This has to be one of the best photography books I have read over the last year or so. I found it very informative and the practical advice it offered was of huge benefit to me. I have found since reading the book that the way in which I approach a shoot has changed and the way I look at my projects and subjects will never be the same again.
The book is a relatively easy read as it focuses on a series of interviews/discussions between Bill Jay and professional photographer and academic David Hurn. In it they talk about various aspects of photography by exploring definitions, shooting, subjects and narrative or the picture essay. It also includes a section on working with contacts which is something my tutor has stressed the importance of.
Definitions
When looking at definitions it was interesting to read David Hurn's view on these and what definition is chooses for his work. Definitions cover a broad spectrum and arise commonly when discussing photography. He says of photojournalism; "that the word itself implies the subject is a topical news event, published in mass media with the intent to right a social wrong." Journalism is linked to tabloid sensationalism where it can become distorted and take on a level of entertainment. He refers to papparazzi which is aggressive and lacks ethics and aesthetics. There is a difference though in the work of McCullin and Ian Berry as they have taken the time to learn about and understand their subjects.
When looking at the definition documentary Hurn believes that it is problematic too. Documentary photography is objective and by its nature photography is subjective. The photograph as document is expected to present factual evidence, a true representation and non-judgemental view of events.
Photographs are subjective with two main controls at the photographer's disposal: where he stands and when he presses the shutter button. According to Hurn the only factually correct aspect of photography is that is shows what something looked like under a very particular set of circumstances."
Hurn opts for the definition reportage. because it implies a personal account of an observed event with connotations of subjectivity and honesty. it is eye-witness photography.
Selecting a subject
Bill Jay looks at the role of a photographer and he says that the "destination of photography is to reveal what something or someone looked like under a particular set of conditions, at a particular moment in time, and to transmit the results to others." He goes on to ask Hurn what transforms an interesting picture into wonderful picture. The photographer must have an intense interest in the his or her subject. It is only then that the subject can be examined and researched.
The subject matter is by far more important than the artistic means employed to take the photograph. A successful photographer has a curiosity and fascination with the subject which they can the communicate to others through pictures.
Hurn's advice
You should list all the things that interest you and then refine the list based on the following:
- Is it visual?
- Is it practical? Can you access it?
- Is it a subject which I know enough about it?
- Is it interesting to others?
When you have refined your list accordingly you will have a subject or subjects that you will then be able to research and learn more about.
This is how a successful professional photographer works and the results can be seen in their images.
Shooting the image
When you have all your preparation work completed you can then go about shooting your subject. The purpose of the picture is to reveal the chosen aspect of the subject matter.
The two fundamental elements in all picture taking are 1, where to stand and 2, when to release the shutter. Position and timing are the two controls the photogrpaher has at his disposal. Everything else according to Hurn is periphery.
Where you stand determines the visual clarity. You may find that you move around to get the best position. If you study the contact sheets of the best photographers you will find that this is exactly what they do. They will have committed themselves to a position where they can see most clearly what's taking place. Each frames develops and moves towards the picture.
Creating contacts
All successful photographers study their contacts and every element in the frame. This allows the photographer to learn from mistakes but also to examine every element in the frame. I have found that when shooting sometimes you don't notice something in the background which you later discover is affecting the overall composition.
According to Hurn you stand or fall by how critical you are with your own work. By examining contacts you have the added bonus of looking at your work without the emotional involvement that is there at the time of shooting.
This is something I have started to do more of. I will now print off my contacts and study each one post shoot.
What I have learnt from this book
- How to choose a subject
- How to study and research my chosen subject
- The two most important controls the photographer has is position and timing. If you fail to get that right no amount of artistic creativity will produce a good shot.
- Study your contacts and learn from them
- Photography can be a way to overcome shyness. It gives you an excuse to be where you are and a reason for doing what you are doing.
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