Overall I am relatively happy with the feedback received for Assignment 3, or though if I am honest I am left slightly with feelings of “I need to work harder”. Looking back at the set of images I feel they work well, and were a challenge on many levels, but perhaps they don’t resonate as much as I would have hoped. I do feel that I carried out extended research, but this may have not been purposely documented and contextualised coherently.

I have also decided to rename the set as “Isolated / Vulnerable / Lost” on the advice of my tutor. I agree my initial title may have been lost on the viewer, and feel the new title presents a better introduction to the work. I hope this will help viewers contextualise and digest the series more appropriately.

Demonstration of visual and technical skills

My choice of setting and aesthetics were largely based on Francesca Woodman. To try and recreate her images that ooze the sense of isolation she achieved, I used a confined space with the feel of an abandoned building, a small, indirect light source and longer exposures, all with the presence to explore form, movement and fragments of reality. I feel that my images all carry some sense of visual construction and the technical skill needed to reproduce in within the photographic medium.

Quality of outcome

Largely I am happy with my set of images that were a creative and artistic experiment, something completely new and unique to me in many ways. In some ways as mentioned by my tutor there was an element of “performance” within my images and this was something I perhaps overlooked. Overall I would say that with minimal equipment I have tried to recreate something unique and visually evocative, but as ever there is room for improvement.

Demonstration of creativity

I would like to think my images demonstrate a level of creative vision and this would be something that could lead to further development. I set out to challenge myself on a creative level and produce something inherently more “artistic” and voyeuristic and I do feel that this is evident.

Context

The context of my images may appear initially as quite vague, but I wanted to use the assignment as a springboard to pursue the different, usual and evocative. Through my research I saw artists exploring the idea of repressed thoughts and this was largely the context of my set of images. I wanted connotations of vulnerability, desperation and loneliness that is often overlooked or ignored. It was my first opportunity to try and contextualise these ideas within the medium of photography and I think my images show a pragmatic approach to my ideas.

I have also chosen to reflect on the assignment using the new learning outcomes which were delivered with he digital assessment programme.

• Create images that demonstrate a practical and conceptual understanding of techniques, and the importance of context in creating meaning and narrative.

I believe my images have demonstrated a use of technical ability whilst using structured lighting and longer exposures. I also feel that the set of images provide a relevant context, a sense of loneliness and separation, whilst also demonstrating a clear yet somewhat ambiguous narrative.

• Demonstrate an emerging critical awareness and an ability to articulate ideas into imagery through appropriate use of technique.

My choice of aesthetic for the set of images was largely influenced by my research and predominantly the work of Francesca Woodman and her use of movement and longer exposures. Through my critical engagement with her work and others I feel that I have articulated a feeling through my images that has not been apparent in some of my earlier work. I do feel that there is an obvious engagement with other photographers work and an awareness of how they define their voice through imagery.

• Conduct research, development and production of photographic work in response to the themes explored in this unit and show a developing understanding of contemporary imagery in relation to historical practice and theory.

Whilst I took great inspiration from past photographers I also engaged with more present day work such as Alec Soth and Gregory Crewsdon. Upon receiving feedback for the assignment I condensed my diary into a more coherent form to document my body of photographic work and research that was conducted prior to and during the assignment.

• Show an ability to critique your own imagery and reflect upon your learning experience, and developing sophistication of your assessment of the work of other practitioners.

I feel that throughout the course my understanding of how to assess my work and that of others has continually developed, but may still be an area where I need to improve. I have used a body of media to further my knowledge and through reading, video, and film I have researched a wide variety of historical and modern day photography. I am more coherent with my assessment of this work and in turn more in tune with its technical and aesthetic qualities.