL1J7hZ32IGHBQBVCs4GCeN1nbKKrxKpblM43kNhKSudzCXRRllG4w9RK8vHY65OSRj/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOALRLhOYG_B78d7UflPcdSR0SjiCh3yQznql9FBylMWr6GDSdQE-APsX6WSYH-SF2v3F3e2-zWYL1J7hZ32IGHBQBVCs4GCeN1nbKKrxKpblM43kNhKSudzCXRRllG4w9RK8vHY65OSRj/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This on the other hand is also very static, but full of elements that talk to where we are. There are technical issues with the image, a shallower depth of field would have yielded a better separation of the foreground, but I think I can cope with that. There are a lot of beggars in Munich these days, but this guy is not one of them. He has a profession of sorts, collecting used bottles discarded by tourists who do not realize that we recycle almost everything here and that those bottles have quite a high deposit (as much as 20p). Collect 10-15 and he can buy a beer and watch the world go by from his perch in the winter sun. Within the frame is also a Bavarian flag (hints at Frank's inclusion of flags) as well as a reference to the cities main newspaper. I think this has a good internal narrative as well as capturing an element of Munich life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyes_kPpoOWqaHpKG12mzLAW_wIGiqn1GLBL3vR_JMCEQhtjHi71_VaoFmOimj2AueUhT8rEKplCweS7DAflfbHgWVian-dOqt2QFtKjPaoe2V-0ad1-ybWgtIm1U9Lrm7HcaQmyoKual/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyes_kPpoOWqaHpKG12mzLAW_wIGiqn1GLBL3vR_JMCEQhtjHi71_VaoFmOimj2AueUhT8rEKplCweS7DAflfbHgWVian-dOqt2QFtKjPaoe2V-0ad1-ybWgtIm1U9Lrm7HcaQmyoKual/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
OK, not terribly sophisticated, but half the world seems to have given up with actually looking at stuff. It seems that it is more important to record something to show to friends rather than to actually experience it. Kind of odd to go home and show people what your telephone did on it's holiday. Not a keeper for this assignment, but a possible for a more extended presentation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH1DhZTeTh-OsexzUB7ZcDknKYffO1ckpXO-Z7ypCJT-4DlAj3aEb8ZBcg8aFSyS0lC9CWGCiueHzW_OMPtYlBxRrbQT_fRd9DTvqClG0TwbfxkSSmne7p7afbJRlmNVXmwXWF1zuEvcC/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH1DhZTeTh-OsexzUB7ZcDknKYffO1ckpXO-Z7ypCJT-4DlAj3aEb8ZBcg8aFSyS0lC9CWGCiueHzW_OMPtYlBxRrbQT_fRd9DTvqClG0TwbfxkSSmne7p7afbJRlmNVXmwXWF1zuEvcC/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now this is an image I like. When I took it, my mind was on the group of people approaching. Then the guy to the right entered the frame and the girl raised her arms in joy. Job done? It was not until I looked at the photo on the computer that I realized that I had much more. The reflections of the people in the ceiling add an extra depth to the photograph. I cut the photo into a letter box to emphasize the ceiling whilst retaining the people and their dynamic. Of course I am attracted to the geometry of the circles, reflections and the vanishing point almost at infinity. However, this also captures the sense of the modern city and the ant like existence of the people within and yet the emotional engagement they have with each other. Very probable!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi33EAb_WfLbx4S345amCM6XeUF8doVAPwMxHz-gz5lPEhSzkjA467chIcP1xZzgZDtWhclWpzJS2q-ZyoeJN74o4Wv8XUj67noAtJIHvKgcVO42Oo-OeOai73IL30mQ4FJq96Ma8Aa_3/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi33EAb_WfLbx4S345amCM6XeUF8doVAPwMxHz-gz5lPEhSzkjA467chIcP1xZzgZDtWhclWpzJS2q-ZyoeJN74o4Wv8XUj67noAtJIHvKgcVO42Oo-OeOai73IL30mQ4FJq96Ma8Aa_3/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the same area there are a number of cafes with the high tables very typical of Munich. This captures the ethnic diversity of the city and again could be filler, but it is not strong enough. The man at the back confuses the foreground couple and there is not enough gesture to make the photograph speak.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BbkAPOBy2uL1USxeFHkAGoQFTXEZPVVDZoEWt_ThVLAmhBtmE_qVaWQ_ABDk8IfcgF6BXc4tPnEZDaF8-4geQszC2REVZv4KDjwPY62t9IoK_WSAW2849Eq2tquY6YBgUtWRNZg9pyUv/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BbkAPOBy2uL1USxeFHkAGoQFTXEZPVVDZoEWt_ThVLAmhBtmE_qVaWQ_ABDk8IfcgF6BXc4tPnEZDaF8-4geQszC2REVZv4KDjwPY62t9IoK_WSAW2849Eq2tquY6YBgUtWRNZg9pyUv/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A week later I switched from the city center to the parks, lapping up the warm winter sun. This is a gentle image and speaks of loss and absence, it's narrative lies in asking who Thomas W. Schmidt was. Looking closer we get a small clue, the brass plate reads "Fur unserer Lieben Flaneur". For our beloved Flaneur, a French word that google tells me means Loafer, but for every photographer has the special meaning of a street photographer who ambles along waiting for the event. Cartier Bresson springs to mind. Here was a man who enjoyed a walk and probably spent time enjoying the view from this spot. I am not sure about this one, it says a lot to me and I find within it a rather lovely narrative, but is that enough. Maybe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVotxZHCid3w9SHAqASd4bvRdpBPIFQJSoGvR1-g1Q7lMe-dt2v4B22b1yrM9rclQJfTxitRuEkkJIiCL8qWUeMluMrNOSlRrL2_bU-VBTtN3u4Ppm_c-awI-4HEQT0lZ1MpmYvzUWsXJK/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVotxZHCid3w9SHAqASd4bvRdpBPIFQJSoGvR1-g1Q7lMe-dt2v4B22b1yrM9rclQJfTxitRuEkkJIiCL8qWUeMluMrNOSlRrL2_bU-VBTtN3u4Ppm_c-awI-4HEQT0lZ1MpmYvzUWsXJK/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another Shaun image that attempts to create distinct planes of structure, not one for the assignment, but nice...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1u3kKFmXgojGsQxkkjd3qBrrB-3Os6pvsa8_DlzRHzUw42sHUZo2IQguZcneo6G0FAIKDohM32s9cWahkRAylYPM8YgUel_W8J-BrwzkAd47uJc2xvtydK0hmSfGQFZU5QG2n-eUbec1/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1u3kKFmXgojGsQxkkjd3qBrrB-3Os6pvsa8_DlzRHzUw42sHUZo2IQguZcneo6G0FAIKDohM32s9cWahkRAylYPM8YgUel_W8J-BrwzkAd47uJc2xvtydK0hmSfGQFZU5QG2n-eUbec1/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This has potential, there are a lot of different stories within this image, the question I would have is that it might be too structured, again I am trying to create a single dimensional flat canvas against which to portray the people.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8QKDar9mGJ6f5y0PR4cNHoZDh0A3qUbpdcy8knpTvIXWJqfBIgvzHFb3Y5jAa5qesrTTQ2wPzSG2o65Ty9jjiXPjKvA_PfRvYb5KPsNDYVxnHPSmiVM63JXvqhemrAri8LIQ3U5QWnv9/s1600/SD-AS4-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8QKDar9mGJ6f5y0PR4cNHoZDh0A3qUbpdcy8knpTvIXWJqfBIgvzHFb3Y5jAa5qesrTTQ2wPzSG2o65Ty9jjiXPjKvA_PfRvYb5KPsNDYVxnHPSmiVM63JXvqhemrAri8LIQ3U5QWnv9/s1600/SD-AS4-010.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next two speak of the sun and the warmth, combined with the conviviality of beer garden. In the first image it is the shadows that make the photograph interesting, not sure that photographs of people backs would be strong enough for the assignment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqBRvWsrHxem7oDPogYf0X30TqfHxUkfnbx6yyQOTPip8XK33GAyYD0Sa2YD5DoMsZiQNekjy0bqnEXxfVVWxngzwnC42apK-hxZVlI2OXb8ovMwdBu04D5WvRLJmgEdmXJrdUrYpF2xk/s1600/SD-AS4-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqBRvWsrHxem7oDPogYf0X30TqfHxUkfnbx6yyQOTPip8XK33GAyYD0Sa2YD5DoMsZiQNekjy0bqnEXxfVVWxngzwnC42apK-hxZVlI2OXb8ovMwdBu04D5WvRLJmgEdmXJrdUrYpF2xk/s1600/SD-AS4-011.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a number of photographs like this one, it is a grab shot capturing the crowded world of the beer garden. As a documentary shot I think it works, it captures a sense of Munich, but is probably not strong enough. There would need to be a stronger engagement with the camera or more happening in the frame.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFM4zXkm0mTfphJUY3duN6HjpjCK7bPAi4mtWF-E0fadHmSz54z7omJYUUPALHXgZbMvn7iFrI6aQ3yNEab1siqN1CgsbhH05ZsEFcJDCtJ5Ft4BJXK51E7Bog2zxkzDr7YQSLERWBjNM/s1600/SD-AS4-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFM4zXkm0mTfphJUY3duN6HjpjCK7bPAi4mtWF-E0fadHmSz54z7omJYUUPALHXgZbMvn7iFrI6aQ3yNEab1siqN1CgsbhH05ZsEFcJDCtJ5Ft4BJXK51E7Bog2zxkzDr7YQSLERWBjNM/s1600/SD-AS4-012.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The last image in this entry has no chance of making my assignment, but is my personal favorite of them all. It would not work well in B&W, the colour of the people picks them out against the background. What makes the image for me is the absence of the leaves. It reveals the scattered positioning of the people better, all over are small vignettes that contain within them stories that ask to be told. I also find that the summer behavior of the people conflicts with the clearly winter landscape creating a slightly strange surreal atmosphere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9HQKpVAEA3FtdJsykk9izl32tid8-9yu_fi1yjqXF4rrUH0mFucjCY0vwcd-jboQWtMGrItXNGd6lB3De0hYORx06BVFj0eSzrUeDjWwW_-w22AOVJUwt0BNNrOZKQ3thqmgok1rAZj7/s1600/SD-AS4-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9HQKpVAEA3FtdJsykk9izl32tid8-9yu_fi1yjqXF4rrUH0mFucjCY0vwcd-jboQWtMGrItXNGd6lB3De0hYORx06BVFj0eSzrUeDjWwW_-w22AOVJUwt0BNNrOZKQ3thqmgok1rAZj7/s1600/SD-AS4-013.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I am getting towards a good set of possibles for this assignment, in fact I could probably now complete this assignment and call it a day. However, I am finding the exercise of getting out each weekend to create photographs to be an enjoyable one and want to continue a little longer. I appreciate that every new set of photographs simply makes a final selection more difficult, but that is a problem I can happily accomodate.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-62158449976083429082014-02-02T13:24:00.000+01:002014-02-02T13:24:00.239+01:00Assignment 4: Nato DemoLooking back at my last few blog entries, I can see what my tutor meant when he recently commented that I need to focus on my development as a photographer. I am all over the place, drifting from one project to another. I suspect this reflects my disengagement with the course and a tendency toward exploring personal interests rather than focusing on OCA work. With this blog entry I hope to start to bring my photographic focus back to the subject of Social Documentary.<br />
<br />
I am not by nature terribly bold and taking photographs of strangers is something I find very hard to do. I think this reflects in my style which is rather stand-off and structural than up close and involved. A constant dialog I have with myself is whether this is a good or a bad thing. I have to a degree found my voice as a photographer and that voice is not street, I prefer a more studied and formal approach. I do not think this precludes me from making a social statement, but it does mean that my work has a particular way with people; I continually find myself trying to represent people as landscape. On the other hand, I am starting to think that I should not resist this tendency, but go with it and see where it takes me.<br />
<br />
