Overall Comments
You have interpreted this assignment in relation to Cartier Bresson and the concept of the decisive moment. From your own research it is apparent that you are aware of other ideas in making images and also of critical views regarding the concept of the decisive moment.
The images that you have submitted for the assignment indicate a reaction to this genre of photography. In the context of the work of Cartier Bresson the concept of the decisive moment is humanist in nature rooted in the recording of people and their activities. However under the present circumstances it is necessary to take a broader view of this concept and to find a means of resolving it. In many ways the work that you have submitted could have perhaps been better described as frozen moments of animal behaviour. Due to the limitations of the environment that you were working in it was not really possible to perform the decisive moment as practiced by Bresson. This has been described as ‘vendre à la sauvette’ and is often translated as haste, hastily, furtively and “image a la sauvette” is generally taken to mean an image taken on the run.
You have researched the decisive moment concept that has led you into a questioning mode and consideration of other approaches including notions of the indecisive moment. Bresson’s influence within the context of historical and contemporary practice has been cultivated. It is worth recalling that he was one of the founders of Magnum and that this agency’s purpose was and still is to sell photographers work. The creation of myths in no way hinders this purpose.
Within the present situation and in relation to the decisive moment a quote from the American photographer Les Krims that may be apt to a lot of contemporary practice.
“ I am not a Historian, I create History. These images are anti-decisive moment. It is possible to create any image one thinks of; this possibility, of course, is contingent on being able to think and create. The greatest potential source of photographic imagery is the mind.”
Feedback on assignment
Due to the constraints placed upon you the choice of subject matter was good but was dependent upon the perambulations of the local felines. Because you were anchored to a specific spot I feel that the very nature of the subject matter was working against you because your point of view did not enable you to be able to get close to the subject. This lack of intimacy often leads to the recording of an event rather than any effort to interpret it. The genre of animal photography can of course produce many decisive moments and these are usually represented by the struggle of the individual within the context of the activity. Of the images presented the “claws out” one does capture the indecisive moment. The image works because of the precarious perching of the cat on the timber and the wonderful expression on it’s face. Here the viewer is brought straight into the picture and shares the moment. The “get ready” image again captures a moment of anticipation as we wait for the jump. The remaining images are less succesful as they lack tension or anticipation and the “heading for home” is hampered by the main subject being obscured by deep shadow. The “up and over” image has the subject with it’s back to us moving out of the image. This generally does not engage however at another level this image has a kind of surreal feel to it due to the juxaposition of the fence, gate, pegs and the other elements. Perhaps a tighter crop could reveal this aspect.
It might be worth considering that the captured moment encapsulates not only the subject but also the meaning inherent in the image. As such the viewer is invited to contemplate the social, cultural and environmental symbols within the image.
Overall this has been a brave attempt to engage with a difficult project under the present situation.
Coursework
You have followed the prescribed exercises and recommended reading and commented upon the content.
Research
You have followed the prescribed research for the assignment but it would be good to start developing your own lines of enquiry relevant to your specific ideas for projects. Also consider following up ideas that you reflect upon such as when you state, the juxtaposition of war and peace in these images, however, doesn’t have the impact of that in Wessing’s photograph, perhaps because we are more familiar with them, or maybe because we witness events happening in war zones not through the still image but through the moving one today. Do photographs have less impact? What piece of moving image do we recall that has lasting impact? Another thing to have considered was the photograph as propaganda such as in the images of the Russian soldiers. There are opportunities to explore other areas that you refer to namely the use of mobile phone technology as a means of recording moments. Perhaps it might be interesting to consider that new technology has freed us from the potential tyranny of the decisive moment and that it allows us the reflective ability to work on and develop our images. We would not consider it strange that a painter would make many sketches of a subject before attempting to finalize it in a painting and if necessary return to it many times. Bresson himself may have found this need for reflection when he abandoned photography in 1968 and returned to painting.
Learning Log
Your lockdown reflections are very apt and will echo the thoughts of many today. Your writing about Rhys was direct, full of feeling and will resonate in many hearts.
Pointers for the next assignment / assessment
Consider the assignment brief in relation to a chosen theme. Give weight to your opinions with evidence of critical reading. Reflect and evaluate your work through critical analysis.
Suggested reading/viewing
Harold Edgerton
https://digital-photography-school.com/6-portrait-lighting-patterns-every-photographer-should-know/
https://mauricebroomfield.photography/buy-prints
Summary
| Strengths | Areas for development |
| Good development in engagement with prescribed research. Good attempt at project under challenging circumstances. Willing to reflect and act upon areas that need improvement. | Research in greater depth specific areas relevant to own work. Engage in developing technical skills as an ongoing process. Develop rigour in critique of own work |
Jenna Powell - Expressing Your Vision 