PwDP Part one: Writing about photography overview

Part one: Writing about photography contains three projects and five exercises:

• Writing descriptively

        Exercise: Describe a photograph
        Exercise: Write a caption

• Writing analytically

        Exercise: Analyse a photograph
        Exercise: Research and analyse

• Reading about photography

        Exercise: Analyse an essay

Project Writing Descriptively

Due to the nature of photography we tend to become more absorbed in the idea of taking a photograph more in the terms of it practicality and technicality. Occasionally it is more useful to take a step back and evalute the timeline between conception to the final product. In the process of completing my NCFE photography courses it was necessary to write a final synopsis of how, why and when images were taken so am familiar with the concept. Having said that because it is something previously undertaken I appreciate just how difficult it can be, it is easy to get bogged down with the focal length. aperture and exposure etc rather than the ideas, feelings and intention behind the shot. The other problem is for shots whch just 'work' and are happy accidents. Trying to then attribute a backstory is when you can fall into the track of spouting rubbish just for the sake of it...or as a discussion on the weareoca thread summed it up that's also known as 'marketing' ;o)

Exercise: Describe a photograph

Taking one of my own photographs I have to describe fully the timeline of shooting, comencing with the circumstances or background. Using at least 200 words the aim was to be complete and factual informing the reader about the decisions made leading up to the making of the picture.

Exercise: Write a caption

Using the same photograph as in the previous exercise I have to firstly write a 50-word caption about the subject of the photograph for a general audience and secondly write a 50-word caption purely about the photographical elements of my image , as if for a photographic magazine, describing things like the composition and movement within the frame.

Project Writing Analytically

Whatever the reason, for entertainment, pleasure, meeting a brief the underlying theme of this course is that photographs are produced for a purpose. It is important therefore that I can 'read' a photograph, look at them with an analytical eye and be able to ask answer what did the photographer set out to do? How was it attempted? Was it successful?

To begin this process it is recommended that I start by looking at my own images as I would have all the background information about them. Then to assist with the structure of this thought process a handy checklist is provided, things to consider are:

• The genre
• Intended use
• Situation facing the photographer
• Was it planned or unplanned
• Technical details if important
• Style or mannerism
• The photographer's intent
• Is there sufficient information available
  Success

Exercise: Analyse a photograph
For this exercise I had to choose one of my own images and subject it to this analysis based on the 10 points above writing approximately 500 words. Has this detailed analysis altered my opinion of the chosen photograph?

Exercise: Research and analyse

Given the choice of four iconic photographs Pikes Peak Park, Colorado Springs,Colorado 1970 Robert Adams, London Street 1951 Robert Frank, Shell-shocked Soldier,Hue 1968 Don McCullin and Afghan Girl 1984 Steve McCurry I then had to choose one of the images and perform the same exercise ensuring I stuck to fact rather than opinion and complete the analysis using 1000 words.

Project Reading About Photography

A well planned and thought through essay will be useful and follow a structure which develops an argument and uses good evidence to back it up. An essay may take many forms, be light-hearted or provocative.

It is always useful to read acknowledged essays whether you agree with their stance or not.

Exercise: Analyse an essay

I have been given a copy of John Berger's essay Understanding a Photograph written in 1972. After reading it through  several times I have to highlight areas or make notes on key points or anything I do not understand. I have to summarise in one line the point of each paragraph and answer some pertinent questions.