This conclusion, however, conflicts with my next Assignment, creating 12 photographs in the style of Robert Frank. His style is very up close and personal, with little concern for formalism. I suspect my approach to photography is more Stieglitz than Frank. That means that I need to draw from Frank something of his style and approach to working that I can engage with. For me this is possibly his critical and question eye, his need to create photographs that ask questions. Another element could be the engagement over time with a subject, immersion into that world. In my case the world would be Munich and it's population. For the last 2 years I have been creating photographs that I intended would come together in a book that would parallel "The Americans", nominally caller Die Muenchener. I am questioning this idea now and think it might be better to instead consider his earlier volume, Black White and Things and create a series of 12 photos in 3 thematic groups, as Frank did. What I explicitly do not want to do is to try and replicate the look of Frank's photos. What would be the point, I am not Frank. I need to conclude this concept soon as the clock is ticking on my course.<br />
<br />
In the mean time I have decided to try and get out at least once a week to do some street photography in the city. The occasion that drew me this weekend was the annual NATO conference in Munich, now in it's 50th year. The event invariably draws a large and loud protest accompanied by the massed presence of Munich's police force. This is always a good opportunity to take photographs, although in a very intimidating environment. That made it a rather daunting, but also good place to try to re-engage with documentary photography. <br />
<br />
The conference takes place at a hotel smack in the heart of the cities shopping district, creating an interesting mixture of protesters, riot police, weekend shoppers and rather bemused tourists. Munich has a strong tradition of protest and activism, most weekends will have a group setting up in the city center to vent their anger at something, last week it was Egypt. However the NATO conference is a biggie and pulls in a lot of people and thus also a lot of security. I went out with an open mind, with no particular agenda. I find this works for street photography, it is impossible to predict what might happen. The sun was shining (good and bad for me) and the crowd was in a good mood, I have sometimes wondered what would happen if they weren't. The police had the same thought and there were cordons set up around the more expensive shopping areas and government buildings, potential targets for the more anarchic fringe.<br />
<br />
My goal was to come away with 10 or so photographs that captured the sense of the event, portraying the people there. It took me a while to get into the mode of street photography, i.e. becoming unafraid to point and shoot in a large crowd. I found myself using my camera in a stealthy mode, i.e. using the pop out screen and looking down rather than bringing the camera to my eye. This gives a sense of presence in shots, but is not so accurate. I have divided the photographs into 3 groups. First of all the protesters.<br />
<br />
The first image used a tele to pick this guy out of the crowd. His hair was bright orange and very striking. I am processing to B&W so this is lost, but not the structure. What I wanted with this image was the juxtaposition of the protester with the arch behind, did not really work, the framing is off. I think it is an interesting portrait, but nothing special.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpqo7QsVTNeX_XpFTDNnd3rg0E3TFIYxptxIN3KzpmQj62kvN66FyCSjdjEiOdh8wsjw9GmYOirlXorA569JggOIXCLtbQcZ5xr-hgcRPdgspPpbllztqJWWpYscQugJsO_sIkuNUzEdF/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpqo7QsVTNeX_XpFTDNnd3rg0E3TFIYxptxIN3KzpmQj62kvN66FyCSjdjEiOdh8wsjw9GmYOirlXorA569JggOIXCLtbQcZ5xr-hgcRPdgspPpbllztqJWWpYscQugJsO_sIkuNUzEdF/s1600/SD-AS4-001.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This man had found what I thought was the best protest symbol in the crowd, a rusting WW2 German helmet that with the grass looked as if it had just been dug out of a field. It reminded the crowd of the terribly losses Germany had suffered as a result of the militarism the crowd was associating with NATO. The turned away face leaves some information about the man, but it is the shadowed relic of war that makes this photograph for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFP0ohCMJqsWXMT9RTmZlu5W2ZU8CMBoutu75m_602zNz3-wMmHpKQ8gjKxizfDwRlRtqzH9dSehWymseMseyaOKscGNAAEJPO7tIqaniyoXiZkPaTpTq808nM_TTpDX6gFa764ya5h9X/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFP0ohCMJqsWXMT9RTmZlu5W2ZU8CMBoutu75m_602zNz3-wMmHpKQ8gjKxizfDwRlRtqzH9dSehWymseMseyaOKscGNAAEJPO7tIqaniyoXiZkPaTpTq808nM_TTpDX6gFa764ya5h9X/s1600/SD-AS4-002.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
This was an odd juxtaposition, the hoody and the Hammer & Sickle. Not sure if it works as a photograph, I think some part of the mans face would have helped.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhandExJF5kpG0zdE2mOYGa03789UKqoqgM3jYBOu08L4v-2FGa6L9gFamtU8tAnv5X6QNOhzBFCGxx8N_D6XeqchFZvlxhD9bKVTgjCokeYB0g1K34UB6iuaquutLK08XZi7G-mkIzvlMT/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhandExJF5kpG0zdE2mOYGa03789UKqoqgM3jYBOu08L4v-2FGa6L9gFamtU8tAnv5X6QNOhzBFCGxx8N_D6XeqchFZvlxhD9bKVTgjCokeYB0g1K34UB6iuaquutLK08XZi7G-mkIzvlMT/s1600/SD-AS4-003.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here I have tried to contrast the anti-establishment crowd with the Town Hall behind, the symbol of government in Munich. I think this is too confused to work, I am too close or not far enough away. Crowds work when there are thousands in the frame or when there is a close up of an individual against the mass. This just looks jumbled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixohinX4eD4giovapYLXgkbZ6-5FuUKUAg2jfa1RiTnKKIR8KEhSWlOM-cqWzBQy6z5qL81JOhISqxgO9uakfmoGdF9TOyf6qXqboPjPg3mMjqzrHoWxpGUhkHjP-Sy8apgVrzTCsnxrI8/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixohinX4eD4giovapYLXgkbZ6-5FuUKUAg2jfa1RiTnKKIR8KEhSWlOM-cqWzBQy6z5qL81JOhISqxgO9uakfmoGdF9TOyf6qXqboPjPg3mMjqzrHoWxpGUhkHjP-Sy8apgVrzTCsnxrI8/s1600/SD-AS4-004.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I found that the photographs I was getting of the protesters were OK, but just OK. People with placards and long hair are good subjects, but there was nothing particularly new or different about this. What I did find interesting were the lines of police fronting the shops. Clearly, there was a real fear that the crowd might vent it's anger on the symbols of capitalism all around. Everywhere I looked there were lines of highly intimidating police heavily armored and armed. This brought out the structural in me.<br />
<br />
The first shot was taken from inside the shopping center, entry was permitted, but maybe not if dressed wrongly. This photograph works for me, apart from the structure the lack of faces draws attention to the word Polizei and the equipment these men are carrying. In front of them Saturday afternoon shopping continues as normal. I tried a few times to create photos that juxtaposed the shoppers with the police, but could never get the degree of separation that made a good shot. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sux6P6jpj9oFYja_ZtL-qOEXL7ztfHMP6mFxE9LF72X1ePFiirTRhYZhFr1vJd1UcQEa3ufpXEGfNNhWeNUMrO2n72V5AR87alDJ80HXQvw3NBddky1UNUpT1Sqt15EDjymHffdemRXi/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sux6P6jpj9oFYja_ZtL-qOEXL7ztfHMP6mFxE9LF72X1ePFiirTRhYZhFr1vJd1UcQEa3ufpXEGfNNhWeNUMrO2n72V5AR87alDJ80HXQvw3NBddky1UNUpT1Sqt15EDjymHffdemRXi/s1600/SD-AS4-005.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Same group of police from the other side:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jg4SQOaKxgLg9veiRkmzIIpYo-4a88JL3VmzHSu4yhJQNDW6CHC2fuED_lwkom6D9mPjJ_bEBSelHUnUPwpfsBPcQ4Yzs2JbmU_NJdVgsUfeh5BmH6snvdMqs-vhnbi5FXItUqcD-BKF/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jg4SQOaKxgLg9veiRkmzIIpYo-4a88JL3VmzHSu4yhJQNDW6CHC2fuED_lwkom6D9mPjJ_bEBSelHUnUPwpfsBPcQ4Yzs2JbmU_NJdVgsUfeh5BmH6snvdMqs-vhnbi5FXItUqcD-BKF/s1600/SD-AS4-006.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here I have tried to place shoppers into the frame. This is a very complex image, perhaps too many layers. I wanted the word SALE with the police and then the shoppers. In colour it is far too confusing, in B&W it might work, I am not sure. There is more involvement. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQckKfKcX_bHDeEEloIZFrA0tNvcV5FRD0pWVkPzSEAoZQ8uijX64GXh84QONK_nYVdVAAJFgEUMhsNtXaA4rynSItni-83adMFfsp0f4d4OmuMn6_8K4hrPeUg_ncwhmSL2dhYf27yN9/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQckKfKcX_bHDeEEloIZFrA0tNvcV5FRD0pWVkPzSEAoZQ8uijX64GXh84QONK_nYVdVAAJFgEUMhsNtXaA4rynSItni-83adMFfsp0f4d4OmuMn6_8K4hrPeUg_ncwhmSL2dhYf27yN9/s1600/SD-AS4-007.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps a different crop would work, removing the guy on the right. Unfortunately I did not have the feet of the police in the frame, but this is much better and may have potential. It illustrates many aspect of Munich and whilst still confusing, perhaps the need to disentangle the image might add some engagement on the part of the viewer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLccnGvLIWBvxlXy7d42lUaWl4MSg_YaOi83dQt2w-1RhjXDmmqTpjAdYUY7ww2mPjCDn0YdyslLs_7PbQSmvTYOEUPvY1dw1Y6wffu0IW58fQyBLOnHqJXajw8-Rq_ScmJuX9g5Tn8Kg/s1600/SD-AS4-001-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLccnGvLIWBvxlXy7d42lUaWl4MSg_YaOi83dQt2w-1RhjXDmmqTpjAdYUY7ww2mPjCDn0YdyslLs_7PbQSmvTYOEUPvY1dw1Y6wffu0IW58fQyBLOnHqJXajw8-Rq_ScmJuX9g5Tn8Kg/s1600/SD-AS4-001-3.jpg" height="640" width="505" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
My final two photographs from the day are portraits of the police. The first one is light the second I think darker. In the first the light makes the scene seem airy, the hand holding couple defuse the sense of threat that might be conveyed by the police. I think this photo may have worked better with more of the policeman's face and the presence of the second person in the couple. The challenge of working in the street is that constellations come and go, you have to work with what happens as it happens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcr4B6-Eb-Zm_hm_qO6vrInLFqrgAdXueSljv3cfB5oc__MY-0nbuTgMacWPZ3SIURMPQfVaCLFn-yr2QFhgs7JNrSsbRK-mXOwe1MWWh6geJmI-GfyOShccmkteuXOdWY5zBvLLBsEfm/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcr4B6-Eb-Zm_hm_qO6vrInLFqrgAdXueSljv3cfB5oc__MY-0nbuTgMacWPZ3SIURMPQfVaCLFn-yr2QFhgs7JNrSsbRK-mXOwe1MWWh6geJmI-GfyOShccmkteuXOdWY5zBvLLBsEfm/s1600/SD-AS4-008.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I find this photograph strangely attractive, the two extremely good looking people with their almost medieval equipment creates a strong contrast. Again I am missing their feet, but the eye contact with the female officer suggested at the time to move on and not spend time recomposing. However, it is that firm gaze that I think elevates this photograph above the others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAur5zFZeqzEDK3aIDsCc1HIp_pss252ME3gmywToscoyiT062SYp20P_WDF5D4izP1rBSD-_VhhB1fP7IQt18OiZ-5DstV45HphlMZrytL5P9gpKzN-5QJp8O_IGZIJT7WSBGFhmUBvrl/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAur5zFZeqzEDK3aIDsCc1HIp_pss252ME3gmywToscoyiT062SYp20P_WDF5D4izP1rBSD-_VhhB1fP7IQt18OiZ-5DstV45HphlMZrytL5P9gpKzN-5QJp8O_IGZIJT7WSBGFhmUBvrl/s1600/SD-AS4-009.jpg" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In my concept of Black White and Things the above image would be Black whereas the one above would be White. I need to think about Things. Not really sure if this will work, but my approach is aligned to Frank. I am accumulating a library of images of the population of Munich that explore multiple aspects of life in the city, what I need to do is to tie them together as a narrative body of work.<br />
