Black White Photography - UK (2019-05)

62
B+W

Many tourist hotspots nowadays are perhaps over-designed in order to

provide a uniform experience for visitors. An alternative approach could

be to adopt an ironical stance by shooting street furniture, signage

and other paraphernalia that directs tourists to a photo viewpoint

or recommended route. Using careful framing, you can isolate and

contrast these examples with the real world, such as this example

of a tourist route in the meticulously manicured Singapore. For irony

in photography see Martin Parr’s book Small World.

A very different way of approaching a project is to have no plan at all.

This strategy is based entirely on discovery rather than responding to a

shooting plan or storyboard and can be a very rewarding way of

working. Often a project theme will emerge on location and it’s also

possible for you to see visual connections in your shoot, after you have

returned. A great way to approach this kind of project is to visit a

location you’ve never been to before and see what you can find, like

this example shot in the moon-like landscape of the Burren in Ireland.

Walking need not be a solitary pastime and there are plenty of

reasons to join a walking group, charity event or re-enactment society.

Following the action as a participant is different to shooting the action

as a detached observer – you get a better sense of the occasion and

you can respond quickly to unfolding stories. The colours, textures and

drama of a pageant, such as this procession during Siena’s summer

Palio, will hone observation and response skills too.

2 THE BLANK CANVAS OF THE WILDERNESS 3 SUBVERT A READY-MADE WALK

1 GROUP WALKING

2 3

1

With such an open brief, walking and photography can provide you with

the chance to explore new and different ways of assembling a project.

SECTION 2:

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES