A symposium on the non-technical aspects of photography A synopsis by Alec Dawson

THE LANGUAGE OF PHOTOGRAPHS

“The Photograph is violent: not because it shows violent things, but because on each occasion it fills the sight by force, and because in it nothing can be refused or transformed...” Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography

“…that we can sometimes call it mild does not contradict its violence: many say that sugar is mild, but to me sugar is violent, and I call it so.” Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography

Body

Mind

Soul

Technical

Internal Drivers

Non-Technical

Technical

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

• Composition • Lighting • Exposure • Processing

Non-Technical

Unknown photographer

Photograph by Sally Mann

Photograph by Thomas Leuthard

Photograph by Garry Winogrand

Photograph by Thomas Doering

Photograph by André Kertész

Plut

chik

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The

Feel

ings

Whe

el

Unknown photographer

Unknown by Travis Allen

Photograph by Wang Qing-Song

Photograph by Alec Dawson

Photograph by David LaChapelle

“1984” by Joel Peter Witkin

“Things are queer” by Duane Michals

Photograph by Dorothea Lange

Photograph by Thomas Hoepker

Photograph by Gregory Crewdson

art

Photograph by Markus J. Grimm

Art

Photograph by Sally Mann

Internal Drivers

Why do you do it?

Pleasure

Engagement

Relationships Meaning

Achievement

Remember P.E.R.M.A.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS Value: • Photographer “group therapy” as a means of reflecting a

photographer’s psychology / “eye” back at them • Multiple feedback results in brainstorming / increased creative potential

and insight Tips for improved performance: • Understand the proper semantics (i.e. differentiate lighting from

exposure) • Keep groups to less than 10 people • Contribute new photos to every session • Limit contributions to about 5 -10 photos per person per session • Maintain consistent attendance • Maintain confidentiality • Speak the “truth”… don’t hold back... • Be sensitive an empathetic when you provide constructive criticism. Controls: • Group Moderator • Understand and acknowledge group development:

Forming Norming Storming Performing • The proper etiquette for such feedback discussions • Use standard group therapy guidelines

IN SUMMARY… Technical • Technical proficiency is great • …but in absence of the non-technical aspects it won’t

“save” you. Non-Technical • Look beyond simple aesthetics and the limitations of

basic beauty • Appreciate a wider spectrum of emotions • Pursue Truth… or at least the perception of • Reveal something about humanity and the universe • Create images that encourage thought • Don’t tell the whole story / Allow audience to participate • Understanding the difference between art with a

lowercase “a” and art with an uppercase “A” • Be aware of external influences

CONTINUED… Internal Drivers • Try to understand why you:

– do photography (think P.E.R.MA.) – choose to photograph the things you do – choose to photograph in the manner that you

do Group Discussion • Photographer “group therapy” as a means of

reflecting a photographer’s psychology / “eye” back at them

• Multiple feedback results in brainstorming / increased creative potential and insight

THE END OF PRESENTATION “You cannot depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus” – Mark Twain

Alec Dawson www.AlecDawson.net

alecdawsonphoto@yahoo.com