<br />
Yesterday got me back on track, another step in the right direction.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-11101906605518308372014-01-24T09:55:00.001+01:002014-01-24T09:55:35.651+01:00P35: a city at nightI might start to become a little self contradictory here. I stated a while ago that I was giving up on the projects in Social Documentary as they were rather banal in their structure, focusing on technique rather than content or reflection. However, as part of my gradual rehabilitation as an OCA student I am going to reconsider some of the more interesting projects and complete them, a bit of photographic therapy to restart some thought processes.<br />
<br />
Night time photography does fascinate me, I enjoy the challenge of working in marginal situations, especially as I am very averse to using a tripod. Modern cameras, though, are very forgiving, ISO 3200 and effective image stabilization make possible today what was unthinkable a few years ago. The trick is to balance the artificial light with any remaining natural light and to avoid over exposure. Cameras want the world to look grey and so will do their damnedest to take a dark sky and light it up, blowing out the buildings that were the original subject. A handheld light meter would fix this, but in practice underexposing by 2-3 stops does the trick most times - and with digital a little chimping can fix most problems. This works for buildings, with more fast moving subjects, shooting on manual after taking a test exposure of the ambient light is the way to go. Final comment, flash? Sometimes, a little fill flash can help, but generally only works in dusk light, in night it blows out the foreground and creates a fake looking photo.<br />
<br />
With this exercise I am digging into my archives a little as I have a night time subject that I have been working on without really thinking about it for years, Singapore. Singapore is like a second home for me, I first visited on business 18 years ago and have been back most years, often twice, and last year 3 times. That was an aberation, especially as none of it was business. I guess I love the combination of west and east, the mixing of so many cultures and the combination of safety with hedonistic pleasure. Many times I have thought about moving there, it is my companies Asian HQ and I have been asked before to go. Family prevented that move and I think it is now a little late in my career to start again in Asia. So we try to get there at least once a year, usually on the way to a dive trip somewhere in Indonesia, the Philippines, or Malaysia.<br />
<br />
I always take a camera and due to the heat and tropical sun tend to take most of my photographs in the evening. I try to book a hotel that offers an outlook over the city. My first photo was taken from my room in the Stamford Swiss Hotel, a giant tower, with balconies overlooking the financial district. This is an almost iconic view of the city at night, but I have included in the foreground the playing field of the Padang on which people are doing some football practice. This type of landscape photo helps to frame the location, a statement of where we are.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43veq0mURoO11gZ2qFmjDPSzCulcvUmmZzrJzeK1oDOk0nJgiMRYF40BFmdQv9a23m7PEDg4b44I1EF0RtPubrt0l-00dIICS3RtpyqWdZG5vWqqzgopL1gYHmH0p0Fhw87_bBd3QQEe8/s1600/SD-P35-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43veq0mURoO11gZ2qFmjDPSzCulcvUmmZzrJzeK1oDOk0nJgiMRYF40BFmdQv9a23m7PEDg4b44I1EF0RtPubrt0l-00dIICS3RtpyqWdZG5vWqqzgopL1gYHmH0p0Fhw87_bBd3QQEe8/s1600/SD-P35-001.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another hotel, this time overlooking the east coast express way, the road linking downtown to the airport. Perching my camera on a desk this is another standard view of a city at night, trying to capture the never ending flow of cars. I think a key element in city photography is to image the energy and pace of life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKbt0z9lZ3IRRYOJRVEN47bdTeJMEO2qD_rd7YNQl8VioBM2d7irVpVdRB2bvjHNEOoaycjCK4L4fUoPnFy0dy1P-tedC-Iqsus_mzX8KtlQNbaqeT0VvRnNwu07GnMvcMGjY1CrxiDmb/s1600/SD-P35-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKbt0z9lZ3IRRYOJRVEN47bdTeJMEO2qD_rd7YNQl8VioBM2d7irVpVdRB2bvjHNEOoaycjCK4L4fUoPnFy0dy1P-tedC-Iqsus_mzX8KtlQNbaqeT0VvRnNwu07GnMvcMGjY1CrxiDmb/s1600/SD-P35-002.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another hotel, this time the Mandarin Oriental on Orchard Road, nice hotel bad location, miles from anywhere interesting. However, in my case the construction site opposite was a boon. They worked all night. This was another photo with quite challenging exposure, which needed a lot of post processing. The question is how much detail to show in the surroundings. In the end I opted to light just the construction, yielding this image of the continual construction cycle that is an Asian city.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8RNr_kOb2ABOzAM2od48y_6zUdZ7uopZPb7enk45LkNv1CgXZDi8XX6_y0uLYHrSeYnQhaxCw10FpT-uq1dNOJkUFnBHGMaoEsix2bvBRnTaXviM3a5TAoackPjbXUYXcgAHnUDSV20c/s1600/SD-P35-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8RNr_kOb2ABOzAM2od48y_6zUdZ7uopZPb7enk45LkNv1CgXZDi8XX6_y0uLYHrSeYnQhaxCw10FpT-uq1dNOJkUFnBHGMaoEsix2bvBRnTaXviM3a5TAoackPjbXUYXcgAHnUDSV20c/s1600/SD-P35-003.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have long been an admirer of the work of Michael Wolf and his images of Hong Kong apartment blocks, I am drawn to the uniformity of the patterns broken by the occasional piece of individuality. This is really marginal as a handheld image, requiring a telephoto and with very dim lighting on the building. Quality is poor, but I think as part of a sequence it works fine. It is also an important image for me as I tend to be fixated on the hustle and bustle of the bars and cafes at night, forgetting to think about where all these people go. A small island with a very large population means that most live in towering apartment blocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY7iIsuctzcG0Z4nW3WH4aV9AJXg98M2q1nGf9h21AzRenfL0xQiZMiJuDwYw2C6j62zfN6Z3PzbA3XgjLgDMubF4NHyIdS0gVihUJL42lMUgKIovNF0l5rkKtb2qBnF7z0UgHz4tGVqg/s1600/SD-P35-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY7iIsuctzcG0Z4nW3WH4aV9AJXg98M2q1nGf9h21AzRenfL0xQiZMiJuDwYw2C6j62zfN6Z3PzbA3XgjLgDMubF4NHyIdS0gVihUJL42lMUgKIovNF0l5rkKtb2qBnF7z0UgHz4tGVqg/s1600/SD-P35-004.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite hotel in Singapore is the Swiss Hotel at Clarke Quay, just on the Singapore river and adjacent to a huge area of bars and restaurants. Not the cheapest place in the world to eat and suffering from a tourist premium, it is worth it my opinion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1W__jBAN2M3Di-4GrYBeLRLGpO2zxcN8er8TmcuIB_fQy1wk2xuLZjymNehEjvV2QIXNWUDVrLQnoJSy12p3ECS6hsyVVaBbFgiciR1shREMW3tfaj_y7_LjsLS3ivv4cFsaKVfU2wgz/s1600/SD-P35-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1W__jBAN2M3Di-4GrYBeLRLGpO2zxcN8er8TmcuIB_fQy1wk2xuLZjymNehEjvV2QIXNWUDVrLQnoJSy12p3ECS6hsyVVaBbFgiciR1shREMW3tfaj_y7_LjsLS3ivv4cFsaKVfU2wgz/s1600/SD-P35-005.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It is a popular hang out for students, although the prices make it not so affordable. In the middle is a small 7 Eleven that sells ice cold drinks and snacks at "normal" prices. A lot of people simply buy a 6 pack and hang out on the bridge enjoying the atmosphere. It makes for a wonderful atmosphere, a big change from home where a large group of young people hanging around drinking on a street would not generate quite the same feeling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFmERPgoHgUNZCup5Kz-MKZHc9OUHqkYOmiWZod1OsiMiXKU5ML-KTA7fVuYjH87a8tbxwnznVl4tTTHnb8wJSfLsFMnPTsGDXuXE7AkeRx_rSPG37C8ofzbbg2sQSJ-RfpLMoNaY8l1K/s1600/SD-P35-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFmERPgoHgUNZCup5Kz-MKZHc9OUHqkYOmiWZod1OsiMiXKU5ML-KTA7fVuYjH87a8tbxwnznVl4tTTHnb8wJSfLsFMnPTsGDXuXE7AkeRx_rSPG37C8ofzbbg2sQSJ-RfpLMoNaY8l1K/s1600/SD-P35-006.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In the tropics dusk is very short lived, and although it is the best light to shoot by, you have to plan ahead and be where you want to be to take a few shots. Not really my modus operandi, but this is an example of a shot that really worked with the light. Simply luck, being in the right place at the right time. It is also a rare example of clouds that weren't dumping a tropical down pour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R3Ff2q9H1dWxncD8z7Apv8U1yOrr4zH6w-98BrqX0vWE8V4Jnml6Jv1U0NaN6i5JneP4iEY6pLNZ17OfHUS3FoUY9P3XTn1fiYoxMR6sjhsQPSF93S6IL5UrkSAen1WWfeELlgUlDbmA/s1600/SD-P35-001-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R3Ff2q9H1dWxncD8z7Apv8U1yOrr4zH6w-98BrqX0vWE8V4Jnml6Jv1U0NaN6i5JneP4iEY6pLNZ17OfHUS3FoUY9P3XTn1fiYoxMR6sjhsQPSF93S6IL5UrkSAen1WWfeELlgUlDbmA/s1600/SD-P35-001-2.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
