Notes

SELF REFLECTION FORMAT:
Strengths, Weaknesses, Readings, Workshops, Lectures

Fludity: Self Reflection
The two week cycle was stimulating of new ideas and concepts towards the main theme of Image & Reality. I found the lecture on gender fludity significantly interesting and how photographers can capture fludity of gender, how it isn't fixed. The workshop on the Camera highlighted new ways to use an analogue SLR camera, defining key terms such as Medium Format. Despite using a DSLR for over 4 years, there was new things picked up on. The seminar was an opportunity to see how other people in my group worked. There is definately talent among my peers, their views and insights on photography is something I never experienced during GCSE and A-Level photography. Being surrounded by others who are passionate about the subject is enticing and makes me excited for the next cycle of workshops and seminars to come.

Photography during the Thatcher Years: 7/10
I picked up this book due to studying A-Level History, learning about British society betwen the years 1950 to 2007, which included Thatcher's government. I was inclined towards seeing the development of photography during these years and how it impacted society.

Opinions on Nan Goldin: The Ballad of Sexual Dependency 8/10
During a free afternoon, I sat in the library and read the Ballad of Sexual Dependency. In the intro, she described it as a "diary" All the images came out of 'relationships' and not 'observations'. There is a substantial meaning behind the project, giving it strength. The book follows Nan's individual journey; her truth.
Personally I was hit unexpectedly by the large amounts of nudity. It was almost as if the inclusion of children balanced out the amount of explicit images. I found the titles of the images unimaginative, however the images produced spoke enough for the titles to lack creativity. I felt as if I could almost resonate with the documentary style with deep and personal meanings of Nan's own life and relationships, as a viewer we are let into her world to witness her travels, friendships and love experiences. In particular, photographing herself after domestic abuse shows immense bravery and courage as a photographer, to be real and genuine.