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B+WFor all photographers, a keen awareness of symbolism and all its
potential meanings is essential. Like being able to read the words in
a book, decoding and deconstructing the signs and symbols within
our photographs is a prerequisite for the sensitive and intelligent
communicator. Do your homework first and read up on background
history so you can better understand the context. Of course, you may
stumble upon a collision of symbols that needs no further explanation,
as this example shows.
Many grotto visitors and pilgrims leave symbolic goods, or votive
offerings, as thanks or proxy prayers for the future. These objects are
always highly personal and carry with them complex layers of meaning,
with some ultimately obvious only to the donor. Both popular sites and
the remote and rarely visited can be fascinating subjects for finding
and framing offerings, as this example shows.
3 VOTIVE OFFERINGS
Large-scale statues, sculpture, grottoes and shrines open to the public
are hardly undocumented, but that doesn’t mean to say you can’t
create your very own personal response. There’s no need to show
the entire subject to convey the drama and symbolism of the piece.
Think about shooting close, abstracting a detail, or using your lens and
viewpoint to create an unusual focus effect, as this example shows.
1 PERSONALISE THE PUBLIC
2 RELIGIOUS ICONOGRAPHY
344 FINAL OUTCOME
For my walking project, I’ve explored a long and winding road through the west of Ireland, inspired by the maps and writings of Tim Robinson.
The physical and visual effects found at places of pilgrimage
and worship are rich in meaning and symbolism.
SECTION 3: ICONS AND SYMBOLS
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