All cities like to show off and Singapore is no exception. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino is a Las Vegas style complex that wants to be noticed. Singapore has now overtaken Las Vegas in terms of gambling revenue, although notice that Sands is a Vegas company. Tricky photograph shot from a moving boat, but taking advantage of my OM-Ds image stabilization and the fact that although it is dark those lasers are very bright.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv3qWIeihNKGMsUgftHjcjaTxw_ISQDI5aD7FBn0L6qjcmpVKLkng92LgBvm_8WdbsfCoPMWQLt5_aqderlL3KAn0ULohJLWS4sBSEmjArV7uIs8BPyZsls73goMhiqtTWzNwufRpsIJE/s1600/SD-P35-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv3qWIeihNKGMsUgftHjcjaTxw_ISQDI5aD7FBn0L6qjcmpVKLkng92LgBvm_8WdbsfCoPMWQLt5_aqderlL3KAn0ULohJLWS4sBSEmjArV7uIs8BPyZsls73goMhiqtTWzNwufRpsIJE/s1600/SD-P35-008.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Same location from the other side<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU-BURTLLjZTvMxgYrBCdg9Q5MYR_kU4upkOln3hP67pKC0kU3BXZumE6Qedp2faPwsnH1t3zMysYpDoEvgzQ4Y_fm1e2AXpx-hRvgm9DqCHWpo28s7utaMua_orUixojsabAY7xtmXQM/s1600/SD-P35-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU-BURTLLjZTvMxgYrBCdg9Q5MYR_kU4upkOln3hP67pKC0kU3BXZumE6Qedp2faPwsnH1t3zMysYpDoEvgzQ4Y_fm1e2AXpx-hRvgm9DqCHWpo28s7utaMua_orUixojsabAY7xtmXQM/s1600/SD-P35-009.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One gem in Singapore and free entry is the gardens by the bay with their impressive artifical rain forest. These are giant structures covered in tropical plants with a bar at the top of the one in the middle. Surrounded by water there are plenty of opportunities for intriguing night time photography.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYN0hQVCjHD-QxqlJ8tVgyRy7WZVpmjInGEYqlkpakihW3gYHU_HWyGtKT7R0oLykg3thPglZoMzAZKFLqRHS_bghhHbkIEi-1frncJAs_QfWh_q35Nrxh55XZoO56gNYOcf8tFPGL_8w/s1600/SD-P35-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYN0hQVCjHD-QxqlJ8tVgyRy7WZVpmjInGEYqlkpakihW3gYHU_HWyGtKT7R0oLykg3thPglZoMzAZKFLqRHS_bghhHbkIEi-1frncJAs_QfWh_q35Nrxh55XZoO56gNYOcf8tFPGL_8w/s1600/SD-P35-010.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So far it has all been landscape, in a sense the easy stuff, nothing is moving unless of course you are on a boat, but that was my decision. Much more challenging is to photograph people in this light. Rather than imaging the lights I now must use those lights to illuminate my subjects. The first example is relatively easy as everyone is seated and so limited movement. This is an image that would have been destroyed by flash, the strange coloured lighting provides the sense of the photograph.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEmKcEPZf6SWh4xPnzearbGa4kbtR5B9rN_fI0Nek-yqYKduSdrDtUxlfhcO89Ct5ggXL5v835zXlXtcZr3JggzaEsLEE6j90AKxxPbj6qhuw0MhGUwMpWTF7r9sDs4Pcx7i3KSNFk8K_/s1600/SD-P35-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEmKcEPZf6SWh4xPnzearbGa4kbtR5B9rN_fI0Nek-yqYKduSdrDtUxlfhcO89Ct5ggXL5v835zXlXtcZr3JggzaEsLEE6j90AKxxPbj6qhuw0MhGUwMpWTF7r9sDs4Pcx7i3KSNFk8K_/s1600/SD-P35-012.jpg" height="355" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Moving people are much harder to frame and shoot. The cameras focus is slow, the framing harder to judge. Sometimes you just get lucky. This is one of my personal favorites from Singapore. I was trying to shoot the fountain, when the lady in red crossed my path. The blur adds to the sense of movement and perhaps mystery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA7CEjpbzOEBOsQu_ROtii5OOWgc2t1bsGxh_tevfnWlEpga2lJP80sbQ6X-nrKqc5-pmns6orhv2F8eFGL33ZVSBVdwi1MwiQDR1EwYa_yc1he7pq-nxROnNJdSwvPHn_FXXdt8OPh0M/s1600/SD-P35-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA7CEjpbzOEBOsQu_ROtii5OOWgc2t1bsGxh_tevfnWlEpga2lJP80sbQ6X-nrKqc5-pmns6orhv2F8eFGL33ZVSBVdwi1MwiQDR1EwYa_yc1he7pq-nxROnNJdSwvPHn_FXXdt8OPh0M/s1600/SD-P35-013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If moving to fast this is what happens, although again I do not think it is wrong, it adds movement to the frame.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfF9sA2FFsAOV9Lla2bu9pTURuvjMrNOsKjA8wjiUC5KsG8jHurJVvjvD42FE2VWouMki5vpcXRJsxx4686wdVFNgIVRX6NVqnfA7PL6QTPuLNPKXHxcbn-JbxARdpRsqS7QKmAr9FveX/s1600/SD-P35-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfF9sA2FFsAOV9Lla2bu9pTURuvjMrNOsKjA8wjiUC5KsG8jHurJVvjvD42FE2VWouMki5vpcXRJsxx4686wdVFNgIVRX6NVqnfA7PL6QTPuLNPKXHxcbn-JbxARdpRsqS7QKmAr9FveX/s1600/SD-P35-014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have discussed before my tendency to try and place people in boxes. Night time is a great opportunity for this type of photo, using the light inside the building and the windows as a frame. The addition of the lanterns was a nice touch here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8jsxO5Gy2lm9qL035_62ww3dt7sdN3mqfCUDsdp8veqr_tmByMjdrOZL2HlPez1qZ_R4RNXR-kA8VAaacDd3GEorePHZ9q9A_bX0Q3UWtQGWTiLeaYE29oQRVaeqoVUU_InBMfbLjUw5/s1600/SD-P35-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8jsxO5Gy2lm9qL035_62ww3dt7sdN3mqfCUDsdp8veqr_tmByMjdrOZL2HlPez1qZ_R4RNXR-kA8VAaacDd3GEorePHZ9q9A_bX0Q3UWtQGWTiLeaYE29oQRVaeqoVUU_InBMfbLjUw5/s1600/SD-P35-015.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another example, and very Singapore. Typical expat bar open to the street.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxCU3eFf5JNNvrc4K4NeDxZ62iny2RvhZFMqoayVBOlYIVsaa8Ijw6_A6JKAhCiB77PsyWwbtvMcCrlxFtRcM0pD8Gn3sPbk3wBvP8fLuwOfEZgyJKxRcKlyqIXoidslXqZEsEFRtjt6L/s1600/SD-P35-016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxCU3eFf5JNNvrc4K4NeDxZ62iny2RvhZFMqoayVBOlYIVsaa8Ijw6_A6JKAhCiB77PsyWwbtvMcCrlxFtRcM0pD8Gn3sPbk3wBvP8fLuwOfEZgyJKxRcKlyqIXoidslXqZEsEFRtjt6L/s1600/SD-P35-016.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally I also experimented with taking my camera inside at dusk and using the ambient light as part of the background. This is the inside of the Sands resort, a massively ambitious building. Because the space is so large it feels like being outdoors. I must say that I think lighting here is good, the large spheres creating a gentle yellow glow balancing against the evening blue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianSkHUkSvuNYlXkqMZpWNvRopUrZZlhbIPXBmQ2Ow1jpoinLYQVMR8lxoFsc2Z5YYunq4iZvLDQcNFwn8CGjfB2TFBogdJ0Fa5_kkB5-63dajTvqRFH92cFpv7UdyFQzrlrtMCflMMHyk/s1600/SD-P35-017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianSkHUkSvuNYlXkqMZpWNvRopUrZZlhbIPXBmQ2Ow1jpoinLYQVMR8lxoFsc2Z5YYunq4iZvLDQcNFwn8CGjfB2TFBogdJ0Fa5_kkB5-63dajTvqRFH92cFpv7UdyFQzrlrtMCflMMHyk/s1600/SD-P35-017.jpg" height="400" width="363" /></a></div>
<br />
Our last trip was end of November last year, Christmas was in full flow, odd to see the decorations in 30 degree tropical heat. I really should have spent more time creating images of this weirdness, but mojo meter was low, so I just took a few. This is my fave, again, the light from the tree balances with the dusk light outside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRl_ihMtQgE4L6QmOcz7OwbuAg6zKLKBJynyBQOUKAnKgZgpjpkilfps5pTeq09Y-cjLwMBNgYj7HLoOWcVmWNrHT9ngDbgoBqR4VJ0B0mRHOqe1iA1w_LW2pe7Uo9WlZGvzMB4ZzY0iy/s1600/SD-P35-018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRl_ihMtQgE4L6QmOcz7OwbuAg6zKLKBJynyBQOUKAnKgZgpjpkilfps5pTeq09Y-cjLwMBNgYj7HLoOWcVmWNrHT9ngDbgoBqR4VJ0B0mRHOqe1iA1w_LW2pe7Uo9WlZGvzMB4ZzY0iy/s1600/SD-P35-018.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I finish with the photographers reward, the most expensive beer I have ever had, but I guess that was the rental for a seat to enjoy the colonial ambiance of the Raffles Hotel courtyard. Now where is my Pith helmet?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnPLId3Hcj1uo_0LVoZQ6yDJzNgyYkZzRk8k2Qw7gIP8lXOiJTeLDqagFhFInHlkNq8Tpm4ss7O3aHuzyTJHxjiouIVkgx_jB5RQEqAhDBrNDYEXtHn8TPQBNn2bIS-2M03anUrYXpcvf/s1600/SD-P35-019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnPLId3Hcj1uo_0LVoZQ6yDJzNgyYkZzRk8k2Qw7gIP8lXOiJTeLDqagFhFInHlkNq8Tpm4ss7O3aHuzyTJHxjiouIVkgx_jB5RQEqAhDBrNDYEXtHn8TPQBNn2bIS-2M03anUrYXpcvf/s1600/SD-P35-019.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One day I should make a serious photo study of Singapore, but somehow I doubt that will ever happen, there is simply too much else to do. But over time, my catalog grows.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-58624914787341872272014-01-23T15:47:00.002+01:002014-01-23T15:47:49.075+01:00Social LandscapeWhilst this course is very much orientated towards the human image as a document of society, I am more interested in the affect of society on the landscape we inhabit and conversely how the landscape reflects the society we live in. Living in a city I am in a landscape that is very much a product of society, the buildings and streets reflect how we order the world and how we want others to see our impact on that world. Munich is an old city, with a long and rich, sometimes violent, history. This is reflected in the fabric of the buildings that constitute the city. Turning a corner you can go from the ultra modern to the medieval, then find yourself in woodland. The majority of the work I have done as a student with the OCA has used Munich as a backdrop, I am lucky to live in such a richly varied place.<br />
<br />
I am becoming increasingly conscious of change, noticing how the pace is accelerating. I embrace the change, I am a technophile working for a large computer company. I just spent the last two days integrating a new 4TB drive into my computer, updating my Lightroom setup, and then adjusting my backup schedule to accommodate it. Over Christmas I installed a network aware weather station that sends updates on the CO2 level, temperature, and humidity in my home to the internet. I can then monitor my homes micro-climate from my phone anywhere in the world. I really enjoy the technical challenge of making it all work together, but at the same time have nagging doubts about whether we move too fast. Is it a good thing that my 3 year god daughter learned how to play games on her iPad before learning to speak?<br />
<br />
I find that I want to say something about this, to explore how the world around me is changing, not to protest, but at least to comment. This brings me back to the city and the area I live in. I moved to my current home 7 years ago, in the cheap end of the high rent Bogenhausen district. Just North of my home is an area of streets filled with large expensive homes, costing many millions and inhabited by Footballers, Lawyers, and Bankers. It is where Eva Braun lived before meeting her doom. Most evenings we take a walk and jokingly discuss which house we would like to buy if we won the Lotto, actually most are beyond even that wealth. Over the years many of the original houses have been replaced by new ones. Germans view old houses as used houses and frequently will buy an old house to knock it down and build something tailored to themselves. <br />
<br />
It struck me that there was a way to image this change and present a view of what was happening in the area. Google maps imaged the streets in 2008 creating a time stamped visual record of the buildings as they then looked. This would enable a 5 Years later on view of how the urban landscape was changing, using this modern technology to look back in time. I created a set of 11 images of buildings that I knew had changed by screen grabbing from Google and printed them 4 to a page. The rest was simply a walk around with my camera using the Google prints as a guide for location and camera position. I have attempted to get the view similar but not the same, the vantage point and the panoramic stitch used by Google defeat an exact comparison.<br />
<br />
