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A symposium on the non-technical aspects of photography A synopsis by Alec Dawson
THE LANGUAGE OF PHOTOGRAPHS
“The Photograph is violent: not because it shows violent things, but because on each occasion it fills the sight by force, and because in it nothing can be refused or transformed...” Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography
“…that we can sometimes call it mild does not contradict its violence: many say that sugar is mild, but to me sugar is violent, and I call it so.” Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography
Body
Mind
Soul
Technical
Internal Drivers
Non-Technical
Technical
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
• Composition • Lighting • Exposure • Processing
Non-Technical
Unknown photographer
Photograph by Sally Mann
Photograph by Thomas Leuthard
Photograph by Garry Winogrand
Photograph by Thomas Doering
Photograph by André Kertész
Plut
chik
’s W
heel
of E
mot
ions
(198
0)
The
Feel
ings
Whe
el
Unknown photographer
Unknown by Travis Allen
Photograph by Wang Qing-Song
Photograph by Alec Dawson
Photograph by David LaChapelle
“1984” by Joel Peter Witkin
“Things are queer” by Duane Michals
Photograph by Dorothea Lange
Photograph by Thomas Hoepker
Photograph by Gregory Crewdson
art
Photograph by Markus J. Grimm
Art
Photograph by Sally Mann
Internal Drivers
Why do you do it?
Pleasure
Engagement
Relationships Meaning
Achievement
Remember P.E.R.M.A.
GROUP DISCUSSIONS Value: • Photographer “group therapy” as a means of reflecting a
photographer’s psychology / “eye” back at them • Multiple feedback results in brainstorming / increased creative potential
and insight Tips for improved performance: • Understand the proper semantics (i.e. differentiate lighting from
exposure) • Keep groups to less than 10 people • Contribute new photos to every session • Limit contributions to about 5 -10 photos per person per session • Maintain consistent attendance • Maintain confidentiality • Speak the “truth”… don’t hold back... • Be sensitive an empathetic when you provide constructive criticism. Controls: • Group Moderator • Understand and acknowledge group development:
Forming Norming Storming Performing • The proper etiquette for such feedback discussions • Use standard group therapy guidelines
IN SUMMARY… Technical • Technical proficiency is great • …but in absence of the non-technical aspects it won’t
“save” you. Non-Technical • Look beyond simple aesthetics and the limitations of
basic beauty • Appreciate a wider spectrum of emotions • Pursue Truth… or at least the perception of • Reveal something about humanity and the universe • Create images that encourage thought • Don’t tell the whole story / Allow audience to participate • Understanding the difference between art with a
lowercase “a” and art with an uppercase “A” • Be aware of external influences
CONTINUED… Internal Drivers • Try to understand why you:
– do photography (think P.E.R.MA.) – choose to photograph the things you do – choose to photograph in the manner that you
do Group Discussion • Photographer “group therapy” as a means of
reflecting a photographer’s psychology / “eye” back at them
• Multiple feedback results in brainstorming / increased creative potential and insight
THE END OF PRESENTATION “You cannot depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus” – Mark Twain
Alec Dawson www.AlecDawson.net