Basics Creative Photography 02: Context and Narrative

Maria Short is a photographer, educator and writer. She currently runs photographic workshops in schools and colleges and is a part-time lecturer in photography at the University of Brighton. She has an MA in Sequential Design and her work takes its inspiration from the use of visual metaphors in pictorial story-telling. Much of her photographic practice is built around her knowledge of the equine industry; working to editorial and advertising briefs. Maria's current research work is photographing the use of horses to enrich the lives of disadvantaged teenagers.

Introduction

The photograph: The function of the photograph; The photographic brief; Context and the photograph
Case study 'The Regency Project'- Richard Rowland
Exercises and summary

Subject: Choosing your subject; Concept; Equipment and materials; External factors
Case study 'Homeless Ex-service' - Stuart Griffiths
Exercises and summary

Audience: Audience and intention; Statement of intent; The response of the audience; Intention, interpretation and context
Case study 'The King Alfred' - Simon Carruthers
Exercises and summary

Narrative: What is narrative?; A series or set of photographs; The single image
Case study 'Average Subject' - Kim Sweet
Exercises and summary

Signs and symbols: Basic theory; Negotiating signs and symbols; Enigmas and truths; Practical techniques
Case study 'Les Moguichets' - Betsie Genou
Exercises and summary

Text: Using text; Integrated text; Text within the image; Accompanying information
Case study 'Uncertainty' - Trevor Williams
Exercises and summary

Conclusion
Recommended reading
Online resources
Picture credits
Index
Acknowledgements
Working with ethics