Importing the lot into Lightroom and creating pairs of photos using the print function to print to JPG, I ended up with the following pairs of images, each separated by roughly 5 years, well 5 and a half, summer plays winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEnHWFGkmTYXLc8Lo5cLWvNTlcpxh8zJ5TvqWRLyZxp-LI-G-W4EGSWuwcvWiQHcqLy_2MiyRvwpl5uj9CrwU_7K4wKNcght9nFFsNfVnQDtuIfE8IIPmdo03C93GywFp4GaKU9-yGjtU/s1600/Time-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEnHWFGkmTYXLc8Lo5cLWvNTlcpxh8zJ5TvqWRLyZxp-LI-G-W4EGSWuwcvWiQHcqLy_2MiyRvwpl5uj9CrwU_7K4wKNcght9nFFsNfVnQDtuIfE8IIPmdo03C93GywFp4GaKU9-yGjtU/s1600/Time-01.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp5EM4AObKU1-LcijQxEZr9hUMxI1Wk_LjdkJIzAv08G_fs4oprQnx4AeLdc-b6edxYKXa78q06JQmi-hVN9-uRx3QZzxZ5N6rT-l0tExt4s8Ysp_VM3XN4zpwAghYngIkY64iPuzbmQ-/s1600/Time-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp5EM4AObKU1-LcijQxEZr9hUMxI1Wk_LjdkJIzAv08G_fs4oprQnx4AeLdc-b6edxYKXa78q06JQmi-hVN9-uRx3QZzxZ5N6rT-l0tExt4s8Ysp_VM3XN4zpwAghYngIkY64iPuzbmQ-/s1600/Time-02.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep1-2t6wLS_O9S-8bQifd1BdgA9R4b4UydfsLN8l7upwMDDIm388SZb2XjEPaKyqovfVBJ_XATY6aV834c5cxKbgrU5ZvAHhmru1rCqh44kG21Ex7ie3Y6d8cDrXMM6kr7zic73-uqOW5/s1600/Time-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep1-2t6wLS_O9S-8bQifd1BdgA9R4b4UydfsLN8l7upwMDDIm388SZb2XjEPaKyqovfVBJ_XATY6aV834c5cxKbgrU5ZvAHhmru1rCqh44kG21Ex7ie3Y6d8cDrXMM6kr7zic73-uqOW5/s1600/Time-03.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRM6vFoqmtL3Pfco3pa4IIUrjKwm2B0ndGuAVJITudP_WY4o_t59lO-gni9oOxv6Turj_w2THN0ekkAz49tc_eV9DgDOkFcNvW88WkROIYHjXTrfUhL5U4z-zhLJ_pyWecwM5rnYcgdxU/s1600/Time-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRM6vFoqmtL3Pfco3pa4IIUrjKwm2B0ndGuAVJITudP_WY4o_t59lO-gni9oOxv6Turj_w2THN0ekkAz49tc_eV9DgDOkFcNvW88WkROIYHjXTrfUhL5U4z-zhLJ_pyWecwM5rnYcgdxU/s1600/Time-04.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhrydCuRwjGe3Hg5H6Y3GAxzRy9bymnokGH3uOwswGdPPb2RCm7vuXbBmuYvlKY9SeucCh_45zLzFiZ1PTjlAw3zij-hlfjDmGmAVslBBQES4MpJdz-MpBo6IPhrd1YtZSAXz97f0Jh6U/s1600/Time-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhrydCuRwjGe3Hg5H6Y3GAxzRy9bymnokGH3uOwswGdPPb2RCm7vuXbBmuYvlKY9SeucCh_45zLzFiZ1PTjlAw3zij-hlfjDmGmAVslBBQES4MpJdz-MpBo6IPhrd1YtZSAXz97f0Jh6U/s1600/Time-05.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvViQoABd34yc9ItiarMI57dKKB2eB1MWVlJjuW43RPJvdX1jhBvb1R_fmSCDvDP6LcFMW5GxIsahK7DTyALOaCTXt3hUf2nzHBlYD9r_LQr0ECW0kc5khmc1CLbgn9H9NH0xq42PNVCi/s1600/Time-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvViQoABd34yc9ItiarMI57dKKB2eB1MWVlJjuW43RPJvdX1jhBvb1R_fmSCDvDP6LcFMW5GxIsahK7DTyALOaCTXt3hUf2nzHBlYD9r_LQr0ECW0kc5khmc1CLbgn9H9NH0xq42PNVCi/s1600/Time-07.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCmDUoOHB51zKRx_lKFk0LwC5T1cRIbyo2GJNXHOR8-jIDbbxBT9Ev8OsT0x4DvadjIMDvrJcz_ybN4BcIyRjqv75iDZNDABJk2I1R-d6u0iftswZXTRrFMIrMCqopxk_SYROPO4QLdy0/s1600/Time-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCmDUoOHB51zKRx_lKFk0LwC5T1cRIbyo2GJNXHOR8-jIDbbxBT9Ev8OsT0x4DvadjIMDvrJcz_ybN4BcIyRjqv75iDZNDABJk2I1R-d6u0iftswZXTRrFMIrMCqopxk_SYROPO4QLdy0/s1600/Time-08.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72A5SQF4cgvu17IREoFf2aq43ngEOoSkbIgd8aU9EXdm5hG-MN7zngFD9kHaHTFbPFsvCs-GfBcpdLiPLWYk328MLdNlawTT-XSxgMGeX91b5WCoWwbthhzsY-cQ1rvuvOtTdAIw1e5TM/s1600/Time-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72A5SQF4cgvu17IREoFf2aq43ngEOoSkbIgd8aU9EXdm5hG-MN7zngFD9kHaHTFbPFsvCs-GfBcpdLiPLWYk328MLdNlawTT-XSxgMGeX91b5WCoWwbthhzsY-cQ1rvuvOtTdAIw1e5TM/s1600/Time-09.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePJQh6dkTqsr9aFhD9vDmPQdkXDXBq4nMYEWbBT0e0n1bgaIrl7daLZq2juwIU_4LrrYVXDNEXsdyjT2TwSl5vzgle_wI6eqDUW1nYypLIHdR6yIzTdxrb_s0nkQhmDqX-YpvnB351mL/s1600/Time-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePJQh6dkTqsr9aFhD9vDmPQdkXDXBq4nMYEWbBT0e0n1bgaIrl7daLZq2juwIU_4LrrYVXDNEXsdyjT2TwSl5vzgle_wI6eqDUW1nYypLIHdR6yIzTdxrb_s0nkQhmDqX-YpvnB351mL/s1600/Time-10.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkuc2FuRr2Tvm-PJKfxoJXGWyPaCaXDwm_oLCInbSo94gul-sDy_3WZd116fDBxLAQA1hyfhQv_J3XgtRvqfPtu7b6v8-jdu0yMNTzdjRJtdB5mdzKYc2IrhC2luejkuSvajwlyzttH-O/s1600/Time-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkuc2FuRr2Tvm-PJKfxoJXGWyPaCaXDwm_oLCInbSo94gul-sDy_3WZd116fDBxLAQA1hyfhQv_J3XgtRvqfPtu7b6v8-jdu0yMNTzdjRJtdB5mdzKYc2IrhC2luejkuSvajwlyzttH-O/s1600/Time-11.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Some rather nice 1930s houses are vanishing, ironically replaced by modernist buildings that are actually based on the 1920s architectural style of the Bauhaus. Pink and Yellow are giving way to a variety of shades of grey and a lot of green space has gone. I don't dislike the new houses, I would love to live in one, they are probably superb living machines, but the character of the area is changing. The softness of age is being replaced by hard edges. It is also noticeable in some cases that low hedges and iron gates are being replaced by high walls and impenetrable hedges. The redistribution of wealth in society from the poor to the rich has struck me as something similar to the change that happened in England as Anglo-Saxon gave way to Norman and the medieval world concentrated wealth in the hands of a tiny aristocracy. These new houses echo the high-walled castles built by the Normans to subdue the English.<br />
<br />
This is simply an exploration of a few ideas coupled with a little pseudo political commentary. Might become something, might not.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-14538595237608902952014-01-21T15:19:00.001+01:002014-01-21T15:20:14.258+01:00WeddingAnyone who knows me or has read my blog will now that I do the occasional wedding, and that whilst I grumble about it I secretly enjoy creating photographs that I know will have deep meaning to someone for many years to come. It is easy to be dismissive of Wedding Photography as a genre, but it is where many of us can make a living with a camera and lets be honest these are photographs that will be seen more and shown more that any art work that we will ever do. Conversely there is a repetition to the process, the day follows a pattern as do the photos, and convention demands that I take certain shots. There is a little space for self expression but not very much.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once in a while, though, something special comes along that brings a new challenge and sense of achievement. In October last year this was presented by the wedding of my sister in law, Irene to Donal. They had first met many years ago when Irene was a student and Donal a history professor at the American University in Munich. My wife even took classes with him. A few years ago they bumped into one another again, a conversation became a romance that resulted in a wedding. Heidi and I were astonished, we had Irene down as the resolutely independent single gal. However, there is someone out there for all of us, it is simply that sometimes the wait is longer than expected.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As the family photographer I was immediately on point with instructions to enjoy the day as well as take photos. Hmmm, I have heard that before a few times, doesn't normally work, but this time it did. We had a great day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The wedding came with a few challenges. First of all, although both live in Munich they are US citizens and that makes getting married in Germany very complex. After a few months of creative bureaucratic blocking by the German authorities we all headed to Copenhagen, the Las Vegas of Europe, a city that only asks for a birth certificate and passport. Irene and Donal were going to be married in the city registry office which does not sound like a lot, but we were in for a surprise. This presented a couple of challenges for me. Firstly registry office weddings are very short and there is a very limited time to take photos. The other was created by the incredibly low light in the wedding room. This meant working quickly in very tough lighting conditions. Finally they wanted a relaxing day and not to be bugged all the time by a flash gun going off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The key here was to go with the flow, grab shots as and when I could, almost like street photography. Balancing flash and ambient light was harder than usual, too much flash and I would blow everything out, too little and I risked hand shake in the images. Movement from dark to light also challenged my maximum shutter speed on the flash. I lost a few images to over exposure when the camera stuck at 1/200 to sync with the flash - oh for a decent auto ISO on a Canon DSLR!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But it worked in the end and I ended up with a record of a very special day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The wedding chapel was a marvelous space, brightly painted with Viking sagas, a celebration of Danish culture and history. This is the waiting room</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmP3_Ob7y1qs38cbBMxZhfiemRgfZfPvECnPsBQkp2RPf2w2z49g2uzOy0Fh-D68OBQc8UWrkhJrkEeidOZ-nuNDivq7BKvqwNFdXtFO5UbeuieMY-bIxYftpP_Mbu7oP0XsTZ8w2_kD5/s1600/Irene-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmP3_Ob7y1qs38cbBMxZhfiemRgfZfPvECnPsBQkp2RPf2w2z49g2uzOy0Fh-D68OBQc8UWrkhJrkEeidOZ-nuNDivq7BKvqwNFdXtFO5UbeuieMY-bIxYftpP_Mbu7oP0XsTZ8w2_kD5/s1600/Irene-001.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and a shot taken from the balcony of the chapel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMwcb_ZGwrSuaXscHHRRvrVPl8azIFtIO9vU2jAYB7hyphenhypheni-9pS3QBf1H_COQAF-tGAe0oPMHoeE2RosOXxWAAlgycRe9wehNHNFj8UXmpduSsswQ8lxOHMCDtNqk4E3ipp46aER2snudbw/s1600/Irene-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMwcb_ZGwrSuaXscHHRRvrVPl8azIFtIO9vU2jAYB7hyphenhypheni-9pS3QBf1H_COQAF-tGAe0oPMHoeE2RosOXxWAAlgycRe9wehNHNFj8UXmpduSsswQ8lxOHMCDtNqk4E3ipp46aER2snudbw/s1600/Irene-002.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The wedding party, a very small group, Irene is second from the left, Donal on the far right. On the left os my wife Heidi, the other couple are Donal's son and his fiance (they are marrying this week, fortunately not wanting any photos).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjxy1Aoy8VpLpR-AHxrjQGoyi64_b6OxD1Gm1C4-da7A5JJPymE5e6sVNjhTzMYAHmyGLz2NUTl71Qnu37n_fdmMQ5U9rMqt6kKw7iUf0LEJoUenIIvzK7CyvPhE8qNuQVwlB6MyqzDni/s1600/Irene-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjxy1Aoy8VpLpR-AHxrjQGoyi64_b6OxD1Gm1C4-da7A5JJPymE5e6sVNjhTzMYAHmyGLz2NUTl71Qnu37n_fdmMQ5U9rMqt6kKw7iUf0LEJoUenIIvzK7CyvPhE8qNuQVwlB6MyqzDni/s1600/Irene-003.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We only had 20 minutes or so, so I got busy and captured a few "moments".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8rii20oz9yIt8QaRCPIxAdJGRZkzbAarT8H4XuuiidoemWX_Cwtpf0ZsxqDLb2OG6FBBu-tuwvOwowzAUbp8_cloK6Q3BkxO9TtgGkHf69unGY2Vb9nAYR9CMfJvp-80pajHtYbq53oC/s1600/Irene-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8rii20oz9yIt8QaRCPIxAdJGRZkzbAarT8H4XuuiidoemWX_Cwtpf0ZsxqDLb2OG6FBBu-tuwvOwowzAUbp8_cloK6Q3BkxO9TtgGkHf69unGY2Vb9nAYR9CMfJvp-80pajHtYbq53oC/s1600/Irene-004.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Soon the official arrived, looking very solemn in her robes, but a really cheerful happy person who added to the experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFfrFugo8sosomq-4pIAdbDKlbFZkA63-4lES_a1rZCsTaaTZFu7fzPYVDHm8bomdIQdDisiFSfo5RVYvQZp4FjpFCQIoBA0mNxLf4nMKXEOhWxVXJQ47HXizXZvERcT5jqVYSsPRySC9/s1600/Irene-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFfrFugo8sosomq-4pIAdbDKlbFZkA63-4lES_a1rZCsTaaTZFu7fzPYVDHm8bomdIQdDisiFSfo5RVYvQZp4FjpFCQIoBA0mNxLf4nMKXEOhWxVXJQ47HXizXZvERcT5jqVYSsPRySC9/s1600/Irene-005.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
