PHOTOGRAPHING THE UNSEEN – RELATIONSHIPS
Having given considerable thought and planning to this Assignment as evidenced by an earlier post I have decided to explore a number of aspects of the subject of relationships in a visual way. In keeping with the aim of this Assignment I am using visual allusion and metaphor to represent some of the feelings and appearances of relationships in the hope that the images will convey some of the depth and complexity of such experiences. In this instance, the images I have selected portray both the experience of romantic relationship and the relationship I have experienced with the OCA photography course as there are many similarities.
In keeping with what I believe is appropriate with contemporary conceptual photographic art I will not give an explanatory text to aid viewers understanding but will leave it to the viewer to derive whatever meaning they can and to ask questions whilst giving no definitive answers. Indeed, I am aware that many, if not all, of the images can be read in a number of ways, reflecting the complex and changing nature of relationship and the uncertainty about what is really going on that can be experienced by an outside observer. I have my own understanding of what the images mean and of their significance to me, but even so I am aware of multiple possible meanings not all of which might be true for me. Whilst it is my hope that the images will speak to others, I have no way of knowing whether they will or whether the viewers will be bemused or feel disengaged by some or all of them. This is new ground for me and not one that I am entirely comfortable with.
In order to create a series of images that have continuity and visual consistency I have used the editing software of Lightroom to crop the images, convert them to black & white and adjust contrast to create a similar visual appearance. I chose to use the black & white format as I wanted the compositional elements within the images to stand out and for the viewer not to be confused or distracted by the use of colour.
I will be publishing a Reflection and Check against Assessment criteria on this Assignment work as a separate post.
—– o0o —–
IMAGE 1
IMAGE 2
IMAGE 3
IMAGE 4
IMAGE 5
IMAGE 6
IMAGE 7
IMAGE 8
IMAGE 9
IMAGE 10
IMAGE 11
IMAGE 12
———- o0o ———-
DAVID GARDNER PHOTOGRAPHY 
I really like this set, David. There’s so much to think about with them, and the aesthetic is interesting too. My favourite is the two old grinding wheels – there is so much information in that single images. I’m not sure about whether the teddy bear one really fits the series though. All the others have a link with rock, but not that one. Can you give some explanation of why you included it, please?
Thank you for your positive comments, Holly, and for your feedback on the teddy bear image. I take your point completely and might change that image before I submit the Assignment. I was aware that it does stand out as being somewhat out on its own, but then relationships often do have elements that don’t seem to fit! 🙂 My reasoning behind its inclusion was that I was aware that the series otherwise gave a rather cold, negative and depressing view of relationships and I wanted to add an element of softness and togetherness in order to give a fuller view of the breadth of feelings and realities experienced in relationships. I guess I didn’t want to give the impression that I viewed it all as negative and hard as this might lead to negative responses from viewers. I was also drawn to the battered and time worn appearance of the bears which sheds a different light on the experience of relationship.
I guess that I have to some extent fallen between two stools. On the one hand I have successfully met the required criterion of coherent content with the majority of images and then dropped it with the bear shot. Conversely, if I wished to include the bear shot then I would have done better to establish coherency by having a more diverse style and content of images with the aim of covering all aspects of relationships to cover the soft and woolly sides as well as the bleaker elements.
Much food for thought for which I thank you. I will review the work before submission.
Hi, Holly.
As you will see I have taken the decision to change the image of two bears for one of two limpets which I hope you will agree better fits the theme. Thanks for your helpful observation.
I think that works better, David. Best of luck.