The second element of our L2 project work comprises a presentation unit - 'Presenting Photo Images'. In this unit we are asked to consider the various ways in which photographic work can be presented, and use one of our projects to showcase this format of presentation.
I have chosen to use my first project; 'Frames in conversation', for this unit. I originally planned to showcase these composite photographs using a Flickr slideshow (click here to view). I liked the way the images were isolated against the black background and felt this was in keeping with the ethos of the project... but then I had a better idea...
I have chosen to use my first project; 'Frames in conversation', for this unit. I originally planned to showcase these composite photographs using a Flickr slideshow (click here to view). I liked the way the images were isolated against the black background and felt this was in keeping with the ethos of the project... but then I had a better idea...
Why have you presented your work in this manner?
I was inspired by the original 1850s camera manufacturers who used leather 'bellows' to produce folding cameras. In 1856 Kinnar designed a camera with tapered bellows; these could concertina into a smaller space than parallel sided bellows as each fold fitted inside the next.
I liked the idea of having a string of photographs, just as you produce a string of words in conversation - they flow into each other. As my project is all about a series of similar images, this method of presentation pulls all of the different images together and highlights the similarities and differences between them.
Describe the process for presenting your work.
I contacted a number of local printers to enquire about print costs and capabilities as I suspected requesting ten 7'x5' photographs in one long row and the associated concertina folding might not be possible everywhere. Indeed it wasn't; my first three enquiries came to nothing. I kept at it though and eventually found a printer who would do the job - the wonderful County Print - a company I have worked on commercial print jobs with for a year or so and who agreed to do this job as a favour. Bonus!
Describe other presentation methods considered and give a explanation for deciding against them.
I considered using my blog to present the images, but there's just something about a printed photograph that you can't beat. I didn't feel the images were right for a traditional photo album, and I don't feel I have enough for a photo book. I do plan to continue this project beyond this assessment and will produce a photo book for every 20-24 photographs I compile.
What health and safety considerations did you observe?
I assembled the photographs using Photoshop CS5 and took regular breaks from the computer. As I was using a commercial printer, I didn't personally need to worry about health and safety considerations during the printing process. I guess all I have to worry about now they are printed is the possibility of the odd paper cut.