As mentioned above the wedding room was dark, very dark, but so richly decorated. Over doing the flash would have been a crime, this was not easy photography.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBw7VzoPZDCCCdCUIn-UrQlIJsyjNjpD6IFkLhv5Cq2iNqMcNH1xpYu5QdvUm99vVcEZHqlFBOV0YDsz_tt1W0bevQuu8PLTdGMuvKEgRu8EqAqTeh34ZewIlJiCvtjXcmslYQBigmDA6/s1600/Irene-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBw7VzoPZDCCCdCUIn-UrQlIJsyjNjpD6IFkLhv5Cq2iNqMcNH1xpYu5QdvUm99vVcEZHqlFBOV0YDsz_tt1W0bevQuu8PLTdGMuvKEgRu8EqAqTeh34ZewIlJiCvtjXcmslYQBigmDA6/s1600/Irene-006.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQNdWi0RSJj_Y4Xi0Payr_mum52rKvUur0DbHW4NCQxklMAhL23GxbjRERztndh3uOLMP03xHl4KsMu_c7C_7i94Kz05pZxaitbyuzAPIkaP6GyCaOxfJYF_h3LKXjOycyme8BYCvI8PJ/s1600/Irene-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQNdWi0RSJj_Y4Xi0Payr_mum52rKvUur0DbHW4NCQxklMAhL23GxbjRERztndh3uOLMP03xHl4KsMu_c7C_7i94Kz05pZxaitbyuzAPIkaP6GyCaOxfJYF_h3LKXjOycyme8BYCvI8PJ/s1600/Irene-007.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The only negative about the experience was the narrow spiral staircase that acted as the only access to the wedding room. It was an old building, but there was no accommodation for any form of disability - we joked it was some kind of Viking test of resolve to climb the stairs, but it was genuinely difficult to go up and down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOZkraW_9wPR6JhXx77r-oA_XEyx3XfDReUj4l4pJm5Gxy1ObQJrf1gjxo4lB7lGIfS4RBpQFJmnTEYKIBu2Fgwtn5Kw1ccEWeLgCqdaoRnR6-YZz1lT0S7X0-c3qFOCygqt11gwlTBOU/s1600/Irene-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOZkraW_9wPR6JhXx77r-oA_XEyx3XfDReUj4l4pJm5Gxy1ObQJrf1gjxo4lB7lGIfS4RBpQFJmnTEYKIBu2Fgwtn5Kw1ccEWeLgCqdaoRnR6-YZz1lT0S7X0-c3qFOCygqt11gwlTBOU/s1600/Irene-008.jpg" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
These two capture their joy, it was simply a great day<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnQIKs83ddPSKjCOWrOCFm60R5ArmC6G2snZfM3RUAkd-IXOFgZknGi4iVO2GY0cwpyiLEZxuD0lkCrS-TkNr3hYrG4cD3w0OMOsMKjKlLOh3I8cteR-v9GyWqmVkQo19sLrdiUsYAvQb/s1600/Irene-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnQIKs83ddPSKjCOWrOCFm60R5ArmC6G2snZfM3RUAkd-IXOFgZknGi4iVO2GY0cwpyiLEZxuD0lkCrS-TkNr3hYrG4cD3w0OMOsMKjKlLOh3I8cteR-v9GyWqmVkQo19sLrdiUsYAvQb/s1600/Irene-009.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1U7uTyFcgS1PMweD5Mj6MrQJBOQfcxF8mklz88XHW2MntLAQzopdeu8NMsmym_prb1lAewF_pif7MUBsyC0gqVLGUm5ZjKmTL6L9g_0zZfaI6qkxD_7KopGBD9ZfjP89dukUFKjDdk7R/s1600/Irene-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1U7uTyFcgS1PMweD5Mj6MrQJBOQfcxF8mklz88XHW2MntLAQzopdeu8NMsmym_prb1lAewF_pif7MUBsyC0gqVLGUm5ZjKmTL6L9g_0zZfaI6qkxD_7KopGBD9ZfjP89dukUFKjDdk7R/s1600/Irene-010.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Donal and son<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mUlFMb3VpVD0jcqW04lQR32ZuHt9LTLqgE9qO1KKt5NXFlyMMWK5EiJXLsfeDYDxa3ieOFCmrmGSyAIvH8RruIco0kjFVQO-lYCDRqXg2l3XSkk8LbqOTOCLk4BHfbuLXEkVAbfBpnDX/s1600/Irene-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mUlFMb3VpVD0jcqW04lQR32ZuHt9LTLqgE9qO1KKt5NXFlyMMWK5EiJXLsfeDYDxa3ieOFCmrmGSyAIvH8RruIco0kjFVQO-lYCDRqXg2l3XSkk8LbqOTOCLk4BHfbuLXEkVAbfBpnDX/s1600/Irene-011.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to! I saw the truck coming and quickly yelled at the couple to pose. They were confused but obeyed, then looked over their shoulders and laughed. It was a day that definitely called for a Carlsberg - well in truth anything but that watery crap, but anyway the motif was apt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTs7shnmmgXXyRhGloA9u7-hgY1DwHfihC61qaRpAc2Idh4oua0BF9C9sW8vVHqJe5bd4hgJPVjGdA10D2gz0khsepfsee7iFbNWvKVmkCAflHMVtcYY-C76cB1moS_GpAjwKmK4VxRoD/s1600/Irene-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTs7shnmmgXXyRhGloA9u7-hgY1DwHfihC61qaRpAc2Idh4oua0BF9C9sW8vVHqJe5bd4hgJPVjGdA10D2gz0khsepfsee7iFbNWvKVmkCAflHMVtcYY-C76cB1moS_GpAjwKmK4VxRoD/s1600/Irene-012.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a chance for a few formals, not too many - they insisted on not being too formal!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSV5LAweXmjicXuXAdMe2F-f9pn5Fnyr3kchxmY0hyphenhyphenCoNTsJcwaRiL8ATXEMb7Dw0QTGHF1V9SEEwaKlXrQHOnkADWEy66U2Kd8B76U1gDHH2zSAxWtqY1hBxhpYgh8AlxiomPQCfr9lj/s1600/Irene-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSV5LAweXmjicXuXAdMe2F-f9pn5Fnyr3kchxmY0hyphenhyphenCoNTsJcwaRiL8ATXEMb7Dw0QTGHF1V9SEEwaKlXrQHOnkADWEy66U2Kd8B76U1gDHH2zSAxWtqY1hBxhpYgh8AlxiomPQCfr9lj/s1600/Irene-013.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7L1ZW7as7qupATRM_t5Wn8FNjGYl161Uacrtpj3L0xEiK6aW5HQdvYGPZ7BoKLpGuWdXMYl0HHOWDspFbtM-zN5E0xdozEk2DdHOyUsxWXIxwD1RP6dve3v2Ayxr-LCIbN8cA1ypl09d/s1600/Irene-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7L1ZW7as7qupATRM_t5Wn8FNjGYl161Uacrtpj3L0xEiK6aW5HQdvYGPZ7BoKLpGuWdXMYl0HHOWDspFbtM-zN5E0xdozEk2DdHOyUsxWXIxwD1RP6dve3v2Ayxr-LCIbN8cA1ypl09d/s1600/Irene-014.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I always create a book from my weddings and if possible like to have a shot of the rings covering the bouquet. To soften the image I dropped the clarity slider in Lightroom way down, one of the few occasions when reducing sharpness works<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm4SM6pNghrSITzrLlL7X5qRb0uMIM7ZN-rdvt9EFO4IXNJuaW5TyQGIqQMzn2uwzxE1xPsKmf86JJ8LAGeigXagYBtk54XB2bjlIalSs0b06CCtOjzvMBLPSw96NvMq7BuA_z4PUZYP_/s1600/Irene-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm4SM6pNghrSITzrLlL7X5qRb0uMIM7ZN-rdvt9EFO4IXNJuaW5TyQGIqQMzn2uwzxE1xPsKmf86JJ8LAGeigXagYBtk54XB2bjlIalSs0b06CCtOjzvMBLPSw96NvMq7BuA_z4PUZYP_/s1600/Irene-015.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A great day and a record that I know for sure will be cherished for many years to come.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Honestly, I have had enough of weddings now. I am reasonably proficient as a wedding photographer, not particularly special, but able to do the job required. I could be a lot better, but that would require doing more than my current 1 or 2 events a year and really upping my game. My issue is not that I don't enjoy doing the work, I am just not learning very much any more. If anyone asks I will say yes as I like to help my friends out, but I will not actively seek this type of work. It is no bad thing to have a decent wedding portfolio, there is money to be made (I still have yet to charge), but it is a huge time sync, especially when already working a tough job.</div>
Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-41180184057350940692014-01-21T11:54:00.001+01:002014-01-21T12:04:19.197+01:00Kodak Tri-X 400An odd title for an odd post. A year ago I began shooting film with my new <a href="http://sclarke-socdoc.blogspot.de/2012/12/trying-something-different.html">medium format folding camera</a>. I shot 7 rolls of film, took 4 to the camera store, keeping back 3 for me to learn the process of developing, another project that was consigned to the dustbin of overwork. The exposed films sat on a shelf mocking me every time I saw them, a constant reminder of failure. <br />
<br />
With my new found enthusiasm and commitment I finally got off my backside and headed down town to <a href="http://www.foto-video-sauter.de/">Sauter</a> Munich's largest camera shop and one that still actively promotes and supports film photography. OK, I should have developed them myself, but a step at a time. A week later I had a bit of work to do with my scanner. The films were over a year old, so it was quite interesting to see what I was thinking back then. One of the rolls was some nice snow scenes, pretty, but more an exercise in exposure latitude than anything else. The other two, however, were rather interesting. <br />
<br />
One of the films was shot on a hard winter day whilst walking along the Isar river. My mood at the time was very bleak, I was struggling with the course and losing confidence in myself as a photographer, I think the photographs reflect that feeling.<br />
<br />
I have slightly cropped the first photograph, there was some distracting detail to the right side, however, this is the only photo I have cropped. I find the huge viewfinder allows me to frame more accurately and the square format somehow makes achieving verticals easier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg6DuYfHcVVwT0PbIELmRnKnLzcmk9-dmbM4X52JHHzxBdbdoLjet-n2n3ADZmw-C2xcqAp0a9ODshRBtRnFfKNU7fi-H3xQq6qbk3WNrSwHWty9lLj97cIPKwqllr_nRCqVyYmwMA_Uq/s1600/B&W-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg6DuYfHcVVwT0PbIELmRnKnLzcmk9-dmbM4X52JHHzxBdbdoLjet-n2n3ADZmw-C2xcqAp0a9ODshRBtRnFfKNU7fi-H3xQq6qbk3WNrSwHWty9lLj97cIPKwqllr_nRCqVyYmwMA_Uq/s1600/B&W-001.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once in the trees the bleakness of the landscape really comes out, and again the framing is far more carefully managed than with Digital, every photo was clearly thought about and planned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzO3dra8ypUiNxe2lsfTrtWnBt7iKyqoZqfudpKfR9W3ffy7G7hOYIZT6eaAL1G5gG3FIO1i9I5MGLfkv-5iFJb0etDSRbgw3VggVbc-Gpi6V3aMCAaUfeEu5pkNkLorPQpE4pgLjCV1Z/s1600/B&W-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzO3dra8ypUiNxe2lsfTrtWnBt7iKyqoZqfudpKfR9W3ffy7G7hOYIZT6eaAL1G5gG3FIO1i9I5MGLfkv-5iFJb0etDSRbgw3VggVbc-Gpi6V3aMCAaUfeEu5pkNkLorPQpE4pgLjCV1Z/s1600/B&W-002.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-Dh7FdhRxaJ9kW_PHEhxdLFGN9Chfyv8DfyBoGQpK_hUs0qDkMfFKvI8XAMH-pJ7ocXs4aDpEGztHxFqrABh65GuuzxwkkrwZcRKaB7Cg63gjKWagLa3aZke17xaG0MGzK9PsVeMu0Dm/s1600/B&W-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-Dh7FdhRxaJ9kW_PHEhxdLFGN9Chfyv8DfyBoGQpK_hUs0qDkMfFKvI8XAMH-pJ7ocXs4aDpEGztHxFqrABh65GuuzxwkkrwZcRKaB7Cg63gjKWagLa3aZke17xaG0MGzK9PsVeMu0Dm/s1600/B&W-003.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-zyOcHthTswlPQ3hOGRD8aoUDO_MQf76-55hIKP8ZrwZOO9V-lTO-eebYlWOZKSDvCVwlSBJJh03X9zJCkRMFLvInGVDFwv9Y_NFbvp-NhJsYXs_bNqYAJd7VBzhNMcID2Z6_spgTnAI/s1600/B&W-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-zyOcHthTswlPQ3hOGRD8aoUDO_MQf76-55hIKP8ZrwZOO9V-lTO-eebYlWOZKSDvCVwlSBJJh03X9zJCkRMFLvInGVDFwv9Y_NFbvp-NhJsYXs_bNqYAJd7VBzhNMcID2Z6_spgTnAI/s1600/B&W-004.jpg" height="395" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There is also something about medium format and the softness of background blur that works for me visually:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_srMN_HAbcVQfS_WxDxzyay1akuQ5wGysmRWWuv5itm6X8ZlUvz23jMopz4RlxpYvvdkcFAK2X5jpuPKtLVCugMGs13RZ9AqbUcmXqZSB21YBDJd86xm0qS4xuhqdfoowH3CdWcgSVHMS/s1600/B&W-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_srMN_HAbcVQfS_WxDxzyay1akuQ5wGysmRWWuv5itm6X8ZlUvz23jMopz4RlxpYvvdkcFAK2X5jpuPKtLVCugMGs13RZ9AqbUcmXqZSB21YBDJd86xm0qS4xuhqdfoowH3CdWcgSVHMS/s1600/B&W-005.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The photographs in the woods along the river bank reflect what I was feeling and also perhaps a longing to get back to a more considered approach to photography. I am much more in my element walking slowly and thinking about what it is I want a photograph to present. I enjoy looking at a complex scene and trying to work it out in a photograph, wanting to solve the puzzle of representation. When shooting people I don't have that sense of reflection and have to work far faster than I am comfortable with. I enjoy street work, but am more drawn to the framework of the street rather than the people occupying that space. The people become ornaments, not subjects.<br />
