PHOTOGRAPHY ESSAYS

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Identity in photography

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Identity refers to an individual’s sense of who they are as a person. It encompasses the qualities that make someone unique as well as the characteristics that align them with various social groups. Key aspects of identity include one’s name, personality, experiences, and beliefs. Additionally, identity is shaped by how others perceive and label you. Your ideas about identity develop through interactions with those close to you, exposure to media, and engagement with social institutions. Social groups categorise individuals based on factors such as age, gender, race, religion, and ethnicity, all of which can influence one's identity. In psychology, identity examines how people form their sense of self and how they are perceived by others. It investigates how identities are influenced by social interactions and internal experiences. Identity encompasses an individual’s physical, psychological, and interpersonal characteristics, along with a sense of continuity—the feeling of being the same person over time. Psychology identifies three key components of identity: Social Identity, refers to an individual's sense of who they are based on their membership in social groups, which can include age, ethnicity, and gender. Self-identity relates to a person’s understanding of "who I am and what I am." Self-concept, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control are areas that are crucial in the study of identity psychology. Technology also plays a role in shaping identity. With new technologies, individuals often share personal information, leading to a greater self-awareness that can influence how they perceive themselves. Furthermore, technology enables the creation of alternate selves through digital identities, which can impact personal identity and self-perception. Social media, in particular, can sway our self-identity by promoting popular cultural ideals that may not align with our true feelings. Users often curate their online personas based on trends and cultural expectations. An identity crisis can occur when individuals experience confusion about their identity, potentially leading to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. Erik Erikson, a renowned psychologist, emphasised the importance of flexibility in identity and advised against striving for a singular identity. Triggers for an identity crisis can include significant life events, such as losing a loved one, becoming a parent, experiencing trauma, or discovering a health condition. In conclusion, substantial life events can prompt an identity crisis, profoundly affecting a person's sense of self.

The role of personal experiences in shaping identity, including family background, education, and significant life events, is significant across various cultures. Family background influences identity through family dynamics and values, which encompass parenting styles, cultural traditions, and practices related to raising children. The impact of identity can vary based on whether a child is raised in an individualistic or collectivist culture. Social scientists in psychology have researched these two cultural frameworks and found that individualism prioritises the self over the group, a perspective commonly observed in many Western countries. In contrast, collectivism emphasises unity and priorities the group over individual needs, often seen in regions such as East Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Education and socialisation also play crucial roles in shaping identity. Formal education can significantly influence one's worldview, often through interactions with teachers and the curriculum. Additionally, informal socialisation occurs when individuals engage with others who share similar ideas within their community. The impact of cross-cultural perspectives in education is notable, with significant contrasts between different education systems. For example, whether a person attends private or public school can affect their identity, given the distinct educational values in different countries. In the United States, for instance, students often learn the national anthem during elementary school, supported by a legal requirement that mandates students and teachers to sing it each day. Additionally, significant life events can also shape an individual's identity. These defining moments can include challenges such as loss and trauma, which contribute to personal growth, as well as positive experiences like achievements or travel that can profoundly impact one's self-concept.

What do psychologists say about identity? They emphasise that personal experiences play a fundamental role in shaping identity. Key concepts include Developmental Psychology, Social Identity Theory, Narrative Identity, Trauma and Resilience, and Cultural Psychology. Developmental psychologists, such as Erik Erikson, propose that identity is formed through a series of psychosocial stages throughout a person's life. Each stage is influenced by personal experiences and challenges that help define one’s sense of self. Social Identity Theory suggests that individuals categorise themselves and others into social groups, which significantly influences their identity. Experiences within these groups—such as those with family, culture, and community—shape how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world. Narrative Identity emphasises that individuals construct an internalised life story based on their experiences. These personal narratives help people make sense of their past and guide their future, highlighting the importance of significant life events. Cultural Psychology focuses on how culture influences identity formation. Psychologists argue that identity is not merely a personal construct; it is also shaped by cultural values and norms. This demonstrates the interplay between individual experiences and broader societal influences. With Trauma and Resilience, research shows that significant life events, particularly traumatic experiences, can profoundly affect identity. However, these experiences can also foster resilience and personal growth, highlighting the complex ways individuals integrate their experiences into their identity. Overall, psychologists agree that understanding the dynamics of personal experiences—including family, education, and significant life events—is essential for comprehending identity formation in diverse contexts.

