‘When somebody sees something and experience it – that’s when art happens’.
(Hans-Peter Feldman)
If photography is an event then looking photography should also be an event. Look again at Henry Cartier-Bresson’s recent photograph Behind the Gare Saint-Lazard in Part Three. (If you can get to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London you can see in original print on permanent display in the Photography Gallery). Is there a single element in the image that you could say in the pivotal ‘point’ to which the eye returns again and again? What information does this point contain? Remember that a ‘point’ is not a shape. It may be a place, or even a ‘discontinuity’ – a gap. The most important thing though it’s not to try to guess the ‘right answer’ but to make a creative response, to articulate your ‘personal voice’.
include a short response to Behind the Glare Saint-Lazare in your learning log. You can be as imaginative as you like. In order to contextualise your discussion, you might want to include one or two of your own shots, and you may wish to refer to Rinko Kawauchi’s Photograph mentioned above or the Theatres series by Hiroshi Sugimoto discussed in Part Three. Write about 300 words Sakamoto discussed in part three. Write about 300 words.
Exemplar:
John Adrian Orr: https://Johnaorroca.wordpress.com/category/coursework/Part-5/
Hans-Peter Feldman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPPhiSgv5fw [accessed 25/01/18]
Which of the shooting modes did you use to shoot the final practical exercise of the course (Exercise 5.2.)? If each preset could give you a perfect photograph in any category, which categories would you have on your mode dial? Beauty? Creativity? The poet Philip Larkin said photographs ‘lacerate simply by being over’. In the ‘memento’ setting, each photograph will be a perfect snapshot of any given moment.
Exercise 5.3: Looking at Photography Event Occurrence of Connection to a happening
Photography is an exercise practice of capturing images on film or digital images that capture incoming light. It is the act of photographing that for me is most enjoyable. I believe the recording of shooting a photograph is an event in itself, an expression that captures the event taking place live and therefore, looking at a photograph becomes a significant event in itself.
Looking at ‘Behind the Glare Saint Lazare’ by Henry Cartier-Bresson reminds one of the reason I love visually studying appeasing or unique images. This image by Henry Cartier-Bresson reminded me of all that I have learnt through the OCA to date in one single image.
For this exercise I am happy to study the chosen image which is visually engrossing. I am personally aware of this image as it is one that we have looked at previously. When I review the image I am immediately drawn to the man rapidly springing across the water and his reflection. I am personally interested to know more about the narrative situation and my eyes are naturally following organic leading lines. The man is important but I feel the whole image works and engages viewing. If the man was the only focus without combined foreground and background then it would be just another picture. Some images can often look similar. Henri has documented this image by allowing one to sense an emotional moment as he did, a spontaneous reflection.
There are other areas within the frame that I am drawn to like the the shadowing on the puddle of water. The whole image has established an interest. The moment is a decisive moment which was fundamentally intuitive nevertheless, spontaneous. A candid image which captures the event of taking images.
These image is clearly by a professional photographer because of the apparent technical abilities and understanding of compositions. He uses black-and-white, captures creatively with such enthusiasm. Cogent forms are framed interestingly and the subject matters leads to other strong leading lines. There is great use of light and shadows. It is one of those images that I’m always drawn and can to always picture in my mind.
There is not just a single point of interest. The image is memorable because of the way the visuals are unrefined using the rule of thirds, bisecting within the frame. A natural creation of interest and depth is apparent. The image horizon gives the whole result great compositions.
He captures wonderful subjects that give a display of geometrical points – with this shot he captures the decisive moment. directional position in balancing harmonious special weights and balance Overall the whole image is visually congruous.
However, the single element for me would be the leaping man, as he seizes that idea of the transient moment being the most significant part for me. Although, when studying there are several points, of course that one can concentrate on.
The image projects due to the distinctive combined elements of the background, foreground and mid. The importance of light brings the image alive because of the quality of the light in the frame.
To reiterate, the pivotal point for me is the importance of the leaping man. He grabs ones interest for one to make up ones own narrative.
This exercise makes one consider ones own creativity and how techniques can be experimental, adapted and developed into a style or technique that works for me individually. To not be afraid to explore and express. I feel making mistakes along the way is okay… it’s alright, it is good to know what works, what doesn’t, and how to discover how to make change. To continue to research and development an understanding in photography. Creativity can sometimes come from inspiration or can be a candid intuitive experience captured by the senses to click. My own practice is definitely developing and I am looking forward to learning more about this chosen subject even when challenged as I know I am growing and there is always room for growth.
The importance of a subject matter, matters. To conclude, to encapsulate the essence of an event is to capture the decisive moment.
Like the essence of the event being spontaneous and engaging me whilst trying to capture the moment. See above.
I research Rinko Kawauchi in Part Four and found her to be a modern contemporary photographer. She captures the split because she realises it won’t wait for her. The time will not be again take shots of an event happening in the split second that cannot be repeat so she has to be current.
Claire Clark 