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Book Arrival

I cannot quite believe it, my book has just been delivered. After what feels like the most nerve-racking, longwinded week it has arrived safe and sound. Overall I am really pleased with how it has turned out. It looks simplistic and professional. The image quality is better than I thought it would be, however a few of the images seem to be a bit dark, or haven't turned out exactly how I imagined. None the less I am very proud of the outcome I have achieved and am keen to show my family members as well as tutors.

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Nerves

After sending off for my book to be printed nearly a week ago it is due to arrive any day now. Beggining to feel extremely nervous about the final outcome of my work and how it will look. However I am very proud of myself and how I have developed throughout this project in order to create something personal, yet abstract and creative. I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and analysing different directions I could of taken this book. But I am happy with its development and the message that it sends, it is something very personal to me. The idea of including family in every aspect, not just those I share DNA with but people who have been there for me in the toughest of times. It’s a real honour to have such incredible people in my life, and even those who aren’t here any more I have found a way to include them in an abstract manor which is subtle, but important to me.

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Each other.

The term ‘Each other’ is used to refer to each member of a group when each does something to or for other members. It creates a sense of togetherness that anyone looking through the photographs will connect with. Connections seemed far to cliche and far from the meaning I saw it to be. Now consumed by a world driven by social media, connecting with people is only a click away. Each other is far more meaningful and the final name I have chosen for my book.

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Connections

After the constant development of my book and it’s contents, it seemed only fair that the original name I wanted to use should be developed aswell. The development of this project has been inspired by my creativity and perspective on life and the connections we have with people. As previously mentioned my book has taken on the role of an abstract family album, family is all about love and support. However we don’t have the same connection with each family member, they are all different in their own way, I believe this is a beautiful thing and has influenced the development of my new title.

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Printing Companies

After much deliberation I have started looking into alternative printing options for my book. Although I originally stated that I wanted to create a photo album style book, I have started to explore other layouts such as a magazine, as the paper and the layout could make an interesting spin on the book. However after receiving the samples from two different companies (Newspaper club & Print on paper) I have decided that the magazine style would not be appropriate. Complications such as limited page numbers and how fragile the pages are, means when its is being handled there is a chance of damage. The printing company Blurb looks like a top contender for printing my book at this current moment, due to the price, quality and finish of flat-lay book they offer. However the size and cover type are still up for debate, although I thought this was decided I am still open to develop this as my book has developed since my initial thoughts.

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Development

My book is constantly evolving and changing as I discuss and develop my ideas with myself and my mentors. Transition originally was focused purely on the transition we go through in our lives and the pure beauty of it, shown through age in the style of a family album. Since taking more pictures and working with a close group of my family and close circle, I have realised the transition we go through in our lives involves more than just our age. It contains many aspects such as the relationships we have with our friends, families and partners. The experiences we have and the love that we share. I have discovered that no matter what age we are, we are all transitioning through different things at different times. This is going to be shown throughout the book, not just focusing on age but expressing emotions through the style of photography I am using. 

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Lorna Simpson

After further research and development since my pechakucha, I have found a particular artist that interests me. Lorna Simpson is knows for being a photo-based artist and filmmaker. Simpson’s first film project in 1997 known as interior/exterior is particularly interesting. After seeing Sebastiane last week, we agreed that my book is coming together to have another meaning to it. The photography I have used is also displaying a different perspective, it has a feel of inside/outside. Although this is a common thread with Lorna Simpson’s film this is not the only reason her work interests me. The stills from her films are emotive without necessarily including people which is something I have been working on in the past few weeks. Her level of detail in portraits is impeccable, and her use of light and objects to obstruct a photograph creates a very different perception to the image. Her work has enabled me to be more open minded as a photographer, and gain different ideas which will help develop my book.

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Pechkucha

After delivering a pechakucha presentation to my mentors, I left feeling confident that I am developing in the right way. All of the feedback was constructive and they agreed that the more my shoots have progressed the better and more exciting they are. There were a few suggestions as to what I could add in such as pictures other than of peoples faces, items of clothing and close ups etc. This is something I will continue to look into through artists and other photographers, but I am feeling exciting for the upcoming shoots to play around with lighting and other objects.

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Keeping it casual

After a long and stressful few weeks, I have discovered that keeping photoshoots casual is the best way to achieve the looks I wish to capture. Ensuring the participant feels comfortable and not under pressure to perform is very important.  With the small amount of shoots I have conducted so far I have found that capturing participants in an environment natural to them tends to be successful, for most people this involves shooting in their home or somewhere they spend a lot of time. Conducting photoshoots in a natural environment tends to be easier for the person being photographed as well as the photographer as there is no pressure of studio time or weather restrictions if shooting on location. Time can be used wisely and photographs can be selectively taken.

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Feeling frustrated

After a number of attempts at researching printing companies I have been unable to find a suitable match. Whether they are too expensive or unaccommodating it has been difficult to find a balance of what I want. Being set on the particular binding style and look of book that I need is setting me back in terms of long lead times on production and page limits. Therefore I have decided to explore other options and binding techniques to see if I can figure out an alternative solution, so that I can get the finish I want without the page restrictions and long lead times. With struggling in terms of lead times for printing I have come up with a revised production schedule to accommodate for this.

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Research into suggested sources

After looking into suggested photographers such as Nan golding, Richard Billingham and Jo Spence I now understand the rough edge that I may be able to portray through my photography. All three of the photographers capture a raw reality that is not necessarily portrayed within a coffee table book. As well as capturing nice moments, I want to include raw and emotional moments with these to make sure the book is not a ‘fake’ representation of life. This will make the book a lot more relateable and make me include some of my own emotions throughout the book. 

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Major project development feedback

After receiving a steady grade and positive feedback from my Final Major project proposal I am feeling confident about the next few months of shooting. Emma and Sebastian seem confident in my idea and what it is composed of. New suggestions have been added into the mix such as shooting personal objects and other areas of the body, which is an interesting idea that I will aim to explore.  However, we are all in agreement that my project does not come without its struggles, nevertheless I do see this as a positive as the tutors will be able to advise me on how to keep my photography and the aim of my book on track. In order to stop my book falling into a nice interpretation of reality, I  have created a thorough plan of each shoot and what I want from it therefore avoiding just snapping a situation as it appears. To help gain ideas I will look at reference points from photographers such as jo Spence.