The real question is how is identity linked to photography? Photography as a medium began with the discovery of two key concepts: image projection through a camera obscura (a device that allows light to pass through a small opening into a dark space, projecting an image onto the opposite surface) and the understanding that some substances visibly alter when exposed to light. For centuries, photography has represented both individual and collective identities. Several techniques illustrate this. For example, self-portraits and selfies serve as forms of self-expression, allowing us to enhance our image and reflect on how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Photography can challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and raise awareness of social justice and equality. Additionally, it can document moments in time, telling stories and revealing aspects of our personalities, as seen in family photo books. Contemporary photographic portraits comment on the status of individuals and communities, often prompting viewers to delve deeper into issues of identity. Photographers can visualise connections between people, even if they aren't related by blood. The impact of self-portraits and selfies is a significant discussion point. The selfie has become popular on social media, with profile pictures, stories, and posts showcasing ourselves. But do we take these photos for self-reflection, as a diary, or for validation from others, based on the number of 'likes' or comments we receive? Is it about seeking approval or sympathy from others? While selfies are often viewed as spontaneous, there is a fine line between a casual snapshot and a deliberate attempt to seek validation. A 2021 survey by "ParentsTogether," which included over 200 U.S. teens aged 13 to 21, found that 87% of respondents use filters on social media, and nearly 20% use beauty filters on every single post. This illustrates the blurred boundary between a 'casual' selfie and one made purposefully for validation. Self-portraits, on the other hand, offer opportunities for introspection and provide deeper meaning, as they are often created in controlled settings. Factors such as mood, lighting, clothing, location, orientation (landscape, portrait, square), and object placement significantly influence the resulting image. Self-portraits can be viewed as a chance for the photographer to engage in self-reflection and to pause for consideration, much like a mindfulness activity, as opposed to being a mere random photo or casual click. This is particularly relevant in the 21st century, where editing tools (such as Adobe and Picsart) are easily accessible, making it common for selfies to undergo extensive editing. An example illustrating the depth of self-portraits compared to selfies is the control over the environment. Self-portraits often reflect the photographer's personality in a visual and physical sense. As Frida Kahlo famously stated, “Here I am - I want you to see me.” Self-portraits can serve as a mode of communication regarding the photographer’s feelings or life circumstances at that time. They can also facilitate self-exploration for the photographer, leaving a sense of mystery for the viewer to interpret the photographer's emotions or thoughts.

Francesca Woodman, born in 1958 in Denver, Colorado, and died in 1981, was an influential American photographer renowned for her black and white self-portraits and images of female models. She also concentrated on identity in surrealism, hence why I think she is an interesting topic for this essay. Her artistic journey began in her early teens at boarding school, nurtured by her father, a photography teacher, and her mother, a ceramicist. Woodman’s work delves into themes such as relationships, sexuality, self-discovery, body image, and isolation. Her photographs often depict herself in various states of undress, blurred due to movement and long exposure, merging with their environments or obscuring her face. Inspired by surrealism, she developed her craft at the Rhode Island School of Design, producing over 800 images in her career. Tragically, Woodman struggled with depression and ended her life at 22 after a failed relationship.

I was drawn to study Francesca Woodman because her distinctive self-portraits captivate me. Unlike conventional photographs, she employs long exposures and blurred images to reveal only part of herself. This resonated with me, as I am uncomfortable with having my picture taken but intrigued by the idea of capturing my identity while remaining partially hidden. I was particularly interested in her photograph “Self-Portrait at 13” (1972), which is the photograph at the top,  that  features Woodman in a dimly lit room with a partially blurred figure, creating a sense of movement. The play of light and shadow adds a haunting quality, and the composition aligns with my desire for awkwardly placed subjects and an odd look.

