Three Websites

Social Activism/Documentary Photography – http://www.chinahush.com/2009/10/21/amazing-pictures-pollution-in-china/

These images by Lu Guang are a social document and focus on social phenomena, things we wouldn’t believe to be true if we couldn’t see them such as the toxic environments that these people are subjected to, these people seem to be living at the bottom of society, enduring this hardship to survive and provide for their families. A photograph of a woman washing in a seriously polluted pond, children born with defects due to Shanxi Province being one of the most polluted areas in china, all Guangs images evoke a strong emotion, you can’t help but feel the pain and suffering of the photographed.

Photo-therapy - http://christinebenjamin.com/photography/information/about

Through a series of photo shoots and “therapeutic” conversation, Christine takes you through the process of identifying your body image concerns, becoming familiar with the ideal for your body and photographing you in a way that enables you to see yourself differently than you have in the past. (Taken from the website). 

I can understand to a certain degree how this could be beneficial to the person being photographed as it may help them work through problems with body image and see themselves in a different light, perhaps being photographed in a way that allows the participant to remain anonymous as though they are looking at someone else. However, from an outsiders perspective looking at the image below it is clear to see that the girl is suffering with body dis-morphia or anorexia and I just wonder whether this is the correct promotional image to be used on her website for her Photo-therapy sessions. The image is quite haunting and the pose enhances features such as the spine and shoulders. This may however be the aim of the exercise, if the girl is seeing these areas of her body as problematic she may see them differently through a photograph than a mirror for example. The soft focus of the image below does allow for other features of her body to become subdued which may have a positive effect on her when she sees the finished result. 

Photography as Therapeutic - www.spencertunick.com

I remembered seeing this artist/photographer on the news a few years ago and have since thought about the potential of the work being therapeutic, not so much in the way of the actual photograph but more in being apart of the photograph, involved in the experience.  Tunick photographs thousands of willing nude participants in odd locations across the globe. The participants aren't paid but instead receive a limited edition photo, perhaps a memento of being involved in the event. I think it has the potential to be a liberating experience and one that may help an individual deal with issues of body confidence in a similar way to Gok Wans 'How to look good naked' T.V. programme. Everyone is in the same boat and there is nowhere to hide as Tunik says himself 'a body is always beautiful to me' and perhaps this is the message he is trying to spread. In this image I was particularly drawn to the man who is slightly protruding from the crowd, bottom left (excuse the pun) and I wonder whether or not he was told to stand there or whether it was a happy accident. All the participants are facing the same way in the image which could also raise the question of, what are they looking at? If they were watching a sunrise or sunset for example this could have the potential to increase the emotions of this shared experience whilst simultaneously working as a distraction from the potential embarrassment of being naked in front of so many strangers.

Teen Paparazzo

I watched this interesting video on the teen paparazzo

http://veevr.com/videos/F6GYmLXt

The word paparazzi is an Italian translation of the word mosquito and this seems to hold true as pap’s constantly harass celebrities in an effort to sustain an income. It would be interesting to place the resulting photographs among the Del Lowethal diagram and gauge how ethical they are. Some celebrities give permission and rely on the paparazzi to make them more famous than they are. However once a celebrity has gained notoriety the paparazzi seem to become a burden. In the film it was interesting to note that when the documentary team wanted to film the paparazzo’s many refused, one used the excuse that she hadn’t put on any makeup. The celebrities have no choice when they are photographed and an image where the celebrity is without makeup not looking their best is likely to generate more money than an image of them looking immaculate.

The 14 year old Austin was becoming narcissistic and aspiring to be a celebrity and at one point became estranged from the documentary team – not answering their calls and not meeting at agreed times, it was like the celebrity disease had grabbed him and wouldn’t let go. The film speaks of a para-social relationship – a fake relationship that we have with celebrities, we feel as though we know them because they exist in our homes via TV and movies, we see the celebrities as the characters they portray.

Towards the end of the film we meet Austin one year later and he seems matured in his approach to photography and has new ambitions. He makes a distinction between being a paparazzo and ‘a person who photographs celebrities’ – he wants to gain notoriety for having done something worthwhile and not be famous for being famous or famous for being a paparazzo.

At the end Adrian and Austin sit down and discuss the fact that they have both exploited each other. Adrian has used Austin but at the same time Austin has used Adrian. They both decide on a mutual friendship and suggest that this is only possible away from the cameras.

It was a really interesting film and gave differing perspectives on the paparazzi. Celebrities seemed less intimidated by the youngster and more willing to have their picture taken when it was him photographing. The film also provided an insight into the whole aura around becoming a celebrity as it saw Austin’s transformation from an everyday teenager into someone possessed by the lure of fame. 

The Del Lowethal Photographer's Ethical Window

2.1

I was asked by the photographed to document a charity event for his start-up advertising agency. Both are aware that I was photographing but were not aware that I was photographing them. Whilst I was primarily documenting the actual event I wanted to document the documentary of the event – how he was filming etc. This image was chosen by the photographed because it shows that these two people are documenting something but what they are documenting is unclear. To the people at the event this is a unique image from that specific day but at the same time it serves as a generic image that can be used on his website which clearly captures one of his key services as an advertisement filmmaker.

2.2

This image is a 2.2. The concept was that I was giving away a signed, limited edition, empty, Perspex box in exchange for a photograph of the participant with the box. I have put myself first in that I chose the image that would be put on display. I had no intention of reprinting the images for the participants as they had already received a free one off piece of art. It was interesting to note that once the images were put on display some people photographed their photograph. The participants gave permission for me to use their image in any way I like and whilst the images do become my artwork I think that the final exhibit allows all involved to take part in the experience. This may question its authority as a 2.2.

1.2

This is an image where photographer puts the photograph first. It was taken by chance as my brother held a snowball ready to fire at an unsuspecting victim. As he was holding it he simultaneously sneezed sending the snow flying off in all directions. The photograph captures a split second in time and the shutter speed allows the chaotic moment of the snow to be preserved for others to see and question its authenticity, did he really sneeze? I had no permission to take this photograph and when I reviewed this image I chose it as it captured and preserved the essence of that day.

1.1

This is a portrait of me taken by someone else whilst on holiday in Portugal. I gave permission for my photograph to be taken and I have chosen the image, therefore the photographed has put the photographed first. To others this may seem like a simple snap shot but for me it is a memory of the warm coastal location that was enhanced further by the secluded area we found to watch the sunset. As the designated photographer there are not usually many photographs of me, this photograph captures me, in one of my favourite places.

My First Post

Hello and welcome. I will be using this blog for regular updates of photographs and descriptions of their content. Enjoy!