Contexts, images and Dad.
UT Blog - Context // Dad
Recently my work has been gaining a more theoretical base with conceptualising, dissecting, disseminating, and reflecting on, then writing about it, it will appear here in the space for my new practice direction. I’ve been working on researching, theories, concepts, considerations, teaching angles and MA studies, it seems that the common threads of all of these are coming together to point that I’m, at least, heading in the right direction
I’ll be honest upfront and say that 5 years ago this would have been a slightly alien way of working photographically, I didn’t want that to continue, so it’s been long overdue and longed for, which means that all is great.
I’m massively enjoying this way of working, but the load of context and theorising I’m doing has thrown up an old voice which (cynically) shouted back from a previous time:
“Could this possibly be a little bit of a blag?”
I’m positive it’s not but it’s definitely worth exploring in text and images; take this image for instance; it’s a recent image I took of my father’s hand. Using the first step of the critique/education process by describing what the image contains. This is an image of an 79 old man, a man who has Parkinsonism, meaning that this hand is viewed quite extensively as it’s a signifier of many different things, It moves faster when stresses are evident. It’s taken on a Canon 5DMk4 and 300mm lens using the available morning light from a window placed to the left of the subject, using the right timing to get the shot. These all combined to commit the image seen here.
How much of this is relevant?
Adding in another layer that may have bearing or be of interest is:
This photo exists as a result of him staying with me, he needs a certain level of care that can be quite intensive at times which puts a strain on my mother, therefore I have had to look after him on half term.
He’s content to fill his days with TV (nearly 18 hours per day, leading me to the conclusion that you’ve never far way from a screening of Midsommer Murders) underlining the importance of the hand as it contributes a very important part in the facilitating of this pastime.
A question that immediately and urgently pops up is, does that matter? Does that change anything about the image?
The answer is yours.
What other factors would/should influence this picture and what effect does that have on the subsequent enjoyment, critique or reflection?
Is one of those effects that the photographer and the subject never had a particular close relationship at all*, does that make any further consideration to the image and thus how it’s received? Does the use of a long lens echo this or rather does it impede it?
With all this extra context is the image made better now?
If so does that mean that the image wasn’t that “good” to start with?
Yet another layer could be added in is that the pre-consideration of this image was much, much larger than I previously carried out, does that make it better?
Would the judgment of a respected person validate it further? Or would the amount of likes it gets on social media improve it?
In this age where content is king, does that make context an emperor? Or is its role merely one of an advisor?
The context and timing of the imaging are paramount but to what extent is the importance of each and what relationships do they have to each other and does the importance of these changes with the taking, viewing and thought?
Hope to have answers by further research and context.
This work forms part of my research toward my MA Studies and teaching, so therefore it may not entirely polished as such but using the blog format I hope to include or disclude subjects and thoughts, it’s part of a process, one where I welcome any thoughts, feedback or comments. You can get me on social media or at nathan@urgent-temporality.co.uk
Thank you for reading.
Nathan
* The photographer would like to state that he has always done his duty to the best of his ability, which as the subject ages badly becomes more difficult but will always be carried out.