After my initial shoot, I plan to enhance the photo quality by using a tripod to better capture movement, rather than camera movement. I believe my first shoot reflects Woodman’s style, but I wanted to further emphasise long exposure photographs. This time, I worked in a studio setting, which I preferred over my last shoot in an unfurnished office, as it allowed for more control over lighting. Instead of using an iPhone 13 Pro held by someone else, I placed my SLR camera on a tripod to minimise additional blurring and achieve a cleaner exposure. I set up my camera on a two-second timer with a remote, enabling me to start moving before the shot was taken, which I felt improved the overall look of the images. I also believe I have become better at using long exposure and intend to incorporate it throughout my project.

Paolo Roversi is a commercial photographer in contemporary Italian fashion. His work is characterised by soft, monochromatic photographs of models. His work has flares of identity and looks upon topics like the male / female gaze. He began using photography as a medium in his teenage years and was employed by the Associated Press in 1970. He was also hired as the assistant to Laurence Sackman in 1974 briefly. His career bloomed to included celebrity and fashion photography in magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire and Elle. Roversi is notable for using 8x10 polaroid film, which is no longer produced. His work has been in solo exhibitions worldwide, inducing; Comme des Garçons in Tokyo, Pace MacGill Gallery in New York, James Gallery in Moscow. He really stood out for me at the Saachi gallery, that I visited in February 2024, hence why I want to study his skills and put them into my own practice.

The photograph at the top,  is one of my favourite photographs by Paolo Roversi. I find the blue tones facinating and it really gives a dramatic effect to the whole photo. One of the things I noticed was how the woman’s head is looking slightly down but her eyes are looking directly at the camera, I feel that this gives a chilling effect if you look at the photograph for too long, combined with the very dark lipstick and brown eyes. The contrast between her skin with her clothes and hair really give a piercing difference that I also really love. It looks like it was taken on a film camera which I feel adds to why the composition is so blurry, but she isn’t.

To compliment my research of Roversi, I wanted to do a photoshoot. I just want to experiment with fashion photography, for example; bright colours, backgrounds etc. I want to incorporate some of the bright colours that he uses in his fashion photography. I also want to do a photograph inspired particularly by the image I analysed, but I don’t think I will be able to use a film camera so I think I am going to edit this in Lightroom afterwards. Overall, I feel that this shoot didn’t go as well as I planned. I still like the images that I produced, but I feel that I didn’t fully capture Paolo Roversi’s photographic skill. I used a DSLR in a studio and edited the photos afterwards to make them more fuzzy and also add black & white filters onto them.

Pennie Smith, born in London, is a celebrated English photographer renowned for her exceptional work in the rock music industry, particularly in black-and-white photography. I found her work to be relevant in the topic of identity as she explores the subject of personas and creating and character. Her career took off in the 1970s when she was commissioned to photograph Led Zeppelin during a tour and later worked as a staff photographer at New Musical Express (NME) until the early 1980s. Smith has captured iconic images of legendary rock musicians such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie. One of her most famous photographs, taken in 1979, shows Paul Simonon of The Clash smashing his bass guitar on stage. This image was honoured as “Greatest Rock ’n’ Roll Photograph of All-Time” by Q magazine in 2002.

The “London Calling” album cover by The Clash, featuring Simonon’s dramatic moment, is both iconic and influential. It embodies the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk rock, symbolising a rejection of conventional norms and challenging the commercialisation of music.

I was inspired by Smith’s work, and I planned to create self-portraits exploring her work with my own theme of ‘what makes me… me,’ which linked to identity. By dressing as a 70s rockstar and being photographed looking into a fridge, I aim to achieve an intimate and candid feel, reminiscent of Smith’s style with an alternate persona. I am happy with the outcome of this shoot, which is one of my favourites due to the cool photos and the successful portrayal of Smith’s photography style. I applied an old 70s film effect to my images to enhance their vintage quality, which complements the Clash’s album cover vibe.