<br />
During the past year I have thought a lot on the topic of representation of the world I experience and what I want to say as a photographer. It must be personal and it must somehow capture my world view. I am increasingly disillusioned by the modern corporate world and consumerism and yet at the same time captured by it. I begin to think of myself as an addict trying to kick a habit. The question will be how to translate that feeling into imagery, no answers yet, maybe in a few years I may develop something. <br />
<br />
In the mean time my last roll of Tri-X was heading in that direction. I spent some time exploring a very fashionable shopping arcade in the city, the images reflecting an interest in the space and what was on sale there. These are not critical photographs, at least not in the way I present them here. Juxtaposed against some of the urban poverty I also see around me they might have a different meaning. Again, food for thought for future studies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSMSUY9is0ihLWTQ6248DlqF4m-oVOSMEsmH3uMDKBlr71f-3UlhjpvOezHQkJR1sWZ8nOK6giN-wtpwZ-iJXYqCsK0_NgUT3xBCEJUTKDO2NEOT6PTJ2JukLLLkcIRSGEVIue7v81WUG/s1600/B&W-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSMSUY9is0ihLWTQ6248DlqF4m-oVOSMEsmH3uMDKBlr71f-3UlhjpvOezHQkJR1sWZ8nOK6giN-wtpwZ-iJXYqCsK0_NgUT3xBCEJUTKDO2NEOT6PTJ2JukLLLkcIRSGEVIue7v81WUG/s1600/B&W-006.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMBRZIrxIwyyR1rjR4WPE16T8C5T4nowBigW3Xkj3vY2AuedGLLXddbRUvHtvCqPxNMOjoNqR-bBwlE0t-L_K0ZN5glOHHRMCQ1IvzGa610r3lTyBa0oIJTdyDb2I2ybjdmH7Fbx3RFqv/s1600/B&W-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMBRZIrxIwyyR1rjR4WPE16T8C5T4nowBigW3Xkj3vY2AuedGLLXddbRUvHtvCqPxNMOjoNqR-bBwlE0t-L_K0ZN5glOHHRMCQ1IvzGa610r3lTyBa0oIJTdyDb2I2ybjdmH7Fbx3RFqv/s1600/B&W-007.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNe-Kc-d2x6MH84FWDyW0j9fvHoJ8atqJTngnXnt9D9yvUzcvEAvRhU9Sz8mHiEU5dswm1II3ZiML2ivTgBWdbiRmaoM5Bsba7ryPUDCN1YdLpr6UGC4fl9ySVO90ptx5NyrBKoILsusB/s1600/B&W-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNe-Kc-d2x6MH84FWDyW0j9fvHoJ8atqJTngnXnt9D9yvUzcvEAvRhU9Sz8mHiEU5dswm1II3ZiML2ivTgBWdbiRmaoM5Bsba7ryPUDCN1YdLpr6UGC4fl9ySVO90ptx5NyrBKoILsusB/s1600/B&W-008.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVGvZLdr7HZORgmkMnFOmzTSRGgaUmJIPRNLrrVB5e6VqDqIgAoJ80xCLZZmwL_6M8o1NpqZdUjpJOIi266rqcJIPpd0rSqM_5Otn1Rod8hZv12nIaHe88-8FYwd2hTtYQZ13Jbfms9uv/s1600/B&W-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVGvZLdr7HZORgmkMnFOmzTSRGgaUmJIPRNLrrVB5e6VqDqIgAoJ80xCLZZmwL_6M8o1NpqZdUjpJOIi266rqcJIPpd0rSqM_5Otn1Rod8hZv12nIaHe88-8FYwd2hTtYQZ13Jbfms9uv/s1600/B&W-009.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE_tRFjRO-4WrWQ8P3rHJHsqi1mFVfS9lgW-Gv6zrv6HD0pXFVXon9ajT4VZkF6EMMCfapZIxx2Dz4P1S7Sj6yQbqO_FN-N5u6Pd6lJDO9EqzAyH9LgGGG9XilvM_uQpDBvmBpCQqbtkO/s1600/B&W-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE_tRFjRO-4WrWQ8P3rHJHsqi1mFVfS9lgW-Gv6zrv6HD0pXFVXon9ajT4VZkF6EMMCfapZIxx2Dz4P1S7Sj6yQbqO_FN-N5u6Pd6lJDO9EqzAyH9LgGGG9XilvM_uQpDBvmBpCQqbtkO/s1600/B&W-010.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Really more of an experiment in shape and form, than social commentary. However, these images give me confidence in the capabilities of film and my GF670. There is a different look, the photographs are more considered and I like the texture of the grain in the film, it somehow conveys the physicality of film. I don't buy into much of the psychobabble about film versus digital, but it is certainly different both in practice and result. Better, nope, but there is a value here, I just need to understand it more and work out how and if to include in my workflow.<br />
<br />
I also notice in these images and in the final outcome of my Fest project that I work better with melancholy subjects, than with light and joy. I have been trying to avoid the photographic cliche of imaging "The Other", revealing what that is broken in society, rather than seeking what works. I feel there is a risk of continually portraying problems rather than solutions, however, one look at the evening news reveals that we are drawn to bad not good news. My initial thoughts about assignment 4 were to do something bright and happy, people enjoying themselves. I am now questioning this. Not because I think it is wrong, in fact I think it would be a better more real study, but it might not be something I can do well. With Fest, I started in colour celebrating the mad joy of the event, I ended in B&W portraying the casualties. It was clear what worked better. I simply do better making photographs that reflect my mood, and my mood is not a bright one these days.Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-18710806992589277692014-01-19T12:11:00.003+01:002014-01-19T12:14:28.638+01:00Assignment 3: Essay CompletedIt took a little longer than I expected, but I finally got the essay in the mail to my tutor this week. Now the wait for feedback. With my last essay for Landscape on Andreas Gursky I was quietly confident that it was a good piece of work, I was very much into the artist and thought I had something interesting to say - my tutor agreed. <br />
<br />
With Robert Frank I am on less secure ground. Rather than making the process easier the vast amount of published information, in particular Sarah Greenough's "Looking In Robert Frank's The Americans", made the task very much harder. What could I say that was not simply a precis of what was already out there, 2,500 words seems like a lot, but is in fact a very short piece of writing. I immediately struggled with the scope of the task I had set myself and quickly realized that I could not write a meaningful essay that covered Frank's complete life and works.<br />
<br />
My initial thoughts had been to look at The Americans and analyze how it had changed photography, a kind of before and after with a brief biography of Frank. My own interest in photography and photographers is very much orientated around this before and after. I have collected photobooks by Hine, Evans, Stieglitz, Adams (A), and Steichen. They all share a careful approach to photography, technically excellent and visually correct. After The Americans came Winogrand, Arbus, Klein, Meyerovitz, and Shore, all embracing the snapshot aesthetic and publishing volumes of work taken with small cameras often of events and stuff that crossed them in the street. As with all transitions this is not clear cut and happened over time, but there is a distinct PF and AF in american photography.<br />
<br />
The problem I had was that writing an essay about this would be to rehash the topic once more and what would I learn from it? Sure there is a historical element here, but I already get that. 3 feet of bookcase are testament to the fact that I have explored these photographer's works. I still think there is value in looking at each of these photographer's contributions and analyzing them in the context of my own thinking, but not for my essay.<br />
<br />
In the end I decided to make this personal and look at Frank through the lens of what I could learn from his development as a photographer, what did he do to get to the point of writing The Americans. This meant asking questions about his earlier work. One thing was immediately apparent. Although we refer to the young Frank at the time of publication of the Americans, he had already been working as a professional photographer for 17 years by then. So what had he been doing for those 17 years?<br />
<br />
This became the theme of the essay and was the first time I had really looked at how an artist developed over time versus considering the finished item of a photograph or book. There was a risk in this approach as my essay might not be "academic" enough, however, the key was that I learned a lot by doing this, a more conventional approach to Frank would have taught me nothing. The final result is not really the point for me here it is the process to get there. Writing the essay took roughly 6 full days of research and development. During that time I steeped myself in the young Frank and his early photographs.<br />
<br />
So what were the conclusions? I finished the essay with the following observations about Frank and what I took from his development:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The first is to think of photographs
not individually, but in relation to one another, bound together by a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">common
narrative. </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Frank showed in his early
work that this narrative need not be temporal nor linear, but a body of work should
have linking themes that ask to be understood by the reader.</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">The second is to consider photography in the
context of other contemporary movements, artistic, but also societal, to
incorporate the zeitgeist into my work.</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Hopefully my next blog entry will be job well done, but if not, another learning experience beckons.</span></div>
Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-21212276228742291172014-01-03T11:25:00.001+01:002014-01-03T11:26:28.647+01:00Assignment 3: down to writingThe dreaded essay, 2,500 words of torture. Well, not really - I have spent much time prevaricating over writing the essay, but in truth it is the easiest of the assignments, a research project combined with a learning transfer. My problem has been that the essay ties me to a keyboard, something I have spent far too much time doing recently, my photography is an escape from the office and computer. <br />
<br />
However, I have 4 free days now, before returning to work; nothing else is planned and whilst I can think of things I might enjoy more than writing this essay, it is not a bad way to spend my time and is something that will grant a much needed sense of achievement once completed. As ever getting down to it is the hardest part and as with all large projects the trick is to divide the work into manageable lumps that I can digest individually and then assemble as a whole.<br />
<br />
The first step is research, learning enough about my subject to be able to say something definitive. My subject is Robert Frank and the spin will be around how he changed the nature of documentary photography with his seminal work, The Americans. Not terribly original, perhaps, but his work has been a constant influence on me for the entire course so far and I feel a deeper investigation will benefit my work. There are a few threads that I want to investigate:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>How Frank developed as a photographer, his learning processes and the route that led to The Americans. This is in a sense more interesting than the finished work of The Americans as I can learn more about my own journey from how he built an education in photography.</li>
