Tutor report

Overall Comments The blog is very clearly laid out and this really helps to view the work coherently, the pages presented online really helps to visualize your intent. You have demonstrated a good technical approach to the capture of colour and your work on this is a real strength. The prints are of a good quality and have translated very well from digital. The work presented has a clean and professional look and hangs together coherently. It would be easy to see this in a travel magazine environment. I understand your aim is to go for the Photography/Creative Arts* Degree and that you plan to submit your work for assessment at the end of this course. From the work you have shown in this assignment, and providing you commit yourself to the course, I suggest that you are likely to be successful in the assessment. Feedback on assignment Demonstration of technical and Visual Skills, Quality of Outcome, Demonstration of Creativity Your exploration is considered and thoughtful. You have really engaged in this technical practice looking to produce work suited for the intended outcome. You demonstrate good control of the lighting, and the whole body of work has a holiday feel. The images you have taken exhibit these points well and it can be seen that you have the combination of residents but outsiders eye. The act of creating images suitable for publication and trying to visualize how text is placed with this quite complex. The establishing image works well to support the text and as you suggest this type of image is often used to introduce a place. The image you chose for the second page, is very strong and visually engaging. The light on this is very beautiful, I wonder if this would be a more engaging establishing front page shot? It is very strong and next to the busier more traditional image I do think it has more impact. The other image could be used smaller as it is quite busy but you don’t lose anything if it was not

Student name Rob Townsend Student number 511892

Course/Module People and Place Assignment number Four

produced as large. The other images you considered were bright and bold, although the first image is not as visually interesting as the ones chosen. The alleyway image has some impact. The yellow building front is pleasant although again is not as strong as the one you finally decided on. Interaction shot: The artist at work on the street works well, I am pleased to see you including people as this also provides the suggestion that others go there and maybe I could be one of those people experiencing that space too. It gives the feeling of access. The alternative market shot has potential and the reflection is well seen but it has disengaged feeling, so less of the idea of making the viewer be involved. The detail shot: This study of the traditional seller is challenging to look at as it has some strange equipment! The cone shaped cover is interesting and I think the man with the strange black helmet on is fun to look at. I do like the alternative image with the tangle of aerials. I wonder if this would have been stronger with a tighter crop. Your mention of using the other images as a small body of work with people as the connection, is valid and does work. The image of the red bike is also strong and as you say the colours are amazing, this could be further emphasized with a slightly different composition? The windows to the left are a little distracting and the image does drive the viewer to look there and away from the more graphic blocks of colour. The portrait shot: This is a very engaging image, what lovely facial hair! His face is very expressive, I do hope you stopped and had a chat and a coffee as he does look a little lonely. The other image is well balanced and it is pleasing but it does not have the human connection the other image has. The man looking straight at the camera is very powerful. The closing shot: The detail and lighting in this image are strong and do evoke the idea of life and the end of the day. The bold colours work very well. Your alternative image is strong and graphic and interesting although is a little more distanced feeling. The doorway photo is bold but as you suggest it is a little bit of a change of pace than the other work. Your reflection of the work achieved is useful and recognizing that taking images for an intended outcome is very much a different process. There is always a tension when producing work for an identified outcome, in some ways it gives you a direction but it can sometimes feel as though some creativity is lost. I would suggest it is more about the photographer working with some discipline and often if you are lucky enough to get a commission the reason you are chosen is because of your way of working so this is the negotiation that needs to be undertaken to bring about satisfaction for both parties. Learning Logs or Blogs/Critical essays Context You have articulated your decision making process and given a good description of the technical choices.

You have engaged in some relevant reading and visual exploration and have demonstrated some response to the findings. You have obviously been inspired by McCurry’s work and the look at shoot planning. Suggested reading/viewing Context For a further exploration into editing look at Harold Evans A photographer who uses colour very effectively, Trent Park Read about the place of the document, Liz Wells Pointers for the next assignment Do read around your approaches to continue to develop your theoretical stance. Consider looking at the history and development of documentary/ editorial practice in photography and where it stands in contemporary photography. I think this work could be considered for publication rather than left as an exercise, do some further research into suitable publications? Tutor name: Sam Henderson Date 26/10/2014 Next assignment due 05/12/2014