The exploration of identity through photography is not just a narrative of personal introspection; it is also a reflection of societal norms and the ever-evolving concept of self. As photography captures brief moments, it provides a unique platform to explore themes of identity in a way that is both intimate and relatable. The medium allows for the expression of identity in its most raw form which is unfiltered and spontaneous. Francesca Woodman’s work, for instance, often looks into the themes of self-discovery and individualism. Her self-portraits are not merely images but are introspective journeys that subtly reveal her internal struggles and perceptions. The ethereal quality of her photographs often blurs the line between reality and imagination, encouraging the viewer to question the nature of identity and existence. On the other hand, Paolo Roversi’s fashion photography brings a different dimension to identity exploration. His work often transcends traditional fashion photography by focusing on the inherent identity within the clothing and the wearer. Roversi’s use of soft lighting and ethereal backdrops creates a dreamlike state where identity is not static but fluid and ever-changing, influenced by the garments and the surroundings. Pennie Smith’s documentation of rock and roll culture provides a vibrant contrast, capturing the identity of artists at the intersection of music and performance. Her iconic images of musicians offer an unvarnished look at the personas they embody on stage. Through her lens, one can witness how identity can be both a performance and a true reflection of the inner self, with each photograph telling a story of rebellion, charisma, and vulnerability. Moreover, contemporary photographers continue to draw inspiration from these innovators, exploring modern identity in the context of digital culture, globalisation, and diversity. In conclusion, photography serves as a powerful tool for exploring the multifaceted nature of identity. Through the lens, identity becomes a narrative subject to interpretation, offering a opportunity for artists and audiences alike to engage in meaningful dialogue about who we are and who we aspire to be. As a result, photography remains a vital medium in the ongoing journey of self-discovery and societal understanding, pushing the boundaries of identity exploration in creative and thought-provoking ways.

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Essay on Surrealism

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Surrealism is an art movement that originated in the 1920s. It is characterised by its unusual, surreal, and often illogical imagery. The movement began in France and quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond, influencing other art forms, literature, and film. At its core, surrealism is about exploring the unconscious mind and tapping into the power of imagination. Surrealist artists aimed to free themselves from the limitations of rational thought and traditional artistic techniques. Instead, they embraced chance, spontaneity, and the unexpected.

I am very interested in the Surrealism movement that emerged in the early 20th century. What intrigues me about this movement is the way it challenges traditional notions of reality and art. I find it particularly fascinating that each photographer brings their creative perspective to the movement, using various techniques such as double exposure and colour manipulation to create surreal images that are visually striking and thought-provoking.

Surrealism emerged as an art movement in the 1920s, following World War I. It was founded by André Breton, a French writer who played a key role in defining its principles and goals. While Surrealism was built upon the principles of Dadaism, it had its unique roots in literature, earlier art movements, and philosophical ideas.

A sub-culture that I want to explore is Dada. The Dada movement was an art movement that emerged during World War I. Its artists rejected traditional artistic conventions, creating works that challenged the very definition of art. They used found objects in their work and often expressed disdain for societal norms. Prominent figures associated with Dada include Marcel Duchamp, Tristan Tzara, and Max Ernst. Although it was short-lived, Dada's influence played a crucial role in the development of following art movements such as Surrealism and Conceptual Art.

One of the most famous surrealist photographers is Man Ray, whose impact on the world of photography and Surrealism is boundless. His ability to merge the technical aspects of photography with the imaginative and dreamlike elements of Surrealism left an enduring mark on the art world. His work continues to be celebrated and studied, influencing subsequent generations of photographers and artists who seek to explore the boundaries of reality and the subconscious. His most famous photograph was Ingres's Violin, 1924.

An example of Surrealism in popular culture can also be found in music, like in the case of Pink Floyd, particularly in their album, "The Wall." The band is known for their use of random sounds in their music to create a narrative effect. For instance, they sampled the sounds of teachers screaming at children in the song "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2" and a child's exclamation about an aeroplane in the sky in "Goodbye Blue Sky." This technique creates the feeling of random memories or hallucinations, which represents how the protagonist is affected by his memories. This method was part of the organised sound that characterises the album, similar to how Pink assembles the pieces of his metaphorical wall. Pink Floyd is also famous for their unforgettable and, at times, strange album covers, which were mainly created by Storm Thorgerson and his design team, Hipgnosis. I would like to delve deeper into Hipgnosis and explore their other works as a source of inspiration for surrealistic album covers.