<li>How Frank's work influenced those who followed and how he contrasts to those who came before - was Frank the pivot around which 20th century photography turned?</li>
<li>Frank's working method, I think this had as much influence on other photographers as his actual published material, he rejected the careful framing and calculations of Adams and Stieglitz, for what we now see as the seemingly modern funnel approach to photography, shooting thousands of frames and then progressing through a step-wise reduction to a final published set.</li>
<li>Finally, what do I take from this, what do I learn? Why did I choose to study this man and his work?</li>
</ol>
<div>
My basic model for the writing the essay is the following:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Gather printed material. I started with the book, "Looking in Robert Frank's The Americans" a doorstep of a book, hugely useful, but almost too much material. I also have 7 of Frank's photo books, bother pre and post The Americans to use as a visual reference.</li>
<li>Search the Internet. I have used the Wikipedia entry as a starting point. In itself it is pretty sparse, but the references provide links to much more detailed information.</li>
<li>The hard part - reading all this stuff and extracting the elements of information around which I will hang the thesis of the essay. Much use of highlighters and post-its (I cannot bring myself to actually write on a book - heresy).</li>
<li>Create an outline with the larger subject headers - basically a series of questions that I need to answer</li>
<li>For each subject header generate a paragraph list that ties the facts and quotes from my research into the framework of the essay.</li>
<li>Write a first draft</li>
<li>Review and think a while...</li>
<li>Write a second draft and get Heidi to proof read for me</li>
<li>Add in references and clean up for final submission</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
My biggest challenge at the moment is to avoid over-working this process, the essay should be a learning experience that helps me to place my work within a historical context, it is not an end in itself and as a 2nd year undergraduate I am unlikely to add any new thinking to a very crowded commentary.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next step - read the pile of printed web articles and speed read the following:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410Ph-hzvPL._SX342_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought this 3 years ago from Amazon, was then an expensive book at 38 pounds, but is now advertised as 149 new (phew!)</div>
Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154902648475259436.post-85827801138553487032013-12-31T11:12:00.004+01:002013-12-31T11:12:54.695+01:00A year ends...And what a year, zero progress as a student with the OCA, getting preciously close to giving it all in. The death of someone very close to me at the end of 2012 was followed by a dramatic change in my working circumstances. Somehow these combined to knock me off my photographic feet and I never managed to get up again. <br />
<br />
In this blog I have documented a few plans, false dawns that ultimately led nowhere, I could never gather the necessary momentum to restart my work. The fundamental challenge is time, through 2013 worked an average 60 hour week, 12 hours a day sitting opposite a computer keyboard - I start around 7am and work until 7pm, or later if I am foolish enough to take a lunch break. The work is highly pressured and intellectually demanding, there is little left in me at the end of the day and the weekends have become an alcohol assisted recovery (assuming I am not working over the weekend to catch up on something). In December work finally eased off and I was able to plan a 3 week break over Christmas, time to catch up (and consume unused vacation time). A trapped nerve in my neck ended any hope of using the time for photography - my work still had the last laugh, with the parting gift of an RSI typical for a keyboard based worker. The steroid injection in my spine was less painful than the condition, grrr.... I have to be careful not to complain too much, it is a good job and well paid, there is simply too much of it. <br />
<br />
The net is that once again I am writing a blog entry trying to make sense of where I am and where to go next. My blog is becoming a diary of angst and stress rather than a celebration of my learning, however, it is therapeutic and writing this stuff down helps me to organize my thoughts. So, with the end of the year and the start of a new one I arrive at a decision point, I must find a way to re-incorporate the OCA into my life or be honest with myself and accept that my attempt at an arts degree has failed. This is within my control, it is my choice.<br />
<br />
As I reflect on 2013, it was not all bad, I have had two photos published in the Big Issue in the North,this was in the 1-7 July issue:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnDOy6ye2irVnGj5uUo-a4zcZPeSMMvfjdZ54JIb4YBxPmcO7rpCfahX4zEyRhTv_NjvJ5TuCGQzM5QSHo337oxsG-UaF1mNxt1-9Hf8S2xTaMKYxJYZcLDGHEy-x4HmjKbC1duOKWzpU/s1600/Scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnDOy6ye2irVnGj5uUo-a4zcZPeSMMvfjdZ54JIb4YBxPmcO7rpCfahX4zEyRhTv_NjvJ5TuCGQzM5QSHo337oxsG-UaF1mNxt1-9Hf8S2xTaMKYxJYZcLDGHEy-x4HmjKbC1duOKWzpU/s400/Scan.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
I also photographed two weddings, one in the North of Ireland, another in Denmark (not blogged yet), plus the engagement of a Turkish couple here in Munich. Note to self - start asking for money:)<br />
<br />
A super trip to the Philippines yielded some great underwater imagery.<br />
<br />
What came as more of a surprise was the use by the OCA of two of my photographs. I came across these by accident, browsing the new OCA web site and spotting them. Both are images from my final assignment for People and Place and show scenes of Munich subway stations. The first adorns the cover of the newly rewritten DPP course:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUmQCvy8X9yZMKEo8n9x42FlhYt79JxHcuJkkrwGiBK_tiY8h_AJli3lyw27dJ4pGbSjOVHCSC6gkOfj1f06RyfivfQvxjn7nCCRICfIKwpKviMsYnAH9s-97hz9Fcx_0YlzML4wpWPAk/s1600/DPP-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUmQCvy8X9yZMKEo8n9x42FlhYt79JxHcuJkkrwGiBK_tiY8h_AJli3lyw27dJ4pGbSjOVHCSC6gkOfj1f06RyfivfQvxjn7nCCRICfIKwpKviMsYnAH9s-97hz9Fcx_0YlzML4wpWPAk/s400/DPP-Cover.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
The other is an illustration on a web page outlining the Writing Skills course in the Creative Writing degree pathway on Oca-uk.com<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX2euc7C0IclzIEL3G8vnOSDBVq3NvK_Iv_clP2oOs1EcWDWvZkgx70yzT-yXnYLtkU2jQMCNsVTCM3L1Tqq330ACP68kugaD-Z33c0MV93ECyzDmaQAX0m8JXVAtCoMKhJgMVacufgpF/s1600/Writing+Skills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX2euc7C0IclzIEL3G8vnOSDBVq3NvK_Iv_clP2oOs1EcWDWvZkgx70yzT-yXnYLtkU2jQMCNsVTCM3L1Tqq330ACP68kugaD-Z33c0MV93ECyzDmaQAX0m8JXVAtCoMKhJgMVacufgpF/s400/Writing+Skills.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.oca-uk.com/subjects/creative-writing/writing-1-writing-skills.html">http://www.oca-uk.com/subjects/creative-writing/writing-1-writing-skills.html</a></div>
<br />
It might have been nice to be informed of their use, but no problem really, I am just delighted that my work is held in high enough regard to be used by the OCA in their own material. This cheered me up immensely and reinforced the link that I feel to the college. <br />
<br />
This brings me back to where I am and where I am going.<br />
<br />
I have written to the OCA office to ask about my options. I have two years to complete Social Documentary, that time runs out in June. I asked for extra time, answer was no, my reasons are not good enough. I also have until Sept 2016 to complete my year 2 studies. This leaves me with three options:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Quit the OCA</li>
<li>Complete Soc Doc in the next 6 months. I have 3 assignments to complete, although most of the photographic work is done, so not an impossible hurdle.</li>
<li>Quit Soc Doc and start a new course - Documentary. </li>
</ol>
<div>
OK, I am not going to quit OCA, it might happen by default if I run out of time, but I will not consciously make that decision. That leaves options 2 and 3. The new course is attractive as it would provide a good stepping stone to Level 3. I am concerned that I have recently gone backwards rather than progressing. However, I have some good material for the current course and I feel I should try and complete. If I fail to make the deadline then I will have to do option 3. So my decision is to continue with SD and try and make the June deadline for the 3 remaining assignments - going to need to start on the essay pretty soon...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All of this can only happen if I get my life in order and find a way to get out from under my current workload. the good thing is that my managers are all aware that we cannot keep up this workload without something breaking (in my case my neck was the indicator that the break was coming). I also need to start getting out of the house more often and reduce my reliance on alcohol to relax on the weekends. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3 weeks ago I had my 50th birthday, so now is a time to start thinking about the rest of my life, what I want to do with it, and most importantly how long it is going to be. Changes are needed and I plan to use the OCA as a vehicle to make those changes. I must make time for my course and that can only come from a reduction in my working week, so here is where I must start. Will not be easy even with the law in Germany making a working week of more than 48 hours illegal. However, I must find a way to say no and work smarter to avoid our perennial fire drill exercises. Alcohol, well that one is easy enough to manage, just needs some will power and the realization that I am no longer 20. Exercise, camera in hand a long walk can be a journey of discovery.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thinking back on my photographic work, I think this year long break might actually help, it has allowed me to reflect on what I am interested in. While I have done little real work, I have spent many nights awake thinking about it. The corporate world and its collision with society is a theme that I would like to explore further. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next stop a pile of books about Robert Frank.</div>
<br />
<br />Shaun Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675667011829011320noreply@blogger.com1