Personel Reflection

Where does that leave the photographer?

• As storyteller or history writer? 
• Do you tend towards fact or fiction? 
• How could you blend your approach? 
• Where is your departure from wanting/needing to depict reality ?
• Make some notes on these questions in your learning log.

A photographer can be both a storyteller and a history writer, depending on the context and intent of their work.

Storyteller: From single images to a curated series and whether it’s documentary (photography), street, or even fine art, photographers often use images to tell stories, evoke emotions, and create a connection with the viewer. Some phtogrpahers that have inspired me include, Paul Seawright, Trish Morrissey, Diane Arbus,Martin Paar to name a few from many.

History Writer: Photography plays a crucial role in documenting historical events, and societal changes.As photography became more accessible and avialable, photographers have been important witnesses to historical events, as well as contributors and drivers of change. Historical photographs offer a visual representation of moments, people, and places from the past, providing valuable insights into the history of peoples and communities. Photgrpahers that have inspied or interest me include, Lewis Hine, Edward Curtis, George Rodger,Robert Capa.

I find as I learn more about photographic practice I and begining to lean more towards the storytelling but often blend the two. Each has its place and application and part of the creative process is using relaity to ground a story but elevate it by blending it with realistic themes George Crewdsons images of alientaion are completely fabricated but the blend of fact and fiction create narratives that people can enage with.

My depature from wanting/needing to depict reality depends on the weather I’m in artistic mode or recoding say a social event. The distinction between the two often depends on my intent, subject matter, and the context in which thr work is to be presented.