Surrealism has left a lasting impact on the art world and still influences artists today. It emphasises the power of imagination and the significance of exploring the unconscious mind, which has motivated many artists to test the limits of creativity and produce artworks that challenge our perception of reality.

References:

> Study of surrealism definition and origin from Wikipedia

> Study and explanation of Dada from Wikipedia

> information of Man Ray found on Wikipedia

> Hignosis information from “Squaring the circle” - Documentary

> Study of Pink Floyd and surrealism from website “Neptune Pink Floyd”

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Essay on Modernism

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Modern Photography represented the various trends that emerged in photography from the early 1900s to the 1960s. During this time, photography has had significant changes in both how it looked and how it was produced. Initially, photography was heavily influenced by traditional art forms such as painting. However, as photography evolved, it developed its own style and techniques. This shift towards Modern Photography was characterised by a deviation from traditional artistic limitations, for example, making everything seem realistic and uniform. As a result, photographers began experimenting with new techniques such as abstraction, surrealism, and photomontage, which allowed them to get rid of the confines of traditional representation and create images that were beyond the norm. 

This movement was characterised by creating thoughts beyond the picture about everyday life and the industrialism that the world was in, and a deeper meaning to the photograph, rather than a realistic portrayal of reality. Modern photography began in the early 20th century, yet earlier movements played a role in developing modernism. Modern photography has unique approaches specific to the medium, as well as others that align with wider art movements such as Dada and Surrealism, which I have previously discussed in another essay. Unlike earlier connections between photography and artistic groups that were similar, modern photography became fully embedded in these movements and provided a new and powerful medium for experimentation and expression. 

In this period, people had an idealistic approach to life and imagined a 'perfect society' based on truth, particularly in America. Postmodernism, on the other hand, encouraged individual experiences and the photographer's interpretations of them. It challenged the fundamental principles of Modernism and guided in an era where there is an 'anything-goes' approach, sometimes adopting a confrontational stance on the normal.  

In conclusion, the concept of modernism has taken on different meanings and forms over time, and the debate continues. While some argue that modernism has continued to exist in different forms, others see postmodernism as a rejection of modernism's core principles. Regardless, both modernism and postmodernism have had a profound impact on the arts and culture, shaping the way we perceive and understand the world around us. 

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Colour VS Black & White

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Since the beginning of photography, there has been a continuous debate on the difference between black-and-white and colour photos. Some argue that black-and-white images possess a timeless quality that outshines the limitations of colour, while others cite the vibrancy and realism that colour photography can capture. Despite the ongoing discussion, both styles of photography are still relevant in the creative world. 

In photography, the use of black-and-white is a powerful technique that allows photographers to concentrate on essential artistic decisions while capturing an image. By emphasising light, shape, and form, the composition of the image is emphasised. This approach can also provide consistency and visual storytelling throughout a collection of images, resulting in a cohesive and unified body of work. However, the decision to remove colour means that the consideration of a colour narrative is absent, which can affect the overall mood and emotional impact of the image. Nevertheless, the use of black-and-white photography remains an important and effective tool in creative image-making. 

Mastering the use of colour is an essential skill in the world of photography. It involves identifying the colours present in an image, understanding their relationships, and contrasts, and creating a harmonious composition. Two photographers who are renowned for their exceptional use of colour are William Eggleston and Saul Leiter. They go beyond using colour as a mere tool and instead use it as the foundation of their compositional choices. Their work highlights an intuitive understanding of colour, allowing them to create striking and memorable images. Eggleston and Leiter possess a high degree of skill in colour usage, eliminating any uncertainty in their decision to use colour or black and white. Their expertise has elevated their photography to an art form. 

In the world of photography, the choice between colour and black and white was a critical decision that could make or break the outcome of the image. The photographer had to exercise their expertise in selecting the appropriate film based on their creative vision and the desired result. It is essential to understand that appreciating a colour image as a black-and-white piece of art requires a profound appreciation of light and its influence on the final photograph.